SECTION 380:20-1-8. Limitations affecting weld-test facility certifications

(a)   Upon termination of employment of a certified welding inspector at the weld-test facility, the weld-test facility certification shall be deemed temporarily suspended until such time as the Department of Labor certifies another welding inspector for the facility.

(b)   All weld-test facility certifications are non-transferable.

(c)   Any weld-test facility certified by the Commissioner of Labor wherein welders are instructed and/or undergoing welding training are prohibited from certifying the qualifications of their own student welders connected with said school unless there exists on file with the Department of Labor, a written Quality Control System detailing those controls necessary to maintain separation of the classroom and inspection/certification functions of the facility. The quality control system shall be signature approved by the Chief Boiler Inspector or Deputy Boiler Inspector and shall as a minimum include all of the following elements:

(1)   There shall be a forward statement signed by a senior company official stating that the inspector has the freedom to fail any weld certification test coupon that does not satisfy the requirements of this Act and the applicable referencing Code;

(2)   The inspector must be certified in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(3)   The inspector may conduct formal welder instruction but shall not be permitted to conduct certification examinations on welders which he has been responsible for training;

(4)   Any changes that are to be made to the written Quality Control System shall be approved by the Chief Boiler Inspector prior to implementation; and

(5)   Facilities shall be open to random surveillance by the Chief or Deputy Boiler Inspector without prior notification. There shall be no cost associated with such surveillance.

(d)   Any weld-test facilities except owner-user weld-test facilities certified by the Commissioner of Labor, must make their facilities available to the general public as a testing lab for qualifying welders.

(e)   Each applicant for a weld-test facility shall make application in affidavit form to the Oklahoma State Department of Labor and file with the Department a thorough and factual written report in reference to procedures, equipment, integrity, standards of skills, practices and conduct in the occupation of inspection and testing and shall be cognizant of the principles and scope of rules which may apply.

(f)   Upon receiving the request, the application affidavit and the two hundred-fifty dollars ($250.00) certification fee, the Department of Labor will inspect the facilities, and upon approval the weld-test facility will be issued a certificationcard.

[Source: Amended at 23 Ok Reg 2984, eff 7-13-06]