We’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions below. However, if your question isn’t answered, or you still have some concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team is always happy to help.
Can I comply with AS/NZS ISO 3834 if I don’t have a quality system (such as ISO 9001)?
Yes, you can comply with AS/NZS ISO 3834 if you do not have a quality system. AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification can be achieved in addition to ISO 9001 certification, or it can stand alone.
Is AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification mandatory?
Certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 is not mandatory. However, it offers a raft of benefits, including:
- Compliance with the current and future normative requirements, such as AS/NZS 5100.6:2017
- Internationally recognised credibility and capability
- The opportunity and ability to expand into new markets, with several sectors and major international contractors requiring all sub-contractors hold AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification
- More efficient processes and procedures, designed to reduce production time, costs and overheads, material and consumables waste, non-conformance and rework
- Demonstrable ability to deliver a compliantly welded product, on time and on budget
- Increased technical knowledge for all levels of personnel involved in the welding process, from trades and inspectors, through to supervisors and management
- Improved client satisfaction, which can increase the likelihood of repeat business and growth in profitability
What happens if I want to use materials that are not covered by my existing certification?
Any change to the original scope of your certification will necessitate an update of your existing certification, including the addition of new materials.
What happens if I want to use a welding process that is not covered by my existing certification?
Any change to the original scope of your certification will necessitate an update of your existing certification. When adding a new welding process to your certification, you need to keep in mind that your Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC) will need to have the necessary knowledge to coordinate the welding activities of the new process.
How do I decide to which quality level or Part of AS/NZS ISO 3834 to be certified?
You should select one of the three Parts specifying different levels of quality requirements, based on the:
- Statutory requirements
- Extent and significance of safety-critical products
- Complexity of manufacturer
- Range of products manufactured
- Range of different materials used
- Extent to which metallurgical problems occur
- Extent to which manufacturing imperfections (such as misalignment, distortion or imperfections) affect product performance
For further information or help on selecting the Part most applicable to your operations, contact us.
Do my subcontractors need to be certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834?
No, your subcontractors do not need to be certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834. However, you must ensure that your subcontractors comply with the quality requirements specified in the Part of AS/NZS ISO 3834 to which you are certified, or to which the product you are manufacturing adheres. You must also be able to provide documentation and records from your subcontractors that attest to this compliance.
Does my Responsible Welding Coordinator need to be an employee or can they be a subcontractor?
Your Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC) does not need to be a full-time employee. They can be a subcontractor who complies with the quality requirements specified in the Part of AS/NZS ISO 3834 to which you are certified. You must also be able to provide documentation and records supplied by this subcontractor that attest to this compliance.
If you subcontract the duties of the Responsible Welding Coordinator, you must still have a nominated person or persons within your company who takes responsibility for day to day welding operations.
Are assessors qualified Welding Engineers or just auditors?
All Weld Australia assessors are:
- Qualified and experienced in quality system auditing and experienced in welded fabrication
- Either International Welding Engineer (IWE) or International Welding Technologist (IWT) qualified, with a wealth of practical and theoretical experience in welded fabrication
- Extremely familiar with AS/NZS ISO 3834, factory production control systems and quality management systems
This means that you have access to our highly-qualified team of welding experts. Our experts work closely with you to improve your processes and procedures to ensure they’re in-line with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 3834, increasing your productivity and profits.
Why should I choose Weld Australia for certification?
Not only is Weld Australia (formerly known as the WTIA) a highly respected independent third-party, we are the International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised Nominated Body. This makes Weld Australia the premier welding certification authority in Australia.
How do I start the process of certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834?
Ready to have your organisation certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834? You can:
