SAQCC NDT – A History of Activities
SAINT and its members have been involved in endeavors to get NDT recognized as one of the engineering sciences for more than 50 years. Through this memorandum, we would like to elucidate these efforts and briefly mention why these efforts have all failed to date.
Competency Testing Attempted in the Early Eighties
Technikon Pretoria’s Role: SAINT, together with the Technikon Pretoria, realized a process was needed to assess the competency of NDT Level II Ultrasonic and Radiographic Testing (UT and RT) technicians during the construction of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (KNPS). The Technikon had offered short courses in UT and RT since 1968, each lasting 4 weeks.
The Competency Test: The goal was to subject UT and RT technicians to a competency-based test for NDT work at KNPS. The test included:
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A theoretical paper (not just multiple-choice but also written questions).
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Inspection of three typical samples, with technicians reporting on detected indications.
At the time, the only available certification system was company-based, adhering to the written practice SNT-TC-1A, where companies had to certify their own personnel. Industry complained bitterly, arguing that the competency test was overly elaborate and disqualified those without Technikon training. Ultimately, only three individuals from Eskom Investigations successfully completed the test.
SAQCC NDT
In the early 1980s, ISO 9712 was being formulated. In line with recommendations from the ISO working group, SAINT and the South African Institute of Welding (SAIW) initiated independent testing of NDT operators through the South African Qualification and Certification system (SAQCC) in 1983.
System Highlights:
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Three certification levels were introduced (initially Levels 1 and 2, with Level 3 following in the early 1990s).
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Candidates were required to pass a basic and specific examination for each method and a practical examination.
The system gained momentum in 1989 when Eskom mandated the SAQCC certification for approval to perform NDT on Eskom plants. This replaced Eskom’s in-house approval system. The Anglo American Chairman’s Fund donated R1 million for equipment and samples to support examinations at SAIW. Today, SAIW-Cert administers the system under ICNDT requirements.
SACB
In the 1990s, industry raised concerns about SAIW both training personnel and managing the SAQCC system. To address this, SAINT negotiated with the Trade Testing Centre in Olifantsfontein (Endlela) to house SAQCC NDT and formulated the South African Certification Body (SACB). SASOL’s quality manager compiled the SACB’s quality manual, which remains available today.
The SACB intended to operate under the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), but legislative changes and redefined roles by SAQA and ECSA resulted in the cessation of SACB activities. Unit standards developed for this purpose have since lapsed.
NDT in ECSA
ECSA explored incorporating NDT certification and licensing for Levels 2 and 3. In 2003, ECSA invited the entire NDT industry to a meeting to discuss the process, led by Mr. John Burdess. Two working groups were formed to develop the system. Despite progress, the system was rejected by ECSA’s engineering standard approval committee. Efforts to gain Department of Labour support also failed.
SAINT Professional Body for NDT
The last effort followed the World Conference in NDT. SAINT used excess funds to pursue professional recognition for NDT. By 2013, SAQA had implemented a system for professional bodies, which SAINT adopted. This process, supported by MERSETA as a development partner, complied with SAQA and QCTO regulations.
Key Points:
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The SAINT Professional Body for NDT (SPBNDT) is the only professional body for NDT registered with SAQA.
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Despite disagreements from individuals in industry, the SPBNDT system passed all regulatory scrutiny.