WHY PIPELINE WELDERS DON'T NEED CERTIFICATIONS

Pipeline welders don't need welding certifications. But why? Let's talk about it in this video. I know a lot of welders stay in work off of certifications but the pipeline welding world works differently. Here's what you need to keep in work.
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[@trowuabeatin]

Makes perfect sense to me. As a as former Union Boilermaker, we operated in sorta the same way. Once hired in to a particular project you would have to take what is called a “make or break” weld test. Which is just what it sounds like. You either pass and get hired or fail and are not hired. In order to combat the make or break test and workers having to travel all over the country to take these tests, the Boilermakers have created what they call “Common Arc” This is where many contractors get together and offer weld testing at one place. This way you can take just one test and the contractors will have their weld inspectors look at it and decide if you weld to their specifications. If so, they’ll buy it off and you’ll have certs or papers with that contractor that are good for one year. If that contractors tech doesn’t buy it off, you have to retest at a later date. On a side note, every time you make a qualified weld for any of the contractors you have certs for it automatically updates all of the contractors you have certs for. Hope this makes sense. Cheers!!

[@wesleyelcab7117]

What is your name? I was a Union Boilermaker out of Local 592

[@richardshickman]

I took the very first Common Arc test offered in our area. The only thing I'll add is a representative from the utility companies in our area were present as well.

[@trowuabeatin]

@@wesleyelcab7117 I was the President of Local 193 in Baltimore until Newt decided to merge us with local 45 in Richmond because we voted no to his MORE Program

[@trowuabeatin]

@@richardshickman Yes, occasionally there’s also weld techs from the Utility Company as well. Many of them have their own “R” Stamp and hire guys through the hall without using a contractor. Here in Baltimore, we had a relationship like that with Baltimore Gas &. Electric which turned into Exelon

[@richardshickman]

@@trowuabeatin Small world, former 193 guy myself.

[@TozziWelding]

True story, I have a book full of certs, half the people that call me and ask if I am "certified" have no clue as to what certification they even want me to have. I have been on lots of jobs where you need to test before they let you work.

[@shaunlehman9158]

Almost every company requires you to test before you weld anymore

[@cigemp]

As a retired welder and teacher. Sometimes using a white board to explain a topic of discussion visually helps the student to understand easier. Just a suggestion. Love your channel.

[@larryezell5106]

A Columbia Gas Transmission Company gas card used to be worth its weight in gold. I think the welders had to take nine separate tests. The sixteen inch bell hole test was just to see if you could burn a rod, but you could bust the entire set of tests in the two inch inch tests. This was used for the fabrication welders to work on the gas operated valves at valve settings.

[@danbowman1637]

I remember going on some pipeline jobs & the company would ask me if I'm certified for a certain size pipe. I would say "Yes". Then they would say "Great, now take our test". I think welders take more tests than a doctor.

[@michaelshortridge6379]

I welded pipe in refineries for 30+ years. I worked in Louisiana and got R.O.F. Another company was wanting Combo pipe welders. Got hired, had to retest. This a 2 days later same refinery.

[@jeffpistritto9524]

Pipe line welding intrigues me I am a aws certified welder smaw in 3g 4g 1/8-unl and gtaw 1/16 - 1/4 2g 3g 4g I am in the rail road industry so we very rarely weld pipe in large diameters. But I would def like to get qualified to do that ! Welding has given me the opportunity to live a very good life and I enjoy what I do ! So if your young and looking for a trade I say go for it !

[@madcapmagician6018]

I got my pipe certs in my school... and from there was able to get work in the field then start my own mobile repair company.

[@thebrosbanging2582]

Did they give you multiple options for work or just one?

[@calebwilliams1389]

Keep the videos coming man. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old that absolutely love watching you. They sit on the floor with there welding helmet just waiting

[@creativecraving]

I think your initial discussion makes sense to anyone who's worked as an employee of a contractor in any industry, not just construction or welding. I had no problem with it, but I understand how it could confuse the uninitiated. Cool video!

[@hobtink]

As you mentioned each company can be different. If you’ve been doing welds that passed 100% XRays on all welds and were doing welds at a certain number of welds per period of time you may not have to retest and that likely depends on the insurance company policy requirements that is backing the liability if that contractor. Those insurance companies along with ASME, ANII(American Nuclear Inspectors & insurers, I think) along with the insurance company setting their own test/certification criteria such as ANSI criteria in nuclear power.

[@nordicwoman9]

I start welding school soon, learning all I can before I start. Thanks for your videos and sharing your knowledge

[@MastaYoda]

You are my favorite welder outside of myself

[@jf7393]

Someone left a comment sounded confused about papers vs qualification but I think they deleted it here was my response in case anyone else wondering I will chime in here and clarify that "papers" is exactly what you described. Getting papered for a job is a job specific qualification administered by a CWI to a specific code, typically api or asme for oil and gas depending on the job. There is no one specific detailed answer because different jobs have different requirements. But usually it doesn't matter what you come in the door with certificate wise you're going to have to test and get papered (qualified) for every job so papers and qualified is the same thing. There are some exceptions where if it's for the same outfit you might be able to hop to the next job and keep your papers which means you will not have to test on or qualify on to the next job. Hope that helps

[@briansullivan1621]

Respect to you my fellow hard working , law abiding, professional union American craftsman!!!!!!!!!!!

[@clintcowles7563]

Hi 👋. Northern Michigan here. Thank you for sharing.

[@Whipple1]

Got my A Ross Welding T-shirt and sweatshirt just before Christmas. Meant to let you know that I was very impressed with the speed you shipped it, the awesome packaging and the quality fit and finish of the merchandise. Thank you, Austin! Hope you don’t mind that included my comments on this video. Cheers! Whipple

[@arosswelding]

Not at all! Thank you for sharing! And thank you for your order!

[@peterg1448]

the refinery i work at in western australia the boilermakers are required to do a 6G weld test every 6 months done as stick root mig fill and cap

[@mikem3161]

Thank you!!! Thats what I try to tell guys. You can have all the certs you want. But you gotta take the company test to get that job! Welding is just burning that rod and hanging with the old timer's!! (one's with the experience) Then YOU'RE GOLDEN!!!

[@user-jv9eu1tf3z]

당신의 멋진설명 감사드립니다

[@jackburton5483]

Excellent video and answered a lot of questions I had about pipelining.

[@darylpeterson4626]

Great video Austin. So, to clarify terms, Qualification and Certification, Every welder MUST "qualify" (demonstrate their ability to make welds that meet a prescribed standard). Whenever the Welders qualification is documented, then it is called a "Welder Certification". Each Contractor is required to qualify (and thereby, certify) each welder. Most codes require "Welder Continuity", which means that the contractor must witness the welder weld within each 6 month period. This gets complicated as in your situation, where you are a traveling welder, and you have to qualify/certify for each contractor, especially if you have never qualified/certified with that contractor, or if you have qualified/certified with that contractor, however more than 6 months has passed since they last updated you continuity. These rules are pretty much the same for most code welding. Obviously, shop fabricators who don't travel have it alot easier, as they don't normally have to qualify/certify for each contractor, however, there are some contracts where the OWNER (the entity that you are fabricating the part for) may require their QA (QA generally works for the OWNER) to witness a qualification (the demonstration of a welders ability, in this case an already certified welder) for that specific job. It is also pertinent to note that when I welder qualifies to a specific process, those actual process variables are recorded on the certification as "essential variables". Based on these essential variables, the code generally specifies a "range of qualification", which is also documented on the Welders Certification "Papers". Again, GREAT video!

[@christianbos1691]

Hey Austin, good and clearly explained video, I'm not a pipe welder but I understand what you mean/say. I'm curious about the next one with even more explanation. I do have a question; " what is the difference between a pipeliner and a piperigger? Have a nice day.

[@scottsharp9823]

Colonial uses a gold card (just papers now) once you make the test and get a continuity report every so many months it’s good for a lifetime. Regardless of who you’re working for keep a binder in the truck and keep all the continuity papers you can get your hands on

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us Austin, best of luck to all the new guys and gals coming up in the pipeline world. Stay safe and we will catch you later. Fred.

[@tropikjet7113]

Hey Austin 2 questions 1. What was the longest pipeline project you have ever been on 2. Have you retired from pipeline or just taking a break/waiting to make it to the top of the union list for available welders

[@arosswelding]

Roughly 6 months

[@ps3dropzone187]

Yeah when I was in the boilermakers union we had a test on every job we hired in on

[@bradleyvikse2952]

Its a little different in Canada. You need a b pressure ticket to weld pipe. Without that ticket you cant weld pressure pipe. And that ticket expires every two years

[@eprohoda]

How’s everythng going?! you shared perfect , Austin~ =)

[@kubotajordan9502]

You always give the best explanations !!!!! What is the largest Diameter pipe you ever welded on ? thank you for doing these videos !!!!

[@panchitox8875]

Just FYI: the larger the diameter pipe, the more it becomes like welding two flat plates together. The SMALLER the diameter of pipe, the HARDER it is to weld "correctly" (i.e. with no voids and minimal intrusion on the inside of the pipe/tube).

[@ishmaelanzaldua4750]

I'm with you brother

[@phillipmoore6295]

Hello, IUOE Local 15 (NYC) engineer here. I am NOT a certified welder. However 'our' Union does cover certified welders. These welders get their certifications for various welding techniques and processes by taking tests given by the NYC Dept of Buildings. The Dept of Buildings regulates and controls ALL phases of ALL construction within the City. I once worked on a job. Where they were installing a new steampipe 180 feet below the street. The welders used creepers to slide hundreds of feet into the pipe. They only got to come out at lunchtime. (ALL welds are Xrayed. If you mess up. The Union will send you back to school to practice. They will not send you back to work. Until they are satisfied. ) ALL of the IUOE welders carry a "NYC Dept of Building Certifications." In this case, "High Pressure Stainless Steel Pipe. The companies certification means nothing to the Dept of Buildings. When a company calls the Union Hall. They ask for welders who are qualified and licensed to do the task needed. They don't have the time or money to waste giving a test for a "company cert" which means nothing in NYC. IUOE Local 15 welders are highly paid and never have to seek employment elsewhere.

[@brianpierson7708]

No matter what you have dun where you been how long you where doing or anything else you still have to make a test before you hire in then every so often you have to retest on some jobs

[@mainesteam4636]

Some inspectors have their own rules too. They might “look you out” for no reason.

[@martinambrosecchia2991]

There are no blanket certifications, often you will see mobile welders with "certified welder" painted on the side of their rig, it means nothing. Welding is one of the few trades where when working for the public you can almost bullshit your way through a job as long as it looks good.

[@madrad3]

Not like this in Canada although most projects are heavily unionized

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Austin

[@xLopez210x]

Reading comments as a current student…. I’m either finding these processes fun and challenging or “f***, is it even worth jumping through so many hoops?”. It’s kind of daunting for new welders not gonna lie. Don’t get me wrong, I’m practicing my butt off under the hood to up my chances… i find joy in welding. I just want to be pointed in the right direction to put metal together. Why are all these trades I’m interested in getting so effing difficult all of a sudden?

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Could you do a piece on "Ductile Iron" pipelines. This is usually "softer" than the mild steel used in most construction. Over a distance it can flow with the ground.

[@forrestwhittington5227]

All this is true. But I’ve found most jobs you get one bust. One Repair. The next one you’re done. I’ve seen a welder get run off a 5% shot. And the next welder had to repair and lost his job cause they shot the original welders side again and called out a shadow. QC don’t play.

[@reblegator7647]

Very well explained video. Now how do you find contractors? Or what kind of contractors should you look? Or maybe do they find you some way?

[@markbroad119]

Hard part of being a welder, you have to be 100% every time.

[@BigMikeOutlaw72]

Especially pipeline welders, I've seen welders drive 1000 miles just to bust a test or worse, bust a piss test.

[@bryandepiazzy8679]

Any chance you can make a video detailing how you price out some fence jobs or side jobs? Material? Labor cost?

[@cumminscowboy3869]

So if I want to work on pipelines as a welder should I go do an apprentice ship for pipe fitting & plumbing union

[@charliesmith643]

I’m other words, do good work and deal with it.

[@rogerrousu9911]

Understood, great video!

[@hobtink]

Yes follow your explanation but I’m 66 years old and spent 29.5 years in commercial nuclear power.

[@franciscoregalado7995]

Yes.

[@danielmcginnis6630]

So when you get hired on with your own truck are you considered a sub contractor or a employee of the contractor you work for. Do you have to have your own set up or do the contractors supply everything you need?

[@running.s.fabrication]

You have to certifi in that why they have weld test before each job

[@benlove9756]

What year were you in Ohio? Northern ohio by anychance?

[@chriqz7921]

I work for a welding service company we do everything pipe, structural and fab but I want to get in to the oil and gas industry I just can’t find a welder who needs a helper, so if any one needs one lmk!

[@RcB_1985]

Austin did you ever get called about pipeline work after coming home the last time I know work was thin for about a year from your videos but didn't know if you have had the opportunity to go back out

[@the3igcat471]

Question what’s an average you get paid on these kind of jobs like what’s an average hourly?

[@timmywarren2349]

Very good Video 👍👍

[@joshl.158]

Austin any plans to go back to the pipeline in the future? Just curious

[@arosswelding]

I will go on a job again at some point

[@eharris6347]

I think my guy Austin Making better $$$$ At what he is currently doing

[@creativeexperience6388]

Is a 225 amp old lincoln weldanpower help me start learning to weld some pipe until I can get 300 amp machine

[@triplellanelane6246]

Fist thing there isn’t such thing as a certified welder. You are a qualified welder and have certificate of qualification. If it was possible to be certified there would have to be on weld test for every welder in the US. Each company has there own AWS specifications they go buy

[@lonewolftech]

That’s the same thing as a certified welder 😂

[@davidcoleishee7056]

Hey Austin, love your content. I was wondering if you've ever busted an x-ray? I busted my very first x-ray test when I broke out as a welder.

[@arosswelding]

Yes I have. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3vYgJ18oNKFp9U

[@trowuabeatin]

I see Austin replied to this already but I was gonna say that there’s an old saying amongst welders that goes “If you haven’t ever busted a weld test, you haven’t welded very long” The reason they say this is because there’s a million reasons you can bust a test. Everybody has a bad day from time to time. It might not even have anything to do with skill either. Sometimes the weld gods just won’t cooperate. 🤣

[@cmg023]

Is Rodney Ross of Mid State Welding your brother?

[@russelljackson7034]

Right on

[@johnmcgowan9903]

Structural Steel is the same way, you can have certs but when you weld for any other company you have to cert for them!! Make Sense?

[@BrentCameron]

Certifications are only valid for the company your are working for at the time. As soon as your employment is terminated, so are the certifications. However, your qualifications (years of experience, know how, expertise, etc) travel with you. I was a certified NDT Level II inspector in addition to being a certified structural welder and there are several similarities of between the two different trades.

[@monroesweldingservices6234]

Hell I just want a company to work for all work dragged up here where I'm at

[@bhyll2489]

Thanks bro

[@wargamingsupernoob]

Austin, I have a question for you that another guy I asked couldn't answer and one I never thought of in welding school. When you're running the bead on a pipeline, like you said in one of your earliest videos was a 6010 5P+, does the tensile strength of that weld end up mattering once you've run a hot pass, a few fill passes, and lets say a 3 bead 8010 cap, or was it all absorbed by the 8010s on top of it? I'm just curious and this was one of those random questions that pops in my head.

[@illestk24civic]

Welded pipe for 10 years never held a single cert

[@srt032481]

Could you make a video Explaining why/how you would get laid off from a project after only a month? Or why some welder get laid off while others stay on... I realize a lot of it depends on the amount of work... what dictates the who and when you get laid off?

[@lonewolftech]

That’s about who’s ass you kiss or who you know.

[@bryandepiazzy8679]

Think it comes down to the job ended and they no longer need you as a “contractor”

[@chrisallen2005]

Really boils down to friendships and nepotism a lot of the time. Sometimes you also get laid off rather than fired because they are just being kind.

[@victormuckleston]

sometimes its ' last in , first out '.

[@MastaYoda]

Where do I get those cool stickers on the side of your sugarscoop?

[@arosswelding]

Right here on our website: www.arosswelding.com/shop?category=Stickers%20%2B%20Decals

[@kalvenhobbs6747]

Buddy 😶 not sure that statement is completely correct. Sure yes I agree there are some loop-holes between Certs & non-certs, but the public don't quite understand the red line legal red tape of non-certs welding. Respect what you do on your channel ( just saying) Peace buddy

[@travissmith1455]

What are the brands of your pipe cutters that you cut your pipe with or your pipe beveler

[@arosswelding]

Mathey dearman

[@travissmith1455]

Thank you

[@travissmith1455]

I just got a question how I found two of them I don't know what size they are but whats the best price for a used set

[@MarioV256]

Oklahomans need a state card to even be able to weld. I don’t know how it is anywhere else.

[@chrischilders7498]

What does a pipe line welder make?

[@chrisallen2005]

Pipelines and money.

[@chrischilders7498]

@@chrisallen2005 a sprinkler fitter in local 281 makes 58 dollars on the check not including benefits. 2400 hours a year,

[@rambone5282]

I weld on woman, but I rarely shoot straight lines.... LOL

[@theallaroundguy2399]

I guess you’re never going back to pipeline?

[@juanledesma6418]

Been telling everyone you dont need to spend 18-25k in these fancy schools but dont think "on the job training" is the right way. You can get matched with a bitter old welder for 6 months and he wont teach you squat but how to grind and buff. I got lucky and got the best teacher hopefully soon ill be on the pipeline

[@lonewolftech]

No school is the the only way. On the job training is garbage, and no one will help you learn. Go to trade school but don’t choose welding it’s such a dying career in most places.

[@wecx2375]

Yeah recertification is annoying.

[@rajbanwait325]

Common Cents

[@miRichie]

This sounds awful. No wonder the unions are struggling to find young people

[@Trial-N-ErrorFarms-jk9iz]

In 20+ years of welding, I have been able to use "active certs" from another company.. I was introduced to my new foreman and the first thing he said was, "You got any papers?" I thought to myself, "WTF kind of monkey/football company have I hired into?" I said, "Rolling papers"? His country ass laughed and said, "NO! RECENT WELDING PAPERS!" "I think I have a set from about 4 months ago.." He said, "Get in the golf cart and lets go get them." My company ID with my weld certs on the back was good enough. It was a 6010/718 6-G pipe and the job was structural flux-core mig. (I LOVE FLUX CORE MIG!"" Talking about multiple contractors, I got laid off on Friday afternoon, before I loaded my box, I walked over to the trailer for another contractor. (My buddy was a superintendent.) He had me come back in on Saturday. You should have seen the A$$hole who laid me off (It was politics) when I came to his area in the forklift for the other contractor, picked up my box and carried it about 100 yards! He tried to cause a ruckus because he laid me off, but my buddy made sure he showed his boss my lay-off paperwork Friday afternoon and they talked to the Southern Company Rep.. I was laid off. They didn't poach me and I was free to work for anybody that was willing to hire me.. A$$hole got laid off 5 weeks later. I made a point to go over and shake his hand as he was loading his box. I worked another 2 weeks after that. LOL

[@BasicEndjo]

in sweden and europe we have a general certification that most companies use. so third party certification.