The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) made history when the first local welding fabricators were certified to ISO 3834 in a ceremony held at the institute in November 2008.

The companies certified were: Babcock Fabrication, Jet Park; DB Thermal, Nigel; Engski Manufacturing, Sasolburg; Gascon (Pty) Ltd, Elsies River; GEA Aircooled Systems, Germiston; Lesedi Nuclear Services, Atlantis and Ankerlig; and Stainless Fabricators, Chamdor.

SAIW executive director Jim Guild says it’s not surprising that the first group of certified companies included well-known and established fabricators. “These companies have invested years of effort to establish systems and procedures. They are outstanding organisations and fully deserve the international recognition afforded them through this certification,” says Guild.

He adds that certification, however, is not for the bigger companies only. “Less well-known names will find that certification to the ISO 3834 standard is readily achievable and we hope that we are able to increase the number of certified companies dramatically in the next few years,” he says.

The SAIW is the first institute outside of Europe to be accredited for company certification by the European Federation for Welding and Cutting (EWF), or the International Institute of Welding (IIW). The local scheme is known as the SAIW Welding Fabricators Certification Scheme.

SAIW president Andy Koursaris says that all of the companies that have been assessed have, without exception, commented positively about the process, and have found that the assessors have been able to add value. “This is one of the major factors which will ensure the future success of the certification system,” he says

“End users can no longer be expected to purchase lower quality products simply because they come from local suppliers and can now specify ISO 3834 certification as a condition of purchase,” adds Koursaris.

Guild concurs: “The scheme will elevate the standards of the entire local industry making us more competitive with foreign competition. There is no doubt that international project managers involved in projects in South Africa will take cognisance of local companies with ISO 3834 certification to the clear benefit of these companies,” he says.

The scheme, which was only officially launched in March 2008, already has more than 20 companies, across the country, in various stages of the certification process. All those interested in certification are urged to contact Richard Fowles or John McLeish at the SAIW on +27 11 298 2100.