Quality management, standards and regulations
This domain tests the management system around welding: who is responsible, which standard applies, how records are controlled and how nonconformities are closed. Expect ISO 9001, the ISO 3834 series, EN 1090 execution classes, ISO 14731 welding coordination, material traceability and calibration.
Standards hierarchy
ISO 9001 is a generic quality management standard and does not by itself control welding. ISO 3834 is welding-specific: Part 2 covers comprehensive requirements, Part 3 standard requirements and Part 4 elementary requirements. EN 1090-1 deals with conformity assessment of structural steel components and EN 1090-2 with execution; execution classes EXC1 to EXC4 generally link to ISO 3834-4, -3, -2 and -2 respectively, with additional requirements at the highest class. ISO 14731 defines welding coordination tasks and the technical knowledge needed by the welding coordinator.
Traceability and control
Material certificates to EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2, consumable batch records, baking and holding records, controlled WPS distribution, calibrated equipment and valid welder certificates are all auditable evidence. ISO 9606-1 certificates have a two-year validity with six-monthly employer confirmation.
Worked example
A fabricator supplies EXC3 bridge girders. The audit finds 316L filler used where the WPS specifies 308L. The correct response is to quarantine the affected items, trace the batch and heat numbers, raise a nonconformity report, establish root cause, obtain an approved repair procedure, rework, re-inspect and close the NCR with records. Reasoning: EXC3 calls for comprehensive welding quality management, so traceability and documented disposition are part of conformity, not optional paperwork.
Traps that cost marks
- Claiming ISO 9001 certification satisfies welding quality requirements.
- Confusing EN 1090 execution classes with ISO 5817 weld quality levels.
- Overlooking welder certificate revalidation and six-monthly confirmation.
- Accepting material without checking certificate type and heat number against the item.