Integrity Is Not Situational

Integrity is the cornerstone of nondestructive testing (NDT) practitioner values—but it is often tested. Most of us who have worked in this field have faced situations where we were pressured, directly or indirectly, to compromise that principle.

A year ago, I received a call from an NDT technician in a developing country. I had never met him—he had simply found me through my association with ASNT. He was performing radiography on pipe girth welds and was being pressured by the fabricator to ignore rejectable indications and instead reshoot acceptable welds to replace them. When he raised concerns with his employer, he was told to do whatever was necessary to keep the customer satisfied.

He was in an impossible position. There were no alternative employment options in his region, and refusing could mean the loss of his livelihood and his ability to support his family.

He asked me what he should do.

My ability to influence the situation was limited. All I could do was encourage him to make the right decision and ensure he understood the personal risk. If he falsified inspection results and a failure later occurred in service, he could be held personally liable, with no evidence that others had pressured him to do so.

I do not know what decision he ultimately made. But situations like this highlight the very real consequences of ethical compromise in our profession.

Unfortunately, this type of scenario is not isolated. It occurs worldwide—regardless of geography, economic conditions, or industry. While many of us are fortunate to work in environments where we have options and organizational support, that does not lessen the responsibility we carry. As members of ASNT, and as part of the Board's responsibility in our mission to "create a safer world," we share a responsibility to uphold these standards.

While most organizations strive to do the right thing, individuals within those organizations may still be tempted to cut corners. In these situations, proper escalation is essential. Equally important is ensuring that concerns are based on a clear and accurate understanding of applicable requirements. Too often, assumptions are made based on experience in unrelated industries, leading to incorrect conclusions.

One of the most effective safeguards we have is thorough, accurate documentation. Detailed records—supported by sketches, photographs, and clear notes—provide an objective account of what was observed and communicated. Maintaining a well-organized logbook of inspections and interactions is invaluable. Memories fade over time, but documentation endures.

Minor integrity issues that seem insignificant in the moment can become critical later. Clear, precise documentation ensures that those issues are properly understood if they escalate—and it protects both the practitioner and the public.

Technicians must always take a steadfast approach to maintaining integrity. Their reputations depend on it. A small compromise today can result in irreparable career damage and potential catastrophic failures in the future. Leadership should talk about this with NDT employees, articulate relevant organizational values, clarify their support, and ensure employees know their avenues for escalating issues.

Integrity is not situational. It is not dependent on geography, pressure, or convenience. It is the cornerstone of our profession—and it is the responsibility of every NDT practitioner to uphold it, even when it is difficult. The credibility of our entire profession depends on the decisions made in those moments. Therefore, we must always take the high road.