Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 2f74adca-9d44-43cf-ba12-0bb95b927199
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Welder Qualification for Areas of Limited Accessibility + HISTORY - HISTORY 10/2016 – DG-1167 , Proposed Revision 1
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0628/ML062840416.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.71
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
er, requalification would not be required for various restricted accessibility conditions unless essential variables of Section IX are changed. DG-1167, Page 3 Similarly, Section IX, paragraph QW-303, defines limits of qualified positions and diameters, and paragraph QW-461 specifies test positions for groove welds. Positions 2G and 5G, with a corner structural enclosure that limits access to within 30 centimeters (12 inches) on two sides and overhead, may provide an acceptable simulation of welder accessibility for certain cases. These tests should be evaluated in accordance with Section IX, with at least one test specimen representing the least favorable position, access, and visibility imposed on the welder. As a preferred alternative, the structure to be welded (including its actual access limits) may be simulated. Using this mockup, one test specimen should be taken from the weld location representing the least favorable position imposed on the welder, and this specimen should be evaluated in accordance with the radiographic criteria of Section IX, paragraphs QW-191 and QW-302.2. This test specimen should also be sectioned for macro examination (paragraph QW-184) and hardness evaluation of the composite weldment, with particular attention to the root fusion and weld toe conditions. Production Welds The qualification (procedure and performance) of welds with limited accessibility, by itself, does not ensure that production welds with limited accessibility will conform to the specified criteria. To better ensure that the welds are acceptable, production welding should be monitored to verify correct application of procedure parameters, welder technique, and limited accessibility qualification criteria. DG-1167, Page 4 C. REGULATORY POSITION Weld fabrication and repair for wrought low-alloy and high-alloy steels , nickel-base alloys, or other materials (such as static and centrifugal castings and bimetallic joints) should comply with the fabrication standards