Could be, but the welder is ultimately responsible for the weld. Every weld had a rod slip and welding rod was drawn from the rod shack and signed off by the person issuing the rod. Then it was checked by the QC during the inspection process.
It was not uncommon to get TIG wire that had some oxidation on it, but that was easily cleaned off prior to welding. When te weld was completed, all the rod used on the weld was turned in and the stubs disposed of at the rod shack. Low hydrogen rod, inconel, monel, and stainless stick rod were always kept in ovens at 200 degrees to prevent moisture. It was checked out in portable rod ovens.
Yes, but, if the rod or filler material was inferior and not up to specs, it would create a faulty weld. If the tensile strength or the material was not up to standard, an xray or inspector would not be able to identify the fault. When hundreds of tons of welding material is ordered and delivered to the contractor, the contractor can only go by how it is labeled. If the manufacturer knowingly mislabeled the filler material , then I can understand the statement that the welds were knowingly faulty. Like I said, the article does not state who knew the welds were faulty, I don’t put the blame on the welders, they are a tough bunch but they have integrity, even if they don’t like their fitters.