BS EN 4179:2009

1.1 Purpose

This European Standard establishes the minimum requirements for the qualification and certification of personnel performing non-destructive testing (NDT), non-destructive inspection (NDI), or non-destructive evaluation (NDE) in the aerospace manufacturing, service, maintenance and overhaul industries. For the purposes of this standard, the term NDT is used and is considered equivalent to NDI and NDE.

In Europe, the term “approval” is used to denote a written statement by an employer that an individual has met specific requirements and has operating approval. Certification per EN ISO/IEC 17024 is not required by this standard unless specified by local or regulatory requirements. The term “certification” as defined in 3.1 is used throughout this standard as a substitute for the term “approval”. Except when otherwise specified in the written practice, certification in accordance with this standard includes operating approval.

1.2 Applicability

This standard applies to personnel using NDT methods to test and/or accept materials, products, components, assemblies or sub-assemblies. This standard also applies to personnel directly responsible for the technical adequacy of the NDT methods used, who write NDT procedures and/or work instructions, who audit NDT facilities, or who provide technical NDT support or training.

This standard does not apply to individuals who only have administrative or supervisory authority over NDT personnel or to research personnel developing NDT technology for subsequent implementation and approval by a certified Level 3. Personnel performing specialized inspections using certain direct readout instruments as determined by a Level 3 certified in the method, do not require qualification or certification to this standard.

1.3 Implementation

This standard addresses the use of a National Aerospace NDT Board (NANDTB). NANTDBs are only used as specified herein and it is not mandatory to have such a board for compliance with this document. Personnel certified to previous revisions of NAS 410 or EN 4179 need not recertify to the requirements of this standard until their current certification expires.

1.4 Common methods

This standard contains detailed requirements for the following common NDT methods:

1.5 Other methods

When invoked by engineering, quality, cognizant engineering organization or prime contractor requirements, this standard applies to other current and emerging NDT methods used to determine the acceptability or suitability for intended service of a material, part, component, sub-assembly or assembly. Such methods may include, but are not limited to, acoustic emission, neutron radiography, leak testing and holography. The requirements for personnel training, experience, and examination for these other methods should be established in accordance with 6.4 and documented by the employer.