KRS 198B.055: Structural steel welding on state government projects -- Definitions for

section -- Testing and certification requirements -- Standards. (Effective

January 1, 2027)

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Accredited testing facility" means a facility that tests and certifies welders

and welding inspectors, and which has been accredited by the AWS;

(b) "ASME" means the American Society of Mechanical Engineers;

(c) "AWS" means the American Welding Society;

(d) "Certified welding inspector" means a person who has been certified by the

AWS to inspect structural steel welding projects and is independent of a

Kentucky building program having jurisdiction;

(e) "D1.1" means the current version of the Structural Welding Co de-Steel,

approved American National Standard from the AWS;

(f) "D1.5" means the current version of the Bridge Welding Code, approved

American National Standard from the AWS jointly with the American

Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials;

(g) "Structural steel welding" means structural welds, weld repair, the structural

system, and the welding of all primary steel members of a structure per D1.1

and D1.5 established by the AWS. Where ASME work is required, it shall be

done by ASME certified welders; and

(h) "Welding standards" means the specifications, guidelines, tests, and other

methods used to develop a system of quality control to ensure that welding is

conducted in such a manner that all welds must meet, at a minimum, D1.1 and

D1.5 standards established by the AWS.

(2) To ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of structural steel welding and that all

welding standards are met, the following requirements shall be mandated by general

contractors, project managers, contractors, and su bcontractors in all projects

involving structural steel welding where the design professional responsible for the

project includes the D1.1 or D1.5 in the job specifications:

(a) Welders performing structural steel welding on a project shall have been

tested and certified by:

1. An accredited testing facility; or

2. An individual who has been accredited by the AWS to test and certify

welders and welding inspectors. This individual could be anyone who

has been certified by the AWS to inspect structural steel welding

projects; and

(b) Structural steel welding performed on a project shall meet welding standards.

(3) This section shall only apply to projects:

(a) Occurring pursuant to state government contracts; and

(b) When requested by the contracting state government entity.

(4) This section shall not apply to welding projects performed or requested by a

homeowner or farmer on the premises of the homeowner or farmer.