A welding supervisor is reviewing a Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) record for a new welder. The WPQ indicates the welder was qualified on 3G (vertical uphill) position using an FCAW process. The company is performing horizontal fillet welds (2F position) using FCAW for a project. Can the supervisor assign this welder to perform the 2F fillet welds based solely on the 3G qualification?

Question: A welding supervisor is reviewing a Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) record for a new welder. The WPQ indicates the welder was qualified on 3G (vertical uphill) position using an FCAW process. The company is performing horizontal fillet welds (2F position) using FCAW for a project. Can the supervisor assign this welder to perform the 2F fillet welds based solely on the 3G qualification?

Answer options:

• No, the welder needs a separate qualification for fillet welds in the 2F position. ✅ Yes, qualification in the 3G position generally qualifies for all positions for fillet welds and groove welds up to 4F and 4G.
• No, the 3G qualification only covers groove welds, not fillet welds.
• Yes, as long as the base metal and filler metal are identical to the qualification test.

Correct answer: Yes, qualification in the 3G position generally qualifies for all positions for fillet welds and groove welds up to 4F and 4G.

Explanation: According to CSA W47.1, a welder qualified in the 3G position (vertical uphill groove weld) for a specific process (FCAW in this case) is generally qualified for all positions for fillet welds, and for groove welds in the flat (1G), horizontal (2G), and vertical (3G) positions for plates, and similarly for pipe up to 4G/4F. Therefore, the welder is qualified to perform 2F fillet welds.