“Know the Code. Apply the Standard. Deliver Quality”
Codes & Standards
Professional reference resources for inspectors, engineers, QA/QC professionals, welding specialists, contractors and project teams working across oil & gas, petrochemical, power, fabrication and industrial projects.
Engineering Standards That Support Quality & Safety
Understanding the applicable code, standard, specification and project requirement is fundamental to effective inspection and quality control. Use this hub as a practical starting point for identifying commonly referenced international standards.
Major Codes & Standards
Explore the standards most frequently encountered in mechanical, piping, pressure vessel, welding and QA/QC inspection activities.
ASME
A major source of engineering codes and standards for pressure equipment, piping, power generation and mechanical engineering.
- ASME BPVC Section VIII
- ASME Section IX
- ASME B31.1
- ASME B31.3
- ASME Section V
- ASME Section II
API
Widely referenced in petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas facilities for inspection, maintenance, equipment integrity and industry practices.
- API 510 — Pressure Vessels
- API 570 — Piping Inspection
- API 653 — Storage Tanks
- API 580 — RBI
- API 571 — Damage Mechanisms
- API 577 — Welding Inspection
AWS
Important welding codes and standards covering structural welding, welding qualification, fabrication, inspection and welding practices.
- AWS D1.1 — Structural Steel
- AWS D1.5 — Bridge Welding
- AWS A2.4 — Welding Symbols
- AWS A3.0 — Welding Terms
- Welding qualification requirements
- Welding inspection practices
ASTM
Technical standards supporting materials, testing, examination, mechanical properties, coatings and manufacturing quality requirements.
- Material specifications
- Mechanical testing
- Welding materials
- Coating testing
- NDT-related practices
- Steel and alloy standards
ISO
International standards supporting quality management, environmental management, welding quality, inspection, testing and industrial processes.
- ISO 9001 — Quality Management
- ISO 14001 — Environmental Management
- ISO 3834 — Welding Quality
- ISO 9712 — NDT Personnel
- ISO 45001 — OH&S
- ISO 17025 — Testing Laboratories
EN
European standards used throughout engineering, fabrication, construction, pressure equipment and quality-related activities.
- EN 13445 — Unfired Pressure Vessels
- EN 13480 — Metallic Industrial Piping
- EN ISO welding standards
- EN material standards
- EN inspection requirements
- European fabrication requirements
NORSOK
Widely referenced requirements for petroleum and offshore projects, particularly materials, fabrication, welding, inspection and corrosion control.
- NORSOK M-001 — Materials Selection
- NORSOK M-101 — Structural Steel Fabrication
- NORSOK M-601 — Welding
- NORSOK M-501 — Surface Preparation & Coating
- Material requirements
- Offshore fabrication requirements
Standards by Inspection Discipline
Find the standards most relevant to your inspection activity.
Pressure Vessels
ASME BPVC, API 510, EN 13445 and related requirements.
Piping
ASME B31.1, B31.3, API 570 and applicable project standards.
Welding
AWS, ASME Section IX, ISO 3834 and project welding specifications.
Structural Steel
AWS D1.1, NORSOK M-101 and applicable EN requirements.
NDT
ASME Section V, ISO 9712 and applicable examination standards.
Materials
ASTM, ASME Section II, EN and project material specifications.
Coating
NORSOK M-501, ASTM testing standards and project specifications.
QA/QC
ISO 9001, inspection plans, ITPs, procedures and project requirements.
Inspector’s Quick Reference
A simplified starting point for identifying commonly used codes and standards during project inspection.
| Inspection Activity | Common Reference | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Vessel Inspection | ASME VIII / API 510 | Design, fabrication, inspection and in-service integrity |
| Piping Inspection | ASME B31.3 / API 570 | Process piping fabrication and in-service inspection |
| Power Piping | ASME B31.1 | Power plant and related piping systems |
| Welding Qualification | ASME IX / AWS | WPS, PQR and welder qualification |
| Structural Welding | AWS D1.1 | Structural steel fabrication and welding inspection |
| Material Verification | ASTM / ASME II / EN | Material specifications and testing |
| NDT | ASME V / ISO 9712 | Examination methods and personnel qualification |
| Welding Quality | ISO 3834 | Quality requirements for fusion welding |
| Offshore Fabrication | NORSOK | Materials, welding, structures and coating |
| Quality Management | ISO 9001 | Quality management systems |
Inspector Tip: Always Check the Project Requirements
A code or standard should not be selected based only on habit. Always review the contract, project specification, approved drawings, ITP, applicable code edition, approved procedures and client requirements before making an inspection decision.
Important Standards Notice
This page provides educational and practical reference information. It does not reproduce or replace the official standards, codes, specifications, interpretations, addenda, errata or project requirements. Standards are periodically revised, so inspectors should verify the applicable edition and requirements through the relevant standards organization or authorized source before applying them to engineering, fabrication or inspection work.
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