ASME B31.3 Inspector vs Examiner
What is the difference between the Inspector & Examiner?
In ASME B31.3 Process Piping, the terms Inspector and Examiner have distinct meanings and roles. The Inspector represents the Owner and verifies that the required examinations have been properly completed. The Examiner is subject to the oversight of the Inspector, and performs the quality control examinations required by the ASME B31.3 code. The Examiner is employed by the manufacturer (components only), fabricator, or erector of the piping systems.
It is common practice that the owner’s Inspector is referred to as “QA” quality assurance, and the Examiner is referred to as “QC” quality control.
The Inspector has the broader oversight role ensuring overall conformance and the Examiner has the function to perform the detailed examination requirements of ASME B31.3 paragraph 341.
What is the role of the Inspector QA in B31.3?
It is the Owner’s responsibility to ensure that all B31.3 piping systems installed in their facility have been properly installed and examined before placing the systems into service, this reduces or eliminates risks, and supports safe and reliable operations. Inspection is a term reserved for functions performed for the owner by the owner’s inspector or the inspector’s delegates.
The Inspector oversees the overall compliance of the piping systems, including verifying that all required examinations and tests (e.g., NDE, pressure tests) have been completed and meet code requirements. They act as the owner’s representative and ensure the piping systems are safe and reliable.
The Inspector through direct observation, walkdowns, NDE reports, document reviews, and audits verifies that all required examinations and testing conform to the B31.3 Code and engineering design.
The Inspector is designated by the Owner, and must be independent of the fabrication, erection, or examination processes to avoid conflicts of interest. They are not employees of the contractor or fabricator but rather a direct employee, or third-party, directly employed by the owner. Their duties are outlined in ASME B31.3, Section 340.
The requirements of the qualifications of an Inspector are outlined in ASME B31.3 340.4(1) thru (4).
What is the role of the Examiner QC in B31.3?
It is the Examiner’s responsibility to perform the quality control functions of examination and when necessary subcontract NDE examinations to a qualified company. The Examiner is subject to the oversight of the Inspector, and performs the quality control examinations required by the ASME B31.3 paragraph 341. The Examiner is employed by the manufacturer (components only), fabricator, or erector of the piping systems.
The company of the Examiner whether that be the manufacturer, fabricator, or erector is responsible for providing materials, components, and workmanship that meet the requirements of the B31.3 Code. They are also responsible to prepare completed records of the examinations and tests performed, and made available for the Inspector’s review and use.
The Examiner is to provide access to the Inspector to any place where work pertaining to the piping system to be installed in the Owner’s facility is being performed. Access for the Inspector includes during the activities of manufacturing, fabrication, heat treatment, painting, erection, examination, NDE and pressure testing. This access includes the ability of the Inspector to review or audit any examinations, including their own direct inspection.
The completion of work and the ability to transfer the care and custody of the piping may be conducted after it has been confirmed that the Examiner has completed the examination requirements of ASME B31.3 paragraph 341, and leak testing as required in ASME B31.3 paragraph 345.