What is critical when performing a welding operation on steel pipe in the field?

• A. Using any welding technique without procedure.
• B. Welding without procedure qualification.
• C. Welding only when no inspections are available.
• D. Following a properly approved welding procedure, employing qualified welders, and conducting post-weld inspections.

Answer: (D)

Field welding of steel pipe must be treated as a critical operation where weld integrity directly affects safety and serviceability. The best practice is to follow a properly approved welding procedure specification (WPS) that defines how the weld is made—process, filler metal, preheat and interpass temperatures, post-weld heat treatment if required, and joint design—together with having welders who are properly qualified through official tests. After welding, post-weld inspections are used to verify there are no defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, cracks, or other issues that could cause leaks or failures in service. This combination—approved procedure, qualified welders, and post-weld inspections—provides the contractual and technical basis to produce reliable, code-compliant welds. Using any technique without a procedure, welding without qualification, or welding without inspections can lead to unpredictable results and unacceptable risk.