Welder Continuity Log Worksheet
Qualifications expire quietly. A welder who has not used a process for the code interval may need to requalify, and the shop usually finds out at audit. This worksheet keeps the facts in one table so the coordinator can see who is current and who is not.
| Welder ID | Welder name | Process | WPS or position group | Qualified on | Last weld on process | Continuity review due | Welds this period | Rejected welds | Reject rate | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.2% | |||||||||||
6.5% | |||||||||||
2.7% | |||||||||||
0% | |||||||||||
6.8% |
Continuity rules differ by code. ASME IX and AWS D1.1 both expect a welder to use a process within a set period (commonly six months) to keep the qualification, while ISO 9606-1 uses confirmation intervals by the employer. Confirm the interval in your governing standard and set the review date accordingly.
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How to use the worksheet
Add one row per welder per process and WPS group, because continuity is tracked per process. Enter the qualification date, the last date the welder actually deposited weld metal on that process and the next review date. Update welds and rejected welds for each period, then let the reject rate compute. Sort by next review date every week and change the status. Export to Excel for the audit file or to share with the customer.
- One row per welder and process
- Update the last weld date from the weld traveler or MES
- Filter by status before each shift planning meeting
- Keep the original qualification test record number in the WPS group field
The standards behind continuity
Most welding codes link qualification validity to use. Under common US practice a performance qualification stays in effect as long as the welder uses the process within a defined interval, and lapses if the welder stops. European practice under ISO 9606-1 relies on the employer confirming at set intervals that the welder worked within the qualified range and that nothing casts doubt on skill. In both, a series of rejected welds can also trigger requalification. The reject rate column gives a fast early warning.
Reading the example
The sample list shows an active GTAW welder with a low reject rate, a SMAW welder who is due for review, and a FCAW welder with no welds since March, so the status is lapsed. The sample GMAW welder with 5 rejects out of 74 welds shows a higher reject rate than peers and merits a technique check even though the qualification is current. Replace the sample rows with your own people.
Common mistakes
The most common continuity problems are administrative.
- Tracking one date per welder instead of one per process
- Using the production schedule instead of actual weld records for last weld date
- Letting a lapsed welder work because the record was not reviewed
- Ignoring rising reject rates until they trigger a customer complaint
- Not retaining the qualification test record that supports each row
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must welder continuity be confirmed?
It depends on the code. Many US codes use a six month window for using a process, while ISO 9606-1 typically uses six month confirmations by the employer and a longer validity period overall. Check the standard in your contract.
Does a high reject rate mean a welder must requalify?
Not automatically. Codes tie requalification to specific doubt about the welder's ability to meet the requirements. A rising reject rate is a reason to investigate technique, equipment and procedure first, and to requalify if the evidence supports it.
Can I use this for contractors?
Yes. Add contract welders as rows and keep their qualification record references. Responsibility for continuity records must be agreed in the contract, since the employer of the welder normally holds them.
Does the reject rate use all processes?
Each row calculates its own rate from the welds and rejects you enter. The summary line shows the overall rate across every row so you can compare processes and welders.
If your weld records already sit in an ERP or MES, we can help pull the last weld date automatically so the continuity log updates itself.
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