To whom must the WPS be made available?

The correct answer is that the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) must be made available to both the inspector and the welder. This requirement ensures that all personnel directly involved in the welding process have access to critical information that outlines the procedures, techniques, and specifications to be followed during welding. This is crucial for maintaining quality control and compliance with the applicable standards.

The welder needs access to the WPS to understand the specific requirements for the welding processes they will be undertaking, including aspects such as materials, joint design, preheat and interpass temperatures, and post-weld heat treatment. On the other hand, the inspector requires the WPS to verify that the welding operations are being performed according to established standards and specifications, ensuring that the weld quality meets the necessary requirements.

Making the WPS available exclusively to only a supervisor or the welding shop manager would limit the critical access that both the welder and inspector require to ensure proper execution of the welding work and its subsequent inspection. This access is fundamental for maintaining a robust welding procedure and ensuring compliance across the team involved in the welding operations.