There is no single "sanitary welder" license. What separates a real sanitary welding contractor from a structural pipefitter who owns a TIG torch is a stack of qualifications and documents. Here is what to ask for, and how to read it.
1. ASME Section IX Welder Qualification (WPQ)
Every welder on the job should hold a current Welder Performance Qualification per ASME Section IX, for the process (GTAW), the position, and the material thickness range you are running. WPQs expire — typically after six months without using the qualified process. Ask for current records, not framed certificates from 2014.
2. Written WPS / PQR
The contractor needs a written Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) supporting it, for each material and joint configuration. The WPS tells the welder exactly what gas, amps, tungsten and travel speed to use. No WPS = the work is not auditable.
3. ASME BPE Familiarity
ASME BPE is not a welder certification — it is a standard the contractor must build to. Look for evidence the contractor knows BPE acceptance criteria for color, concavity and misalignment, and uses borescope inspection on every joint. References on similar pharma or biotech jobs are the clearest signal.
4. 3-A Sanitary Standards Knowledge
For dairy and food work, the contractor should be fluent in 3-A requirements — drainability, no dead legs, polished welds where the standard requires it, and equipment design that can be CIP'd.
5. Contractor Documentation Capability
The contractor should hand you, at project closeout:
- Weld map of the system
- Weld log with welder ID, date and material heat numbers per joint
- Borescope photos or video where required
- Material test reports (MTRs) for tubing and fittings
- Passivation report if specified
What to Ignore
"Certified TIG welder" is not a thing on its own. Generic structural welding certifications (D1.1) do not transfer to sanitary work. Trade school diplomas are nice but not a substitute for current WPQs on file.
Working with a contractor who can produce all of the above?
Sanitary Welding Solutions LLC maintains current ASME Section IX qualifications, written WPS/PQR documentation, and full project close-out packages on every job.