Welding is a process that is commonly used in the manufacture of metal products in many sectors (energy, chemical, petrochemical, oil gas, construction, etc.).
The management of welding processes requires planning, control and adherence to procedures. On this basis, the ISO 3834 series of standards dedicated to “Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials” has been prepared.
The ISO 3834 series of standards is made up of different standards (for more information, please access the “read more” section.
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Importance of Managing Welding Processes/Tasks:
Welding has a considerable impact on the cost and quality of the product. As a result, it is important that welding is carried out as efficiently as possible, while meeting all specified quality requirements.
Studies conducted over time attest that the quality of the weld and/or welded joint is obtained through the execution of validated welding processes systematically implemented by a company.
Quality control/weld inspection/weld joint provides a check of product reliability, but it cannot improve the poor quality of the welding process.
The standards that make up the ISO 3834 series:
The standards do not refer to a specific type of product, therefore they can be applied in the management of processes and for the quality of welding in companies operating in different industrial and technological sectors.
The series includes three different levels of quality requirements set out in the following standards:
- ISO 3834-1:2021 Criteria for selection choosing of the appropriate level of quality requirements;
- ISO 3834-2:2021 Comprehensive quality requirements
- ISO 3834-3:2021 Quality Requirements;
- ISO 3834-4:2021 Elementary Quality Requirements;
- Documents with which it is necessary to conform to claim conformity to the quality requirements of ISO 3834-2, ISO 3834-3 or ISO 3834-4
Furthermore to be considered for application of standards
- ISO/TR 3834-6:2012 Guide for the application of ISO 3834.
Reasons to implement a QMS that complies with the ISO 3834 Series Standards:
Mandatory requirements: The regulatory framework, such as the EU Directives, define the safety requirements of products and structures. The product standards present the technical solutions that serve to meet the safety requirements specified in the directives.
Product standards: Many European and/or international technical product standards include specific references to the different parts of the ISO 3834 series that a management system must meet in terms of quality control for fusion welding of metallic materials.
For example,:
- The EN 12952-5 standard for the construction of water tube boilers states that the manufacturer of the pressure vessel is required to meet the welding quality requirements set out in the ISO 3834-2 standard.
- The EN 13445 standard for the construction of pressure vessels states that the manufacturer is required to meet at least the welding quality requirements set out in the ISO 3834-3 standard.
Customers: Once ISO 3834 is used, companies can use it for marketing purposes and customers may apply for ISO 3834 certification.
The company that uses welding processes (manufacturer): The company wants to improve its welding quality management system, increase productivity, and by applying quality control in welding, prove to its customers that it is a reliable supplier.
Main contractors: A subcontractor working in accordance with ISO 3834 can expect to have a significant advantage over its competitors, when a main contractor outsources its welding or related activities.
ISO 9001: Stipulates that, where necessary, special processes must be identified. Welding is typically considered a special process. This requires compliance with specific requirements, specified in advance. The ISO 3834 series of standards is an excellent tool for doing this.
How to get certified...
Companies that want to access QMS certification services must send a specific request for quotation to C&P S.r.l.
The request for quotation for a service can reach C&P S.r.l. in different ways:
- Telephone and/or verbal request.
- Written request via email and/or other support.
C&P S.r.l. will send the applicant (authorized representative of the customer) the Form AM021N “QMS Certification Services – Request for Quotation” to identify the requested service. The form contains the information necessary to fill it out and for the subsequent
re-submission by the applicant/representative of the company and to C&P S.r.l.
The information that the company will have to provide concerns:
- Scope required for certification (description of activities and products services);
- Characteristics of the company (name, address, number of employees, significant aspects of its activities/processes, seasonality, applicable legal/mandatory requirements);
- The number of sites where the QMS is implemented (main office, secondary sites, temporary sites), as well as the information useful to identifying the significant aspects for each site (address, number of employees, the activities/processes implemented at them);
- Information relating to all processes outsourced to the company, which affect compliance with requirements;
- The standards or other requirements on the basis of the applicant organization wants to be certified;
- Information regarding the use of consultancy services related to the management system;
- Provisions such as security clearances required for the auditor to access specific areas and/or information and materials of the organization identified as sensitive and relevant to the purpose of certification.
C&P S.r.l. will review the information received, asking the company if necessary to supplement it and formulate a service proposal/offer that will be sent together with the regulations for the provision of services to the company, (in this case to the person in reference identified in his request for proposal).
The company must re-send a copy of the offer and all the attached documentation, signed for acceptance to the following e-mail address: : amministrazione@cpinspection.com.
The offer signed for acceptance by the Company Representative is considered, after review by C&P S.r.l. (offer + attached documentation signed for acceptance without modification) to all intents and purposes as a purchase order.
For the first certification cycle, which lasts 60 months, the process of planning and delivering certification services involves the definition of a verification/audit program that includes, as a minimum:
- Initial certification audit is conducted in a single event that coincides with stage 2 in the case of joint certification with the other QMS.
- Periodic surveillance audits at least annually.
The subsequent certification cycles, also lasting 60 months, the process of planning and delivering certification services involves the definition of an audit program that includes, as a minimum:
- Certification renewal audit to be carried out before the expiry of the certification (specific service contract must be confirmed before the renewal audit is performed).
The duration of the audits is determined in accordance with the procedures of C&P S.r.l. and the relevant legislation:
- IAF MD 05 “Determination of Audit time of Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health Safety Management Systems”, IAF MD 01 “IAF Mandatory Document for the Audit and Certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-site Organization”;
- Accredia Technical Regulations;
- Based on the size and number of locations of the client’s organization/client and the complexity of the activities and processes part of the QMS purpose/scope.
Further information can be found in our document DOC 035N “Regulations for the provision of services”, we also remain at your disposal for any clarification.