Define the point and the person who releases it
An inspection hold point is an agreed stop in a work sequence until specified evidence and review are complete. A witness point may operate differently under the project arrangements. Define those terms in the inspection and test plan rather than assuming everyone uses them in the same way.
The weld inspection service can support examination during fabrication and repair. Supply the weld schedule, applicable specification, testing extent and release responsibilities. An inspector's attendance alone is not evidence that the contractual hold point has been released.
Place examination before access disappears
Useful review stages may include fit-up, completed weld surfaces, required NDT and examination after repair. The actual sequence follows the weld specification, procedure and project requirements. Do not impose the same set of stages on every joint.
Consider closure of assemblies, erection, coating and insulation. These can hide surfaces or limit probe movement. Build inspection notice periods and preparation into the programme so a completed weld is available in the condition required by the selected method, rather than already concealed when the inspector arrives.
Link each record to a weld identity
Use stable weld identifiers across drawings, fabrication records, NDT reports and repair documentation. If drawing revisions change the scope or criteria, record the revision used for the examination. The reviewer should be able to distinguish an examination of the original joint from one performed on a later modification.
The inspection record should identify method, coverage, surface condition, findings and criteria. A generic 'all welds checked' entry is weak evidence where only a specified sample or accessible side was examined. Keep exclusions visible and agree how any required additional coverage will be obtained.
Treat repairs as a traceable sequence
A repair begins with a located finding and an authorised disposition, not simply grinding until an indication disappears. Preserve the original report, repair instruction, excavation or repair extent where relevant, and follow-up results. Timing and examination requirements follow the repair procedure and applicable criteria.
If testing reveals another indication, keep the sequence clear rather than replacing the original result. Changes in method or coverage should be recorded. Where engineering review is needed, the repair evidence package must distinguish observed condition from the engineer's decision.
- Hold or witness point and required evidence named in the plan.
- Weld identifier, drawing revision and examination stage.
- Notice period, access, preparation and method responsibility.
- Finding, disposition, repair record and follow-up examination linked.
- Release authority and outstanding exclusions recorded.
Handover is not just collecting reports
At close-out, check that required welds have an identifiable status and that unresolved findings have an owner. Reconcile the weld map with reports and repair records. A missing report should remain a gap, not be inferred as a satisfactory result because fabrication continued.
Inspection evidence supports the nominated acceptance process. It does not replace design review or other project controls. Agree how partial release, inaccessible areas and outstanding review will be communicated so the next contractor receives the same limitations as the original team.