How to Document RT Inspection Reports: A Guide for NDT Firms

Radiographic testing (RT) is a non-destructive testing method that images the internal structure of materials using X-rays or gamma rays. It is used in applications such as weld quality assessment, pressure equipment inspection, and pipeline examination. Because RT results must be documented on a permanent image (film or digital) that requires long-term archiving, RT is among the most document-intensive NDT methods.

What information must appear in an RT report?

An inspection body accredited under ISO/IEC 17020 must include at minimum the following in RT reports:

Identification:

• Report number (unique, traceable)
• Issue date and revision status
• Name and accreditation number of the inspection body
• Client name and site details

Technical parameters:

• Radiation source used (X-ray tube voltage or gamma source type / activity)
• Film or digital detector type (DR, CR)
• Film-to-source distance (FFD/SFD)
• Exposure time and mAs value
• IQI / penetrameter type and placement
• Technical procedure reference

Results:

• List of areas examined (with drawing or table)
• Accept/reject decision for each area
• Description of indications in rejected areas (size, type, location)
• Acceptance criteria standard applied

Personnel details:

• Name and certification level of the radiographer performing interpretation
• Name and signature of approving personnel (Level 2 or 3)

Film archiving requirements

Archiving periods for RT films (analog or digital) vary by standard. ASME and EN standards generally require a minimum of 5 years, while many clients and sector regulations may demand longer retention.

Key considerations for archiving film or digital images:

• Each image must be linked to a work order and report number.
• Digital images (DICOM or proprietary format) must be stored in a tamper-proof form.
• Image quality evaluation (IQI check) must be included in the archive record.

Radiation safety and documentation

RT carries the highest regulatory burden of any NDT method from a radiation safety standpoint. For firms performing RT in Turkey:

• Operating permits (licenses) are issued by TAEK (Turkish Atomic Energy Authority).
• Dosimeter records for radiation workers are maintained and reported.
• Source inventory and usage records are subject to periodic audit.

Keeping these records separate from RT reports but within the same system both simplifies audit preparation and ensures record consistency.

RT documentation in TÜRKAK audits

In ISO 17020 audits, TÜRKAK checks the technical content of your RT procedure, whether reports meet the standard, and whether technician certificates are valid. Incomplete or inconsistent records in any of these three areas will be raised as a finding.

For an audit-ready RT archive:

• All RT reports must conform to the standard template.
• Technician certificates must be valid on the inspection date and on record.
• Calibration certificates for equipment used (tube, source) must be current.

How NDT software simplifies RT documentation

Manually filling in RT forms loses time and increases the risk of missing or inconsistent records. Good NDT management software provides:

• Standard technical parameters pre-populated on the RT work order
• Digital RT report generated with automatic links to the technical procedure and certificate records
• Film/digital image files archived in association with the work order and report
• Technician dosimeter and certificate tracking within the same system
• Date range and technician-based filtering for TÜRKAK audits

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