Welding Inspection Reports: What Clients Should Expect

July 31, 2025

In industrial fabrication, welding inspection reports are essential documentation tools that confirm work has been completed according to project specifications, applicable codes, and regulatory standards. These reports go far beyond simply checking boxes. They represent a chain of quality accountability that protects the integrity of the structure, the safety of the end user, and the reputation of everyone involved in the project.

At F&L United, our teams understand that documentation is just as critical as the weld itself. Whether it is a large industrial piping system or a modular process skid, welding inspection reports serve as the quality foundation that clients, contractors, and regulators rely on throughout the lifecycle of a project.

This article outlines what welding inspection reports contain, why they matter, and how F&L United helps clients gain full visibility and confidence in the quality of their welded components.

What Is a Welding Inspection Report?

A welding inspection report is a formal document prepared by a qualified inspector that records the outcome of welding-related inspections. These inspections can include visual assessments, nondestructive testing (NDT), material verification, welder qualifications, and joint configuration checks.

The American Welding Society (AWS) defines inspection as “the act of examining materials, products, or systems to verify conformance with specified requirements” (AWS B1.10M/B1.10:2009). Welding inspection reports formalize that verification by compiling and certifying evidence that the weld meets project specifications.

Inspection reports are typically generated for:

  • In-shop welds completed during fabrication
  • On-site field welds during installation
  • Final weld quality documentation for commissioning
  • Ongoing maintenance or retrofit projects

Why Welding Inspection Reports Matter

1. Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) require adherence to welding codes and standards in specific industries. Reports document that all welds were completed by certified personnel using qualified procedures and verified by testing when necessary.

2. Quality Assurance

Welding inspection reports allow project stakeholders to trace the quality of welds back to the inspector, procedure, and individual welder. This creates transparency across the supply chain and reduces the risk of failure due to human error, material defects, or improper technique.

3. Audit and Certification Support

Whether a facility is seeking an ASME certification, ISO 9001 compliance, or FDA validation, weld documentation is a central requirement. Inspection reports form part of the documentation package that can be submitted during third-party audits or regulatory reviews.

4. Project Closeout and Legal Protection

Clients often require inspection reports before final payment or project acceptance. These documents serve as formal proof that workmanship met all contract requirements. They also provide legal protection in the event of future disputes, warranty claims, or safety incidents.

Key Components of a Welding Inspection Report

A standard welding inspection report may vary slightly depending on project scope or industry, but it often includes the following components:

1. Project Information

  • Client name and project number
  • Job location
  • Drawing or spool number
  • Inspection date and location

2. Weld Identification

  • Weld number and location on the component
  • Weld type (butt, fillet, socket, etc.)
  • Weld position (1G, 3G, 5G, etc.)
  • Base material type and thickness

3. Welding Process Details

  • Welding process used (GTAW, SMAW, FCAW, etc.)
  • Filler metal and shielding gas
  • Preheat or interpass temperature
  • Welding procedure specification (WPS) reference number

4. Welder Information

  • Welder name or ID
  • Certification number
  • Date of qualification
  • WPS used during testing

5. Inspection Results

  • Type of inspection (visual, RT, UT, MT, PT)
  • Acceptance criteria (per ASME, AWS, or API standards)
  • Observations and measurements
  • Acceptance or rejection status
  • Corrective action if applicable

6. Inspector Signature and Certification

  • Inspector’s name and level of qualification (e.g., AWS CWI, ASNT Level II)
  • Signature and date
  • Agency or company responsible for inspection

At F&L United, we customize our reports to reflect the needs of each client, industry, and regulatory body. We also maintain digital records for ease of sharing and auditing.

Types of Welding Inspections Documented in Reports

The following types of inspections are frequently included in welding inspection reports, depending on the complexity and criticality of the weld:

Visual Inspection (VT)

The most common and first step in weld quality control. Visual inspection checks for defects such as undercutting, porosity, slag inclusion, and improper bead shape.

Radiographic Testing (RT)

Used for internal inspection of welds via X-rays or gamma rays. Common in pressure vessels, pipelines, and structural welds in critical applications.

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Uses high-frequency sound waves to detect subsurface discontinuities. Suitable for thicker materials and welds where radiography is not feasible.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Detects surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials by applying magnetic fields and iron particles.

Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)

Identifies surface-breaking defects using dye penetrants. Often used on non-ferrous materials or non-magnetic components.

These inspection methods are referenced in both AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), which define acceptance criteria for each.

Best Practices for Welding Inspection Reporting

1. Use Qualified Inspectors

Welding inspections should only be conducted by certified professionals, such as AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) or ASNT-certified NDT technicians.

2. Follow Project Specifications

All inspections and reports must align with the codes and project specifications provided by the client. Deviations must be documented and addressed.

3. Provide Clear and Legible Reports

Reports should be easy to understand, consistently formatted, and legible whether submitted electronically or on paper.

4. Maintain Digital Recordkeeping

Digital reports enable easier archiving, sharing, and traceability. F&L United offers digital weld documentation platforms for added visibility.

How F&L United Supports Clients with Welding Inspection Reports

At F&L United, welding inspection reports are not an afterthought. They are embedded into our quality assurance process from day one. Our in-house QC personnel and trusted third-party inspectors verify that every weld we produce is in compliance with the codes and expectations of our clients.

Our reports are structured to support:

  • Third-party audits
  • NDE compliance packages
  • Client punch lists
  • Commissioning requirements
  • Regulatory reviews

We work with industry-specific code requirements, including ASME B31.3, B31.1, API 1104, AWS D1.1, and others. Our field teams are trained to communicate clearly with inspectors and provide immediate documentation to move projects forward.

Conclusion

Welding inspection reports are much more than a box to check. They are legal, technical, and operational documents that validate quality, protect stakeholders, and facilitate project success. In today’s high-stakes industrial environments, clients need transparency, traceability, and trust. At F&L United, we provide all three through meticulous documentation and a commitment to excellence.