3 - Receiving and verifying materials

Abstract

Incoming materials must be checked for conformance with the specification and purchase order, and then labeled accordingly. Materials received and stored must be compared with the purchase order and accompanying paperwork. Mechanics and crafts people must conduct a field audit of the materials before putting them into service. This chapter discusses the types of receiving inspection steps that help minimize mix-ups. Receiving inspections usually involve a sampling procedure. The various types of paperwork used to check products include materials test report (MTR), certificate of compliance (COC), product analysis and purchase order. Chemical analysis methods range all the way from simple to the sophisticated. This identification method should distinguish the correct material from materials that may have been substituted. The most common physical property test is a magnet. It may be used when it can distinguish correct material from materials that may have been substituted. Hardness testing may be used to indicate whether fasteners in specific critical services are greater or less than the value required to avoid a premature failure. Simple tools such as calipers, micro-meter or the trained eye are used to ensure suitability for service. For nonconforming product, the purchase or sales order is completed, initialed and dated. Nonconforming product must be recorded on the applicable documentation, such as a Materials Exception Report (MER), or an Overage, Shortage and Damage Report (OSDR). Nonconforming items are moved to a separate nonconforming product area. The types of items covered in the chapter are: pipe fittings and flanges; pipe and tubing; plate, sheet, and strip; valves; gaskets; o-rings; and welding consumables. Responsibilities of the various roles in the receiving organization are also described.