TWI is offering a new visual plastic pipe welding inspector training and certification course designed specifically for anyone wishing to carry out inspections of plastic pipe systems for water, gas or chemical transportation applications. Following the course the attendee will be able to understand, identify and report on the visual inspection of welded plastic pipes.

The course is suitable for individuals who work in the plastics industry wishing to undertake visual inspections of plastic pipe systems. It provides the attendee with an understanding of the thermoplastic pipe materials and the welding techniques used to join them.

A clear growth in the market, plastic pipes are used for a variety of applications, from chemical plants to lining metal pipes in the oil and gas industry and transporting water and gas in the utilities sector. Leaks in these pipes can cause severe environmental damage and prove extremely costly. For example, the UK  reported over 3 billion litres of water being lost each day (according to statistics from the Consumer Council for Water). Plastic pipe inspection could play a significant role in the reduction of pipe failures and leaks, therefore, it is anticipated that this qualification could become a requirement for critical plastic pipe welding applications.