Because welding directly affects the load-bearing and safety-critical characteristics of a product, welded fabrication is assessed as a whole within the framework of both product standards and welding quality standards. Welding procedures, personnel qualifications, welding coordination, material controls and inspection activities are evaluated together.
Standards We Cover
- EN 1090-1 – Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) and CE marking for structural steel and aluminium components.
- EN 1317-5 – Performance assessment, crash testing and FPC for road restraint systems (vehicle barriers, guardrails, bridge parapets).
- ISO 3834 – Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials (ISO 3834-2/-3/-4 levels).
- EN 15085-2 – Quality requirements and Certification Level (CL) certification for welding of railway vehicles and components.
How the Standards Relate
The ISO 3834 series forms the basis of welding quality requirements and is applied together with product standards. In certifications under EN 1090 and EN 15085, the requirements of ISO 3834-2, ISO 3834-3 or ISO 3834-4 are included in the assessment according to the organization's scope of activity.
The relevant ISO/EN standards for welding procedures, welder and operator qualifications and welding quality levels are also taken into account:
- ISO 15614 – Qualification of welding procedures (WPQR/PQR)
- ISO 9606 – Qualification testing of welders
- ISO 14732 – Qualification of welding operators
- ISO 5817 – Quality levels for imperfections in welded joints
Common Assessment Topics
- Welding quality planning and determination of fabrication scope
- Competence and responsibilities of welding coordination personnel
- WPS and WPQR/PQR records
- Welder and welding operator qualifications
- Control of parent and welding consumable materials
- Suitability and maintenance of welding equipment
- Pre-weld, in-process and post-weld checks
- Non-destructive testing and other tests
- Heat treatment processes
- Control of measuring and test equipment
- Traceability and welding records
- Control of non-conformities and corrective actions
Determining the Scope
When determining the certification scope, it is important to consider not only the welding operations performed but also the technical standards and legislative requirements applicable to the product. For structural steel fabrication, EN 1090-1 is assessed together with ISO 3834; for railway components, EN 15085-2 together with ISO 3834.
Contact us to determine the appropriate standard and quality level for your welding operations and to begin the certification process.