The importance of implementing international standards in metal manufacturing and welding processes

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The production of metals and welding processes, in particular, significantly impact various sectors, ranging from construction to automotive and aerospace industries. To ensure the highest quality and safety standards, the implementation of international standards is of paramount importance. This article explores the significance of adhering to international standards in metal manufacturing and welding processes, highlighting their benefits and their role in fostering global trade and harmonization. International standards provide guidelines and specifications for metal manufacturing and welding processes, ensuring consistent quality across different manufacturers and industries. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can achieve higher product reliability and performance, thus enhancing customer satisfaction. Today we will get you acquainted with the main of them.

Additive manufacturing of metals - Environment, health and safety - General principles for use of metallic materials (ISO/ASTM 52931:2023)

EN ISO/ASTM 52931:2023

Compliance with international standards ensures that metal manufacturing and welding processes meet stringent safety requirements. These standards focus on aspects such as material properties, structural integrity, and personnel safety, minimizing the risk of accidents, injuries, and product failures. Adhering to these standards safeguards the well-being of workers, consumers, and the environment. One of such standards is EN ISO/ASTM 52931:2023.

This document provides guidance and requirements for risk assessment and implementation of prevention and protection measures relating to additive manufacturing with metallic powders. The risks covered by this document concern all sub-processes composing the manufacturing process, including the management of waste.

This document does not specify requirements for the design of machinery and equipment used for additive manufacturing.

Health and safety in welding and allied processes - Transparent welding curtains, strips and screens for arc welding processes (ISO 25980:2023)

EN ISO 25980:2023

This document specifies safety requirements for transparent welding curtains, strips and screens to be used in workplaces where arc welding is taking place. They are intended to provide protection against harmful levels of optical radiation and spatter for workers who are in the vicinity of arc welding processes but not involved in the welding itself. They are intended to reduce the discomfort glare from the arc but also allow sufficient luminous transmittance to permit a view into the workspace behind.

The transparent welding curtains can also be used in other applications as long as the UV- and blue-light emissions are less than in arc welding and the transmitted infrared irradiance is below applicable exposure limits. They are designed to be used at a distance from the arc of at least 1 m.

Welding curtains, strips and screens specified in this document are not intended to replace welding filters. For intentional viewing of welding arcs, other means of protection are used, see ISO 16321-1 and ISO 16321-2.

This document is not applicable to protection against laser radiation, for which ISO 19818-1 applies.

When manufacturers conform to universally accepted standards, it becomes easier to establish trust and confidence among international partners. Compliance with these standards eliminates trade barriers and streamlines the exchange of goods and services across borders, promoting international collaboration and market access.

Health and safety in welding and allied processes — Transparent welding curtains, strips and screens for arc welding processes

ISO 25980:2023

International standards promote process optimization, leading to improved efficiency and cost reduction in metal manufacturing and welding processes. By adopting standardized practices, such as, for instance ISO 25980:2023 , manufacturers can streamline operations, minimize waste, and enhance productivity.

This document specifies safety requirements for transparent welding curtains, strips and screens to be used in workplaces where arc welding is taking place. They are intended to provide protection against harmful levels of optical radiation and spatter for workers who are in the vicinity of arc welding processes but not involved in the welding itself. They are intended to reduce the discomfort glare from the arc but also allow sufficient luminous transmittance to permit a view into the workspace behind.

The transparent welding curtains can also be used in other applications as long as the UV- and blue-light emissions are less than in arc welding and the transmitted infrared irradiance is below applicable exposure limits. They are designed to be used at a distance from the arc of at least 1 m. Welding curtains, strips and screens specified in this document are not intended to replace welding filters.

For intentional viewing of welding arcs, other means of protection are used, see ISO 16321-1 and ISO 16321-2. This document is not applicable to protection against laser radiation, for which ISO 19818-1 applies.

Consistency in materials, measurements, and procedures eliminates redundant processes, reduces errors, and optimizes resource allocation, ultimately resulting in cost savings. This standard encourages the development and adoption of new technologies, materials, and techniques. By embracing advancements, manufacturers can enhance their competitiveness, drive industry-wide progress, and meet evolving customer demands.

Occupational health and safety management systems - General guidelines for the implementation of ISO 45001:2018

SIST ISO 45002:2023

International standards such as SIST ISO 45002:2023 establish clear guidelines, definitions, and terminology that transcend geographic boundaries and language barriers. By aligning manufacturing processes, testing procedures, and product requirements, these standards facilitate international cooperation and remove technical barriers to trade. Harmonization enhances market access, reduces duplication of efforts, and promotes fair competition, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers.

This document gives guidance on the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system that can help organizations conform to ISO 45001:2018.

NOTE 1 While the guidance in this document is consistent with the ISO 45001:2018 OH&S management system model, it is not intended to provide interpretations of the requirements in ISO 45001.

NOTE 2 The use of the term “should” in this document does not weaken any of the requirements in ISO 45001:2018 or add new requirements.

NOTE 3 For most of the clauses in this document, there are real-life cases on how different types of organizations have implemented the requirements. These are not intended to suggest the only or best way to do this, but to describe one way this was done by an organization.

This common understanding fosters effective communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among manufacturers, professionals, and stakeholders worldwide.

Importance o implementing international standards in metal production industry

Implementing international standards encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange among manufacturers, industry associations, and regulatory bodies. By participating in the development and revision of standards, stakeholders can contribute their expertise, share best practices, and address emerging challenges collectively. This collaborative approach fosters continuous improvement, innovation, and the establishment of global benchmarks in metal manufacturing and welding processes. These standards provide numerous benefits, including quality assurance, safety compliance, facilitation of global trade, increased efficiency, cost reduction, and fostering innovation. By adhering to international standards, manufacturers can improve their competitiveness, establish trust with international partners, and contribute to the overall growth and development. In order to keep up with the latest standards on the market in your area of occupation, stay with iTeh inc.

References:

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/3a664163-038a-4816-8a97-18cfcb075c84/en-iso-astm-52931-2023

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/bd5b126b-e9ee-4494-9148-e7b99b548f9f/en-iso-25980-2023

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/iso/abfa6806-8087-49bd-aa05-b6141787931a/iso-25980-2023

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/9cb2cda4-5ce4-4d52-a2fe-099a14d7cabe/sist-iso-45002-2023