What document should a welder refer to for specific welding procedures?

A welder should refer to the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) for specific welding procedures, as the WPS contains detailed instructions on how to carry out the welding process, including parameters such as the type of materials, welding techniques, filler materials, and any preheat or post-weld heat treatment requirements. This document serves as a guideline that ensures consistent and quality welding work that complies with safety and performance standards.

The WPS is critical because it is developed according to the AWS D1.1 code and provides the necessary information to ensure that the welds meet the specified quality and performance criteria for structural applications. It acts as a reference point for both the welder and the inspector to verify that the welding is being performed according to the established procedures.

In contrast, the Welding Code of Ethics outlines the professional responsibilities of welders but does not provide specific procedures for welding. Contract documents may contain information about the project but typically do not provide detailed welding procedures. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) focus on the safe handling of materials and chemicals but do not address the actual welding techniques or procedures themselves. Each of these documents serves a different purpose within the context of welding and construction but does not fulfill the need for specified welding procedures as the WPS