ISO 3834 certification

What is ISO 3834?

ISO 3834 is a standard that ensures that quality is maintained in welding, you could say that it is a framework that describes how to achieve a well-functioning quality system in the execution of different welding applications. The standard defines three levels of quality, depending on the type of welding performed.

The standard is currently used in most countries. However, many companies have not yet realized the benefits of implementing a quality system according to this standard. The requirements can come from other standards, as well as from customers or authorities. For example, NS-EN 1090-2:2018 refers to this standard.

Purpose of quality management system and certification

• Meeting customer demands
• Work according to a quality system specific to the performance of welding that is well known and used around the world.
• Maintain / test the technical competence of the company
• Minimize costs and risks caused by lack of quality
• Ensure ongoing development of production

The 6 harnesses in the ISO 3834 standard

Part 1: ISO 3834-1 Guidelines for selecting the appropriate level of quality requirements

ISO 3834-1 provides guidance for determining which of the detailed quality requirements is most appropriate for a company based on the specific welding work performed. It helps companies identify and select the right level of quality for their specific needs, and in line with the required safety levels.

Part 2: ISO 3834-2 Comprehensive quality requirements

ISO 3834-2 covers the most comprehensive quality requirements - it is the highest level of quality management in welding processes. This section is ideal for companies that perform technically advanced welding and have welding as a critical part of production, where quality directly affects the safety and performance of the end product.

Part 3: ISO 3834-3 Standard quality requirements

ISO 3834-3 is more moderate in scope and is suitable for companies where welding is carried out in less critical applications. It provides a set of standard criteria to be met to ensure quality, without the more stringent controls and documentation requirements needed under ISO 3834-2.

Part 4: ISO 3834-4 Elementary quality requirements

For companies where the consequences of welding are not responsible for the main characteristics of the product, ISO 3834-4 provides a basic set of guidelines for maintaining quality. This is sufficient for those processes where quality assurance requirements are not as extensive.

Part 5: ISO 3834-5 Documents with which compliance is required

ISO 3834-5 specifies the documents and evidence that must be provided and maintained in order to claim that a company complies with the quality requirements defined in ISO 3834-2, ISO 3834-3 and ISO 3834-4. This includes proof of qualification of welding operations, quality control procedures, and other relevant documentation.

Part 6: ISO/TR 3834-6 Guidelines for the implementation of ISO 3834

Although this part is often omitted when mentioning ISO 3834, ISO/TR 3834-6 contains guidelines that contribute to the implementation of the above quality requirements. This technical supplement provides practical advice and examples that can help an organization understand and adapt to the ISO 3834 standards more effectively.

Taken together, these sections provide a complete framework for quality assurance in welding procedures, from guidance on the correct quality level selection to the specific requirements for each quality class and how to document and implement the system in practice. Implementing these standards in a company provides a solid indication of a serious approach to quality management in welding technology and related processes.

Interaction with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

ISO 3834 in conjunction with ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) provides a masterpiece of a management system. Certification to this trio of standards means a quality guarantee that stands up to almost any customer survey and environmental concern.

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