Checking engineering products using magnetic particle testing methods

This standard identifies the competences you need to carry out magnetic particle tests on ferromagnetic components, materials or structures, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to prepare the components, materials or structures for the magnetic particle testing activities to be undertaken, and to check that the equipment to be used is in a safe and usable condition. You must ensure that the ambient conditions are satisfactory for the tests to proceed, and you will then carry out the specified tests, using the correct procedures. You will be expected to mark up the components, materials or structures to show where there are indications of flaws.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the magnetic particle testing activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the equipment in use, that you cannot personally resolve, or that are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to instructions, either alone or in conjunction with others, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out. You will be required to demonstrate your proficiency to carry out non-destructive testing (NDT) and this could be in accordance with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9712.

Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work, and will provide an informed approach to the inspection of components, materials or structures by using magnetic particle testing methods. You will have a basic understanding of the principles of magnetic particle testing techniques, and the role of the relevant inks/powders and ultraviolet light imaging. You will also have an understanding of the types of defect that can be detected using magnetic particle testing techniques.

You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the magnetic particle testing activities, and when using the associated tools and equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.

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1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
2. follow the correct specification for the product or equipment being inspected
3. use the correct equipment to carry out the inspection
4. identify and confirm the inspection checks to be made and acceptance criteria to be used
5. carry out all required inspections as specified
6. identify any defects or variations from the specification
7. record the results of the inspection in the appropriate format
8. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved

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1. the specific safety precautions to be taken when carrying out magnetic particle inspection activities on components, materials or structures (such as specific legislation or regulations governing the activities or work area, safe working practices and procedures to be adopted, general workshop safety practice)
2. the hazards associated with carrying out the magnetic particle inspection activities (such as electrical, mechanical, toxic and fire hazards), and how they can be minimised
3. the personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) that should be worn during the magnetic particle inspection activities
4. the COSHH regulations relating to materials used during the magnetic particle inspection process
5. how and where to obtain the required job instructions, testing specifications and quality control/inspection documentation
6. the reasons why some components, materials or structures require to be tested using non-destructive testing methods
7. the various types of magnetic particle detection equipment used (to include portable and fixed machines)
8. the basic concepts of magnetic particle testing
9. how you check that the testing equipment is within current calibration dates
10. the different detecting mediums that are used (to include inks and powders); methods of applying them, and their removal on completion
11. how to set up the equipment parameters for the testing activities undertaken
12. the preparations to be carried out on the components, materials or structure test area (such as degreasing, grinding, filing, polishing and other mechanical operations and, where appropriate, the application of contrast aid paint)
13. how to carry out the testing activities (including the application of the magnetic field; application of the detecting medium); viewing conditions required (such as ambient light or ultraviolet (UV) light); identification of the displayed defects; defect transfer techniques (such as magnetic rubber and photographic)
14. the types of defect that are detectable using magnetic particle detection methods
15. how to recognise defects in the components, materials or structures from the displayed indications, and how to identify false indication of effects, and their cause
16. the level of defects that is acceptable in the components, materials or structures
17. the importance of completing the magnetic particle inspection documentation; what needs to be recorded, and where records are kept

the extent of your own responsibility and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot solve

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1. Carry out all of the following during the magnetic particle inspection activities:

   1. adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, COSHH, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other relevant safety regulations
   2. obtain the required magnetic particle testing equipment and materials, and check that they are in a safe and usable condition
   3. follow the defined testing procedures, and apply safe working practices and procedures at all times
   4. resolve any problems as they occur, within your level of responsibility
   5. leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the activities

2. Prepare the components, materials or structures for testing, to include carrying out all of the following:

   1. identifying and marking the test areas
   2. removing any contaminants from the test area (such as by degreasing)
   3. preparing the test surface to the specified finish (such as by grinding or polishing)

3. Check that the equipment is fit for purpose and safe to use, by carrying out all of the following:

   1. checking the condition and security of electrical cables and connections
   2. checking the operation of all mechanical functions
   3. checking the function of powder/ink application
   4. checking the correct operation of all safety devices

4. Carry out all of the following tests, in accordance with instructions:

   1. setting the equipment parameters to the appropriate levels
   2. magnetising the components
   3. applying the detecting medium (ink or powder) correctly
   4. using magnetic flux indicators
   5. observing defect indications under correct lighting conditions (such as ambient light or ultraviolet (UV) light)
   6. recording the conclusions of observations
   7. demagnetising and cleaning the components on completion of the test

5. Carry out magnetic particle testing on one of the following:

   1. welded joints        
   2. castings          
   3. heat treated components  
   4. structures
   5. wrought products/materials (such as forged, rolled, extruded)
   6. cold formed products (such as by bending, pressing, rolling)
   7. other specific products

6. Identify all of the following:

   1. defect type               
   2. location of the defect    
   3. dimensional size of the defect

7. Follow the correct procedure to deal with components, materials or structures which fall into both of the following categories:

   1. components, materials or structures which meet the specification
   2. components, materials or structures with identified defects

8. Complete the inspection activities, to include carrying out all of the following:

   1. marking up defective components, materials or structures with all relevant information
   2. recording all the required details of the inspection, in the appropriate format
   3. handing over the inspection details to the appropriate people

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2

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2018

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Current

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Original

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Semta

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SEMTS2-14

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Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies

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3113

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Engineering; technical support; engineering products; magnetic particle testing; ferromagnetic; magnetising components; detecting ink; detecting powder; magnetic flux indicators; demagnetising

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