What is ISO 3834?
BS EN ISO 3834 sets out the quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. It covers how a business controls welding from contract review through to inspection: qualified welding procedures and personnel, welding coordination, equipment, materials, heat treatment, inspection and testing, and records. It comes in three levels: Part 2 (comprehensive), Part 3 (standard) and Part 4 (elementary). BS EN 1090 links directly to it, with EXC2 work requiring Part 3. Many customers in rail, pressure equipment and general engineering also ask for ISO 3834 certification on its own.
Who needs it?
- Fabricators working to BS EN 1090 who need a welding quality system in place
- Engineering and manufacturing businesses where welding quality is critical
- Suppliers whose customers specify ISO 3834 certification
- Workshops wanting more consistent weld quality and fewer repairs
Business benefits
How SBMS helps
- Gap analysisWe confirm which part of ISO 3834 you need and review your welding controls against it.
- DocumentationWe write the procedures and records for contract review, welding, inspection, equipment and traceability.
- ImplementationWe help you put controls in place and arrange welding procedure and welder qualification testing through an accredited test body, working with your welding coordinator.
- Internal auditWe audit the system and a live job before your assessment.
- Certification supportWe prepare you for the certification body's assessment and help close any findings.
- Ongoing maintenanceWe help keep qualifications, records and procedures in date between surveillance visits.
Typical timescales
Typically three to six months, depending on whether you are starting from scratch or adding ISO 3834 to an existing BS EN 1090 system. Welding procedure qualification is usually the longest step.