• Processes such as fusion welding are widely used to manufacture many products. In some companies, they are the key feature of production.  Products may range from simple to complex.   Examples include pressure vessels, domestic and agricultural equipment, cranes, bridges, transport vehicles and other items.
• It is important, therefore, to ensure that these processes are carried out in the most effective way and that appropriate control is exercised over all aspects of the operation.
• Special Process – A process where the conformity of the resulting product cannot be readily or economically verified is frequently referred to as a ‘special process’.
• Quality cannot be inspected into a product; it has to be built in.  Even the most extensive and sophisticated non-destructive testing does not improve the quality of the product.
• It is emphasised that ISO 3834 is not a quality management system standard replacing ISO 9001:2000.   However, it can be a useful tool when ISO 9001:2000 is adopted by manufacturers.
• To ensure sound and effective manufacturing, management needs to understand and appreciate the sources of potential trouble and to implement appropriate procedures for their control.
• ISO 3834 identifies measures that are applicable for different situations for welding application

ISO 3834 can overcome the system weaknesses and boost the manufacturing company's ability to sell its products in both domestic and international markets. Compliance with ISO 3834 will provide a global recognition of company's capability. This is becoming a necessity also for manufacturers having overseas technical collaboration especially with European organisations.

The standard provides details of how to control the various welding and welding-related operations to achieve the desired quality consistently. A key feature of the standard is the requirement to ensure that people with welding responsibilities are competent to perform their activities.

This is achieved by incorporation of another standard: ISO 14731 'Welding Coordination - Tasks and Responsibilities' and ISO-9712 (Non Destructive Testing –Qualification & Certification of Personnel) ISO 3834 standard makes reference to IIW Qualification System as a way to demonstrate people’s technical knowledge.

Benefits for Certified Fabricators

• Clear, high profile, independent verification of compliance by the world's leading authority on Welding.
• Confirmation of welding and fabricating capability and staff competence,
• Improved client confidence leading to a reduction in external audits.
• Entry of the company's details on well - publicised International Web site register. Quality management and fabrication capability assessments carried out by IIW recognised assessors.
• Increased national and international business potential
• Cost savings in production.
• Facilitates compliance with emerging European and International standards that call up ISO 3834 namely the EU Directives, and the CEN Product Standards.

Benefits for Clients of Certified Fabricators

        Clients should consider making ISO 3834 certification as a contractor requirement because it provides:

• Expertly led, independent assessment of suppliers.
• In-depth, authoritative evaluation of fabricator’s capability.
• Consistent assessment and harmonised presentation of information and data