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Improving Global Quality of Life
Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies
IIW needs to help ISO and others classify weldable materials in standards and specifications at least
according to the main grouping systems now used; and also aim for an internationally agreed preferred
standard system We are almost there at least with non-ferrous materials. A solution similar to that reached
internationally with flanges should be practical.
7.4.5
Welding industry roles
There is a continuing need for the welding industry to help:
More efficient production of power and use of energy, nuclear, wind, wave solar, hot rock,
geothermal, hydro systems and so move to a more sustainable world despite a growing demand
for power.
Reduction of pollution, control of environment and climate change which is impacting on all.
Conservation of essential resources and including materials, food and water.
Optimummaintenance and life extension of critical infrastructure i.e. water, energy and food supply,
bridges, transport systems of all types, and security.
Each country needs to get it right and play its role in protecting the world.
For a better world the welding industry in each country needs to encourage competition but not without
essential constraints, needed to avoid events like the global economic disaster. The art is to get the right
balance as both are needed to facilitate innovation and avoid failure. A brief guidance document could help
industry get this right to suit each individual country.
7.4.6
Up-to-date consistent laws, regulations, codes of practice and standards
Laws, regulations and codes of practice need to be up-to-date to avoid losses or increased risks in not using
latest technology wisely. Cost and effort in maintaining with advances in technology and social changed
attitudes.
Standards are the repository of collective wisdom and consensus. Thus they also need to be up-to-date with
the latest R & D and ideas and experience. They need transparency because of increasing global use, and
ideally need to be supported by a basis commentary, report or technical paper to help users understand
and assist future changes. A comparison with other benchmark standards of critical issues would help users
and reduce misunderstanding. With increasing trade between all countries, the harmonising of Standards is
desirable and hence ISO and ISO Standardisation needs support.
Uniformity in terms is an ideal aim between various laws and standards within one country let alone
200
countries. As there is so much international trade and communication, however, the need for clear
understanding between parties is important. ISO standards need to set an example and not be afraid to
include alternatives. The IIW thesaurus has helped but is a big task with so many languages.
7.4.7
Management systems
Modern laws for occupational health and safety, environment, major hazard facilities, dangerous goods,
transport etc often give performance requirements in terms of risk management i.e. identification of hazards
and their assessment and control to a very low level as far as reasonably practicable. They can identify duties
which need to be complied with.
There are many papers on the subject, but a brief review paper, preferably via IIW to give a global view is
needed to guide the welding industry. The recent ISO standard on this subject provides an excellent basis.
