IIW History 1990-2015

If one or the other of these two systems were to become the only international standard, there would be a tremendous upheaval (a revolution) in the many fabrication codes and standards that are supported by the filler metal classification standards of the other system’. In a second letter Kotecki was to explain ‘The idea is that two paths through a standard be allowed. Specifically, one path would use the system preferred by the countries of the European Market, and one path would use the system preferred by the countries of the Pacific Rim’. 29 The eloquence of Kotecki’s argument elicited a response from ISO which pointed out that ‘no ISO policy exists on the concept of “cohabitation” standards. The arguments developed by Dr Kotecki show that in the case like the classification of welding filler metals, such an approach is quite acceptable. Consequently, we would agree with the conclusion of ISO/TC 44/SC3 that a decision be taken on a case-by-case basis’. 30 The subsequent official reply from ISO, quoting Resolution 179/1999, in January 1999, was ‘…ISO confirms that it will adopt the principle of “cohabitation” (standards with sets of alternative requirements) for the drafting of international welding consumable standards where a single requirement approach cannot reach consensus’. 31 It was a remarkable achievement through the efforts of both Tsutsumi and Kotecki which had extracted a ground-breaking change in ISO policy.

Shinsuke Tsutsumi receiving the Thomas Medal from Tom Mustaleski, AWS President, in July 2003 at the 56th IIW Annual Assembly in Bucharest, Romania

SETTING THE STANDARD