Certifications a UK Welder Should Have
Welding is a complicated process, so it’s best to leave it to the pros. The problem is that not all welders are created equal and not every commercial welder is created equal. If you’re considering hiring a commercial welder, then check their certifications. Here are the certifications your commercial welder should possess.
CSCS Card
CSCS is a Construction Skills Certification Scheme. It is a top skills certification scheme offered in the construction trade in the UK. This card is proof that the person holding it is fully trained and has the qualifications needed for the job they perform.CSCS has a database of people who work in the industry and hold a recognise qualification related to construction.
Having a CSCS card isn’t a legal requirement, but many contractors will only hire welders that hold a valid CSCS card.
ISO Certificates
ISOs are standards of quality in the construction industry. And there is a great deal of ISO standards. Given that welding is considered to be a “special process” it’s difficult to verify the quality of welding works. It also takes special personnel and procedures to weld.
These requirements on a level higher than general resulted in quality systems like ISO. E.g. one of these special developments for welding is ISO 3834; the “Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials”. Again, a system that was created to ensure quality welding processes.
If you have any particular requirement in mind, then find the ISO related to that and ensure the welder your welder is able to comply with it. ISO certification will be often required by welders working on construction sites where heavy duty structural welding works are on the line.
Coded Welder
To keep things simple, a coded welder is a welder that has completed a Welding Approval Test in a specific welding configuration. Every method is related to a specific job, and some codes are more general than others. Welder approval codes are done to BS EN standards in the UK. A welder earns their certification by providing samples of the work that reflects the job they are trying to become coded in. If they pass then they are coded to this qualification.
Find a welder that is coded in your specific requirement, as being coded for one specification doesn’t mean the welder is able to perform another. Welders that are coded in more than specification are considered multi-coded welders.
CSS – RAMS
This is a “Risk Assessment and Management Plan”. A risk assessment is a general part of any kind of work. In this specific case it’s something the welder puts together to outline all the potential risks that they will encounter and how they plan on managing these risks.
Welding can be a dangerous process for both the welder and the people around them. You should only hire a welder that understands these risks and can reassure you they know how to handle them to prevent any injuries and damage.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is a common form of insurance taken out by businesses. It can cover a wide range of situations, but they generally keep the business protected in the event that someone is injured or third-party property is damaged. As mentioned before welding has its risk for potential property and personal damage. So when you hire a welder make sure they are covered for up to £5 million. This is considered the minimum requirement for anyone working as a welder. You can trust decent welders will do their best to mitigate risks, but accidents can happen so keep yourself on the safe side.
Certified Welders in London
Mobile Welding London is a fully certified London Welder. If you are looking for residential or commercial welders in London please feel free to contact us for further assistance at 02033978705.