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Harmonised ETQ&C
Other tasks that C-VII was to become closely involved with were the audit processes
for IIW Member Countries and the relevant procedures and rules to do this. Jessop was
appointed as the Lead Assessor for the IIW International Authorisation Board (IAB),
continuing a similar role he had as EWF’s Lead Assessor and hence providing the necessary
degree of conformity between the two organisations. In particular, he developed a model
quality assurance manual aimed at helping applicant ANBs to install their systems in
the correct way. The task of WG 13 of C-XIV was now essentially complete and it was
disbanded in 1998 with the following commendation, ‘…Commission XIV resolves to
disband WG 13:
IIW Scheme for the education, training, qualification and certification
of welding personnel
, which has now completed its work’. C-XIV was also to record its
thanks and appreciation for the tremendous effort and results obtained by the members of
the Working Group.
12
In parallel with these developments, discussions had been held with
EWF regarding a joint ETQ&C scheme. There was good sense in doing
so since C-VII, in performing the preliminary work to establish the IIW
IAB, was progressively adopting EWF qualifications which were recognised
by ISO standards. As an organisation EWF was also well placed to deliver
company certification to complement its own qualification and certification
scheme. In regard to this, EWF, already a market leader in personnel
qualification, had also become an undisputed leader in company certification.
Both Italy and the UK became the first countries in the world in 1998 to have
an Authorised National Body for Company Certification (ANBCC) through
EWF. Given Europe’s immense industrial base there was excellent potential
for the expansion of company certification throughout the European Union.
Several of the prominent members of EWF were also members of IIW which was
advantageous in achieving common ground between IIW and EWF on the harmonisation
of ETQ&C for welding personnel. Ahrens, for instance, had a supportive role in EWF in
much the same way as he did for IIW, as did Jessop as Lead Assessor. As a consequence
there were lengthy discussions on cooperation on issues that would be of mutual advantage
to both organisations should a possible merger go ahead. The ownership and use of the
documentation already developed by EWF, therefore, became a prime consideration as well
as the payment of royalties for its use.
It was not surprising that an element of misapprehension had developed between
the parties during early negotiations and this became more apparent when discussions on
payment of royalties faltered.
13
IIW, through IIW Secretariat CEO Mr Michel Bramat, had
previously informed EWF that IIW was not in agreement to paying royalties and EWF
replied that they had taken note of this decision and that it was disappointing. The impasse