Do not use BS EN 970 alone – it was confirmed withdrawn in 2016. Instead, download:
ISO 17637:2016 – Non-destructive testing of welds – Visual testing of fusion-welded joints
It supersedes BS EN 970 and includes all the same content plus modern updates on digital imaging and lighting.
While BS EN 970:1997 was once the primary British Standard for the visual examination of fusion welds, it has been officially withdrawn and superseded. For modern projects, the current active standard is BS EN ISO 17637. Core Principles of BS EN 970 (Now ISO 17637)
Even though the document code has changed, the technical requirements for visual inspection remain largely consistent with the original EN 970 framework: CSWIP 3.1: Question with Answer and Explanation – Part 25
BS EN 970:1997 standard for the visual examination of fusion welds has been officially withdrawn and superseded bs en 970 visual inspectionpdf best
. To ensure you are using the most accurate and legally compliant "paper" for your inspection, you should use its direct replacement: BS EN ISO 17637:2016 Intertek Inform Current Standard Details Official Name BS EN ISO 17637:2016
(Non-destructive testing of welds — Visual testing of fusion-welded joints). : Current and active (last confirmed by ISO in 2022). Key Requirements Illumination : Minimum of 350 lx required (500 lx recommended). : The eye must be within 600 mm of the surface. Viewing Angle : No less than 30 degrees. Accuris Standards Store Where to Find the Official PDF
For a "proper paper" (official, non-pirated version), you can download the PDF from these primary sources: BSI Knowledge : The official British Standards Institution store. ISO Official Store : The global standard provider. Accuris Standards Store : A common authorized reseller for technical standards. Accuris Standards Store Historical Reference (BS EN 970)
If you specifically need the old version for a historical project or reference, it is still archived on some preview/sharing platforms, though it is no longer valid for modern construction or manufacturing certification: Scribd Archive (BS EN 970) : A version uploaded for educational reference. NTC Expert PDF : A downloadable copy of the 1997 version. ООО НТЦ Эксперт Do you need help finding specific acceptance criteria
(like allowable undercut or porosity sizes) for a particular welding project? BS EN 970 - Visual Examination of The Welds | PDF - Scribd Do not use BS EN 970 alone –
BS EN 970 is the historical British and European standard for the visual examination of fusion welds in metallic materials. While it has been officially superseded by BS EN ISO 17637, many industry professionals still refer to it by the original BS EN 970 designation for quality assurance and training.
This guide explores the best practices for implementing BS EN 970 and its modern successor, BS EN ISO 17637, to ensure high-quality welding inspection. The Status of BS EN 970:1997 Current Status: Formally Withdrawn. Superseded By: BS EN ISO 17637 (latest version: 2016).
Relevance: Despite being superseded, the technical requirements for examination conditions (distance, angle, and lighting) remain largely identical in the newer ISO standard. Core Inspection Requirements
To conduct a "best practice" visual inspection according to these standards, three critical factors must be met: 1. Examination Conditions (The "Rule of 600/30")
Most inspectors skip this, but the best PDF users know it is mandatory for multi-pass welds. ISO 17637:2016 – Non-destructive testing of welds –
BS EN 970:1997 (currently active and harmonized) specifies the techniques for the visual examination of fusion welds in metallic materials. It applies to welds from all processes, including arc welding, gas welding, and laser welding.
Critical Note: This standard is not a general "how to look" guide. It is specifically for the acceptance levels of surface discontinuities. It works in tandem with product standards (e.g., EN 13445 for pressure vessels or EN 1090 for steel structures) which reference it.
The standard instructs the inspector to refer to the relevant application standard or specification for acceptance criteria. The most common referenced standards for quality levels are:
BS EN 970 (often used in conjunction with ISO 17637) is the definitive European standard for the visual inspection of welds. In the hierarchy of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Visual Testing (VT) is often underrated, yet it is the most frequently used and cost-effective method.
This standard provides the framework for ensuring that a weld looks right before expensive methods like Ultrasonic Testing (UT) or Radiographic Testing (RT) are employed. A "best" approach to BS EN 970 involves understanding that it is not just a checklist, but a specification for the entire inspection environment—personnel, equipment, and procedure.