Australian Welding | June 2021 by Weld Australia

AUSTRALIAN

WELDING

Women in Welding:

Meet Skylar Wright (pictured) and Ellie Smith Page 20 & 40

Mental Fitness:

Four Tips to Help Get Your Day Off to a Better Start Page 16

TSS Engineering: Four Years in Business Delivers Mega Projects Page 32

Q2 | June 2021 Official Journal of Weld Australia weldaustralia.com.au

Q2 | June 2021

Weld Australia’s Value Proposition

Delivering Value to Members

Weld Australia Contacts National Office PO Box 197 Macquarie Park BC NSW 1670 02 8748 0100 office@weldaustralia.com.au

Training Guy Brooks Training Manager 0488 743 322 g.brooks@weldaustralia.com.au

Chief Executive Officer Geoff Crittenden 02 8748 0100 g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au

Marketing Disha Mistry Graduate Marketing Assistant 497497424 d.mistry@weldaustralia.com.au

Engineering Victor Blain Engineering Team Manager 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au

Membership Eva Chun Membership Manager 0417 878 104 e.chun@weldaustralia.com.au

Australian Welding

Qualification & Certification Arya Sharifian Qualification and Certification Team Manager 0419 414 901 a.sharifian@weldaustralia.com.au Subscription to Australian Welding is a Weld Australia member benefit included in annual membership fees. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written permission of Weld Australia. Weld Australia and its agents are not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by contributors in this publication, which are not necessarily those of Weld Australia. Publication of any advertisement does not constitute endorsement by Weld Australia of any product, nor warrant its suitability.

June 2021 Contents

Image courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service Western Australia.

A Message From Weld Australia’s President A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO

04 06

Inside the Industry Breaking News 08 Health & Safety: Five Potential Welding Safety Hazards to Avoid 12 Business Essentials: Money Matters for the New Financial Year 14 Mental Fitness: Four Tips to Help Get Your Day Off to a Better Start 16 Women in Welding: Skylar Wright 20 Canada’s Position on Welding Power Source No-Load Voltage 22 The Changing Face of Australian Standards 24 New Certifications Refocus Aerison 28 Certification Boosts Shotton Group’s Manufacturing Capabilities 30 TSS Engineering: Four Years in Business Delivers Mega Projects 32 Global Manufacturing Group Certified to EN 15085 34 Inside Metal Fabrication at NASA 36 Women in Welding: Ellie Smith 40

Inside Weld Australia An Update from Weld Australia’s Hotline News & Insights into Weld Australia’s Training & Certification All the News from Weld Australia’s Advanced Welder Training Centres An Update from Weld Australia’s Technology Networks Weld Australia Member Directory Fusion Welding Courses

42 44 46 48 50 51

Stay Connected: Never Miss Another Update

Q2 | June 2021

A Message from Weld Australia’s President: David Lake In late May, I had the opportunity to travel to Sydney for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic for Weld Australia’s Board Meeting and Annual General Meeting. Whilst there, I visited Weld Australia’s brand new offices. With a modern, light-filled lay-out, the new offices are the perfect workspace for Weld Australia’s innovative, forward-looking team. I met with Weld Australia’s senior leadership about the wide variety of projects underway. In all our activities, we are focused on securing the future of Australia’s welding industry through the provision of quality member services, advocacy, training, certification and qualification. Member Resources We recently launched a brand new website: weldaustralia.com.au. Designed specifically with members in mind, the new website is easier to use and navigate, ensuring that tasks like enrolling in training and registering for an event are quick and simple. We’ve also launched two exciting new features in our Member Portal: a Resource Centre and Member Directory. The Member Directory is a publicly available and searchable directory of Weld Australia company members, providing free exposure on the Weld Australia website. The Resource Directory houses all of the resources Weld Australia makes available to members and the broader industry, including Technical and Guidance Notes and publications. Training and Exams Education continues to play an important role in Weld Australia’s operations. All of our new online training courses have proved extremely popular with industry, many selling out in record time. Just some of new courses include those associated with the International Welding Specialist (IWS) and International Welding Inspector – Basic (IWI-B) certifications. In addition to these, Weld Australia launched a new AS 2214 Certification of welding supervisors - Structural steel welding and AS 1796 Certification of welders and welding supervisors Certificate 10. Company Certification Our work in the area of company certification is more important now, than ever. There has been

Australian Welding

Image: David Lake (President, Weld Australia).

significant growth in certification recently. 70 companies will be certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials by close of the year, compared to just 13 companies three years ago. Rates of certification to EN 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components and DIN 2303 Welding and allied processes - Quality requirements to be met by production and maintenance companies for military products are also on the rise. Advocacy As the peak body for welding in Australia, we play a key role in promoting and advocating for enhanced practices and greater opportunities for Australian welders. Weld Australia’s CEO Geoff Crittenden is implementing a comprehensive advocacy program, focused on issues such as welder training, onshoring, quality, and welder safety. Recently, Geoff has been advocating to the Federal Government regarding looming skills shortages, welder training and TAFE funding. Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTCs) Our work around Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTCs) is progressing. Two new AWTCs have been commissioned recently for Victorian Correctional Services and South Metro TAFE in Western Australia. Weld Australia is also working with the New South Wales Government on a pilot program in 16 schools across the state, who are now using welding simulators as part of their STEM training.

THE NEW BENCHMARK FOR STRUCTURAL STEEL & GENERAL FABRICATION

3 Industry 4.0 digital system with Lorch Connect big data management 3 Advanced speed processes for GMAW (MIG-MAG) & FCAW delivering up to 30% productivity gains 3 NFC Technology for shop floor quality control 3 Future proof upgradability 3 Extensive range: 300 to 500A, compact & remote, air & water cooled 3 Next generation inverter technology made in Germany The Lorch MicorMIG and MicorMIG Pulse series set the new standard in welding for structural steel and general fabrication. Fully optimised for Australian and New Zealand conditions, their high efficiency resonance inverter makes these machines the most technologically advanced GMAW (MIG-MAG) and FCAW systems on the planet, further enhanced with the addition of Lorch Wi-Fi Connect technology for big data management. These cutting edge capabilities drive shop floor productivity, efficiency and quality control. Dependable, robust and simple to operate, these are premium examples of German engineering quality and performance. MicorMIG is the future proof platform for production welding enterprises; an all-rounder for every application that just makes good commercial sense. Listen to what our customers have to say: Major heavy engineering fabricator Genis Steel SA, “After reviewing the various brands and technologies we standardised on Lorch, the best welding technology in the world from Germany. The highly efficient MicorMIG 400A and 500A platforms are the perfect all-round machines for structural steel fabrication. They are simple to operate and give us the welding process flexibility combined with perfect welding quality and high productivity all the time”. Vince Manuele, Managing Director SA. For further information please contact: NSW ALLWELD SERVICES East Maitland • Beresfield • Muswellbrook 1300 663 888 SOUTHERN CROSS INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES 02 6040 1991 DAY’S INDUSTRIAL 02 4274 6488 QLD GLOBAL WELDING SUPPLIES Brisbane 07 3271 2577 • Mt. Isa 07 4743 3377 • Gladstone 07 4976 9800 Mackay 07 4952 1877 • Townsville 07 4755 0850 • Cairns 07 4033 0411 SA WELDING EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE 08 8243 2200 SOUTHERN CROSS INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES 08 8277 6288 AD4495_AustWeld_6.21

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www.lorch.eu Q2 | June 2021

A Message from Weld Australia’s CEO: Geoff Crittenden The recently announced 2021-2022 Federal Budget has failed the next generation of welders, with a noticeable lack of funding allocated to TAFE, and vocational training more broadly. This is despite the serious skills shortage facing Australian industry, exacerbated by border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The welding industry is facing a looming skills crisis—the skills required to complete complex infrastructure, defence and construction projects are already in short supply. And yet, the Federal Government refuses to take action. The Federal Government has repeatedly failed to invest in our TAFE system, and to implement the recommendations outlined in the Joyce Report, handed to them almost eighteen months ago. What will it take for the Federal Government to listen to, and act upon, the concerns of industry? The 2021-2022 Federal Budget The Government claims to be “building skills for the future” in the 2021-2022 Federal Budget. $6.4 billion will be invested over the next two years “to build the skills that Australia’s economy needs to thrive in a post‑COVID‑19 world”. The Federal Government demonstrated a serious lack of understanding in the way that complex skills like welding are developed. The Government pledged $2.7 billion to extend the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program, without allocating any funding for the fundamental TAFE courses required to undertake an apprenticeship and become trade qualified. As any aspiring welder can tell you, an apprenticeship is only one step on the journey to becoming a qualified and competent welder. You need to complete the Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30305) as well. If the very institutions that offer this training are under-funded, the “pipeline of skilled workers” the Government claims to be developing simply won’t materialise.

Australian Welding

Image: Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia).

Failure to Fund TAFE The 2021-2022 Budget is not the first time TAFE has been overlooked by the Federal Government. This Budget represents only the latest in a string of failures for the TAFE system. Since 2013, TAFE has suffered over $3 billion in funding cuts, according to the Australian Education Union. These cuts have had a devastating impact on TAFE. TAFE was once a vital and high-functioning part of Australia’s vocational education sector. The TAFE system of the 2000s was well-funded, publicly accountable, and delivered excellent training across a range of disciplines. TAFE utilised innovative methods and skilled teaching staff to prepare the next generation for the workforce. But the introduction of the marketised delivery system – a ridiculous and profoundly damaging policy experiment – has led to the gradual downfall of our successful TAFE system. Nationally, funding for the entire vocational training sector has declined from highs of $7.6 billion in 2012 to $6.1 billion in 2019. TAFE is now forced to compete with private providers for student dollars, creating the situation where the institutions have become increasingly outdated and unable to provide high-quality training to students. TAFE Graduates Aren’t Workforce Ready It is a national shame that TAFE graduates of some welding programs enter the workforce without the skills or knowledge required for the industry. Welder training in Australia is woefully outdated, teaching skills that are not relevant to current work practices. Figures show employer satisfaction with training has fallen nearly 10 per cent in the past decade alone. The TAFE welding course and curriculum has not been updated or revised since 1998. Generally

speaking, TAFE graduates cannot read a welding procedure, set up a welding machine, or weld according to Australian Standards. It is a wonder that new welders complete their training, based as it is on theory and textbooks which hardly relate to the work they hope to make into their career. Welding is an exciting, innovative, and dynamic industry – but the training offered to aspiring welders is dry and static. This is not the fault of TAFEs, or of TAFE teachers; they are at the mercy of the funding merry-goround. TAFE requires proper funding to invest in new technology and equipment to better prepare graduates for the workplace. Graduates should be taught skills for the future of the industry, like automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing processes. Instead, they are being taught processes that became largely redundant years ago. All of this results in young welders that lack complex, high order technical knowledge and skills – or workers that do not meet industry demand. The government is not creating a pipeline of skilled workers. It is blocking the pipeline with workers who require more supervision and training to safely operate within the workforce, or worse, who won’t be employable at all. A Skills Crisis in the Making Weders are more in demand than ever with several large-scale, high-value projects on the horizon, from the Federal Government’s $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Program, through to major infrastructure projects such as the $12 billion Sydney Metro project, and the $5 billion Melbourne Airport Rail Link. Attracting and retaining younger talent through engaging, well-funded training and apprenticeships is critical to combatting the severe skills shortage. A shortage in skilled welders is not a problem unique to Australia. Globally, the numbers of welders with the skills required for complex work does not meet demand. By 2025 Australia will need an additional 24,000 qualified welders to complete defence and infrastructure projects. The cost to the economy of not addressing this problem will run into several billion dollars. The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the number of qualified welders is decreasing. Tradesmen identifying as Welding Trades Workers fell from 75,800 in 2014 to 69,600 in 2019. This is despite the consistent need for skilled welders in a wide range of industries and the ongoing requirement for welders to contribute to large scale projects. Even the number of welders identified by the ABS is misleading. Small business surveys reveal that 75% of this cohort, or 52,200 welders, are unable

to pass a basic welding test to either Australian or International welding standards. This is the minimum qualification required for structural steel welding. For years now, Australia’s major infrastructure, mining and other projects have relied on the work of overseas welders. With the ongoing border closures due to COVID-19 – the Budget suggests a further twelve months before international travel will resume – utilising majority external labour is no longer an option. The lack of foresight to develop a highly skilled local industry of welders will spell disaster for Australian industry, and for the very infrastructure projects the Federal Budget is investing in. Implement the Joyce Report Recommendations Now On 2 April 2019, the Australian Government released the final report of the Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training System, also known as the Joyce Report. The report recommended strengthening the vocational education and training (VET) system to ensure it delivers the appropriate skills for students, job seekers, employers, industry and businesses. Of the 71 recommendations included in the Joyce Report, none have yet been implemented. Despite the looming skills shortage for industry projects, the lack of funding in our TAFE system, and the worrying paucity of knowledge in welding graduates, the Government continues to sit on their hands. Weld Australia has requested that the Federal Government implement the ‘Early Actions’ recommendations of the Joyce Report without further delay. These include disbanding the existing infrastructure for developing training packages and qualifications and replace it with industry led Skills Organisations; strengthening quality assurance by introducing independent student assessment to international standards; introducing vocational pathways in schools as part of the STEM program; and establishing a National Skills Commission to generate skills demand forecasts and realistic pricing models. Additionally, Weld Australia wants the Government to increase diversity within the welding industry, and to bring more people into the trade. We have requested that they implement an affirmation action policy for women and indigenous Australians in welding, as well as welder training and pathways for Correction Institutions and for the unemployed. The situation may be dire. But, with proper funding and a systematic overhaul as recommended in the Joyce Report, there is a brighter future for TAFE and skills development in Australian industry. We just need the Government to make it happen. Q2 | June 2021

Breaking News Rheinmetall Delivers First Boxer 8x8 CRVs to the Australian Army Rheinmetall recently delivered the first 25 Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) to the Australian Army under the $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project. Rheinmetall will deliver a total of 211 Boxer 8x8 Vehicles in different versions. They will replace the Army’s Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV) under LAND 400 Phase 2. Delivery of the first 25 vehicles enables Army to continue towards Initial Operating Capability on schedule as Rheinmetall moves into the next phase of the LAND 400 Phase 2 program. Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said Boxer’s levels of survivability and mobility was proving a game changer for Australia’s armoured cavalry. “Boxer is now enabling the capabilities that allow Army to fight, survive and win on the modern, complex battlefields of today and tomorrow,” Stewart said. “And Rheinmetall is simultaneously delivering early combat vehicle capability to the Australian Defence Force while creating a sovereign industrial capability in combat vehicle design and manufacture.” Stewart said delivery of these initial vehicles was only possible by taking advantage of the current production lines in Germany, and using this approach as part of technology transfer activities to ensure Australian workers and suppliers become familiar with manufacturing techniques for highly complex military vehicles. Rheinmetall Defence Australia has over 30 Australians currently living and working in Germany, working at Rheinmetall sites and learning from German colleagues.

Image: Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV).

Australian Welding

Precision Metal Group Sparks a Career in Welding for School Students Precision Metal Group (PMG) recently hosted a school holiday ‘welding camp’ at their workshop in Wetherill Park, Sydney. The experience ignited interest in engineering jobs from students and their parents. The ‘welding camp’ concept will be replicated at high schools across Western Sydney as part of a massive industry-led recruitment program aimed at encouraging school students into engineering trades. “We’re running a school holiday program for everyone in high school—from Year 7 onwards—to give them an understanding of the career path they can start working towards...[it’s giving] our young people hands-on experience in industry,” said PMG Chief Executive, Jason Elias. “The welding camp is engaging schools, parents, and students...[it’s helping] students to understand there is a broad industry waiting to employ them soon as they are ready to be on the job.” Mobile engineering workshops will soon roll out in high schools without available facilities. PMG is retro-fitting a shipping container with welding and fabricating equipment that will be dropped off at participating high schools for a maximum of two weeks. The mobile workshop will be moving from school to school across Sydney and regional New South Wales. “We will be on a roadshow towards the end of this year to expose our students to hands-on experience with the virtual reality of welding and fabricating to give them a taste of what an engineering and manufacturing concept is,” Elias said.

Image: PMG’s school holiday ‘welding camp’.

Austal Australia Launches Supplier ‘Registration of Business’ Austal Australia launched a new supplier ‘registration of interest’ portal, during the Land Forces 2021 International Defence Exposition in Brisbane. The new supplier portal allows businesses from across Australia to quickly and easily register their interest in supplying goods and services to Austal Australia, and collaborate on current projects and future opportunities, such as LAND 8710 Phase 1. Austal Australia also announced its intention to submit a proposal to design, build and sustain the Australian Army’s new littoral manoeuvre capability, including amphibious vehicles and independent landing craft in Australia, to be tendered under the A$800 million LAND 8710 Phase 1 Project. Austal Australia is already working with over 1,200 businesses from around Australia on current shipbuilding projects.

Local Research Collaboration Cuts the Wear and Tear on Mineral Processing Equipment In a new $2.4 million research partnership between the University of South Australia, LaserBond, and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), experts are set to develop some of the world’s most resilient minerals processing equipment. Minerals processing machinery, often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, endures some of the harshest possible conditions. A key competitive advantage for the industry and for manufacturers would be to increase the longevity of mineral processing equipment through composite coatings (called cladding). The improved cladding needs to match facility maintenance shutdown schedules. By matching the machinery life to service schedules, unforeseen shutdowns can be avoided or minimised. Shutdowns for repairs and maintenance of the equipment can cost more than $100,000 for every hour of downtime.

Register on the AWCR Today How to Register 1. Go to awcr.org.au 2. Click on ‘Click Here to Register’ 3. Click on ‘Create An Account’ 4. Enter your contact details 5. Verify your email address 6. Login and complete your profile The Australian Welder Certification Register (AWCR) was developed and is managed by Weld Australia. It provides a national framework for qualifying and testing welders to International Standard AS/NZS ISO 9606-1, and provides a raft of benefits for welders and industry alike. (02) 8748 0100

awcr.org.au

AWCR

Australian Welder Certification Register

awcr@weldaustralia.com.au

weldaustralia.com.au Q2 | June 2021 9

Breaking News Designer Traineeship Supports Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise A new training initiative aimed at securing a steady stream of skilled and qualified workers to support Australia’s unprecedented naval shipbuilding program has been launched. The Naval Shipbuilding College, Naval Group Australia, BAE Systems Maritime Australia and TAFE SA have joined forces to develop The Designer Traineeship. The program would help provide shipbuilding industry work placements, with graduates to be equipped with basic shipbuilding design skills. Host companies of The Designer Traineeship will provide workplace experiences, mentoring, supervision, training and coaching for students. Upon completion of their traineeship, some graduates may be seconded to Naval Group in France.

Madeline Baker, granddaughter of co-founder Arthur Baker, said in a statement that she was “immensely proud of the business… I feel like it’s the fabric of my family and I have a real sense of pride that the business has been around for 75 years.” Arthur Baker and Don Provan, two World War Two veterans, founded the company as a toolmaking workshop in 1946, with a single optical profile grinder.

“The trainees will have the opportunity to get both study and work experience, while obtaining a shipbuilding Diploma of Engineering – Technical,” Minister Price said. “I’m proud that our Naval Shipbuilding College and TAFE SA are supporting the joint venture by designing the program, a training plan and providing specific shipbuilding context to the course material.

The company invested in “leading equipment and local employee skillsets and transformed the company” including CNC and larger capacity equipment in the 1970s, responding to a “severe decline in Australian manufacturing” at the time. It entered defence in 1989, producing slewing arm davits for the Australian Navy.

“With the current lack of shipbuilding design work in Australia, this initiative will help develop the skill sets of naval shipbuilding designers through cooperation with a range of experienced shipbuilding companies. By 2030, Australia’s continuous shipbuilding sector will support 15,000 workers across the nation.”

“Baker & Provan are doing some of the most important work for our country through their sovereign capability on our Defence projects,” said federal Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh. “The way they are actively bringing more women into the business and supporting young apprenticeships is an important part of creating and sustaining local jobs.”

For further information, visit: navalshipbuildingcollege.com.au

This article first appeared in AuManufacturing.

Image: Armidale Class patrol boat. ©Commonwealth Government.

Baker & Provan Celebrate 75 Years in Operation The Western Sydney company specialises in heavy fabrication, machining and on-site support, with customers including in the defence, rail and heavy industry sectors. It employs over 50 at three sites, including six apprentices.

Australian Welding

Image: Baker & Provan team including front row centre: Mal Hiley, Melissa McIntosh, Madeline Baker and Amanda Baker.

Bisalloy Introduces Bisalloy Built Australia’s only manufacturer of quenched and tempered steel plate, recently launched the Bisalloy Built customer initiative. Showcasing Bisalloy’s commitment to clients that depend on high quality performance steel, businesses will bear the stamp of quality on their respective products, including truck bodies and earthmoving attachments, indicating they are made of genuine BISALLOY® steel. The BISALLOY® steel range is renowned for its hardness, impact and abrasion resistance combined with improved wear life designed to perform in the world’s toughest environments. The Bisalloy Built badge is a representation of these attributes providing an unrivalled choice for customers considering their next quenched and tempered steel plate purchase. Andrew Egan, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Bisalloy, highlighted what the Bisalloy Built initiative means to its industry leading customer and dealer network. “When you choose businesses and products displaying this badge, you can be assured you’re getting quality Australian made BISALLOY® high performance steel. This badge serves as a quality guarantee the steel is manufactured locally, meets strict Australian standards, and delivers cost and weight savings without compromising strength,” said Egan. “Our innovative steel range is backed by over 40 years of world-class technical expertise and product development experience. When you see the badge, you will know the product contains BISALLOY® steel. There is a sense of pride among our customers in that they understand what it takes to achieve this level of product quality.”

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Q2 | June 2021

Health & Safety: Five Potential Welding Safety Hazards to Avoid Welding can and should be considered a safe occupation; when proper precautions are taken, welders have no cause to fear accident or injury. But when safety isn’t taken seriously in the workplace, the risk of a severe incident becomes a real concern. Education is the key to ensuring a safe and productive working environment for everyone. Employers need to invest in thorough and up-to-date training for all their employees to ensure that they understand the risks associated with welding, the mitigation strategies they can use, and the equipment available to prevent accident and injury. Additionally, recognising the risks posed by mental health challenges, and addressing these, is vital to maintaining a healthy workforce. Weld Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Crittenden, believes safety is a critical consideration for welding projects – no matter what scale.

damage. In 2017, welding fumes were classified as ‘carcinogenic’, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

“Welding is a safe occupation when proper precautions are taken. But, if safety measures are ignored, welders and members of the general public face an array of hazards that can be potentially dangerous, from electric shock and electrocution,” he said.

It is vital that appropriate strategies are in place to reduce welder exposure to fumes, and prevent the long-term health effects that can result from exposure. All welders should receive training on methods to mitigate the effects of metal fume, including positioning themselves to reduce exposure, and investigating less toxic alternatives where possible.

To address safety considerations in the sector, Weld Australia established the Welding Safety Council. The Council enables industry and legislative bodies to work together to minimise the risk of injury and loss of life in the welding and fabrication sector. “By drawing together key government stakeholders, statutory bodies and industry into a single independent body focused on eradicating welding related injury, the Australian welding industry will be taking a significant step forward in protecting both the general public and welders,” Crittenden said. While the Council is a step in the right direction, there are several processes that individuals and their respective organisations can follow to ensure increased safety. Fumes and Gases Welding fumes and gases contain harmful materials that can be hazardous to an individual’s health. Welders can be exposed to high levels of fumes from welding consumables, or contaminants found in surface coatings. Fumes are generated by heat, which is a common factor in the welding process. Welding fume exposure may lead to fever, stomach ulcers, and kidney or nervous system

Australian Welding

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems capture and extract welding fume at the source and are a proven way of reducing exposure. All workplaces should have fit-for-purpose LEV systems installed and regularly maintained. Weld Australia has published a range of Technical Guidance Notes, which provide practical advice for industry to follow for fume hazard minimisation. Electric Shock Electric shock, or electrocution may occur when a welder makes direct contact with an electrode, a work piece, live parts or though an unearthed tool or cable. Weld Australia is committed to ongoing education and training for welders. Last year, a virtual forum took place, where 32% of all attendees indicated that they had experienced an electric shock while working with a welding power source. There are some basic processes that welders and fabricators should undertake to prevent electrocution. Simple actions such as checking that equipment is dry and well maintained, and installing

shut down mechanisms such as residual current detectors (RCDs), and ensuring the welding power source has an active voltage reduction device (preferably with an open circuit voltage of 12V DC or less) can save lives.

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Ensuring that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and safety equipment required is key to preventing incidents in the workplace.

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Non-Compliant Welding Equipment Welding equipment must be constantly maintained to ensure it operates efficiently and prevents any catastrophic accidents. Welding safety inspections are critical for undertaking a review of all welding equipment – a ten-minute inspection can prevent serious injuries or fatalities. “It is important that welders feel empowered to report any unsafe equipment to their supervisor and to ask for new equipment and PPE where it is not provided,” Crittenden said. Weld Australia recently revised its Daily Inspection and Pre-Start Checklist for welders to assess their equipment, connections, and power sources before they commence a job. The checklist covers electrical safety requirements and oxy-fuel gas safety requirements. Insufficient Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provides a safety barrier between a welding practitioner and any dangers that may be present. Insufficient PPE can lead to a range of welding safety hazards. There are key body parts that should be protected with PPE, including: • Eyes and face: helmets with a side shield will protect the eyes and skin from exposure to harmful elements. Different shades of lenses are available for different types of welding, and

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safety glasses can also be worn underneath helmets. Feet: leather boots with ankle coverage are essential. Guards may also be worn over shoelaces to prevent materials from entering the boots and protect against falling objects. Rubber soles should be fitted on all boots. Hands: flame-resistant gloves that protect against cuts, burns and electric shock are essential. Ears: earmuffs can protect against metal debris, burns, and deafness.

Welders must always wear PPE in optimal condition to prevent an arc flash, or a burn caused by the ultra-violet radiation of electric welding arcs. Poor Mental Fitness The work of welders and fabricators requires laser sharp focus and engagement, which is underpinned by a strong mental headspace. However, the statistics paint a different picture. Around 190 Australians who operate in the construction industry take their own lives each year, which equates to the loss of a construction worker every second day. Construction workers are also six times more likely to die by taking their own life than by an accident on the job. Currently, the industry is predominantly made up of men, who are also more likely to take their own life than women. In fact, men who die by suicide is double the national road toll each year. Crittenden said the construction industry has traditionally been an environment where false perceptions of masculinity exist. “Masculine ideals are founded on toughness, control, autonomy and competence. Seeking help, or even admitting a need for help, can be both confronting and challenging for people working or living in such a setting,” he said. If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Q2 | June 2021

Business Essentials: Money Matters for the New Financial Year Small businesses are integral to the Australian economy. Together, they employ around five million Australians and contribute about 30% of all income tax collected per annum. As smaller businesses are beginning to bounce back from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased business security should remain on top of the agenda moving forward. Weld Australia has compiled a series of practical advice and tips for small business owners to take the heat out of financial year planning and boost financial security in the wake of the pandemic.

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted businesses to make decisions with cascading impacts in a short period of time. As COVID-19 lockdowns took place in all Australian jurisdictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus, 910,055 businesses had enrolled in the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program by May 2020. By March this year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics found 46% of small Australian businesses said meeting their financial commitments over the next three months would be ‘easy or very easy’, when compared to just 23% in August 2020. In addition, 18% of small businesses expected to increase their staffing levels between March and the end of this financial year.

Plan Ahead Forward planning cannot be underestimated. Australia may have moved past the height of the health crisis prompted by COVID-19, but the economic conditions will linger on for many years to come. Therefore, it is crucial that small businesses plan accordingly. Take the time to update all business documents – from strategies to continuity and succession plans – as they will provide practical guides moving forward.

While these figures are promising, Senior Manager Business and Investment Policy at CPA Australia, Gavan Ord, believes smaller businesses should be aware of their capacity and security into the new financial year.

Importantly, these business documents should consider the current and future financial situation of the business, staffing levels, inputs and outputs, and future-proofing the organisation in the event of future lockdowns or rapid changes to the industry.

“With 2021 shaping up as a year of recovery tinged with uncertainty, small businesses should do a business health-check.”

Ord said smaller businesses, which are vulnerable to COVID-related disruptions, should focus on three key areas of the business.

“The diagnosis from this will give you a very good starting point for the year. It will tell you what you’re doing well and should do more of, and what issues may need to be fixed,” he said.

“Pay very close attention to your cashflow, expenses and any debts you incur,” he said.

Ord explained that COVID-19 prompted an era of uncertainty and issues for businesses of all sizes. “COVID-19 created a range of new tax issues for many small businesses and individuals.” Paying tax is a critical part of running a business. Mistakes with lodging a tax return can cost time,

money, and lead to increased stress and financial uncertainty. However, there are a series of practical tips for small businesses to follow.

Australian Welding

Seek Advice and Support As the financial year looms large, smaller businesses can access a range of support options. A tax professional, such as an accountant or business activity statement agent, can help smaller businesses avoid costly errors and mistakes when lodging their tax returns. Businesses should report all financial details with complete accuracy, including

cash takings or money transferred into a private account. “Even with COVID-19 placing pressure on business cash flow, the onus remains on business owners to correctly report their income, claim their expenses and have the appropriate records. Payment plans are available to manage your tax debts with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).” JobKeeper recipients should pay close attention to their tax returns, and make adjustments where appropriate. Affected businesses should also consider consulting a professional for advice on how to build back better. “Heading into the new financial year, if you’ve been relying on JobKeeper, chances are you’ve been more focused on survival than recovery.” “Speak to your accountant about how you can build a better, more resilient business. Businesses that seek professional advice are more likely to survive and recover than those that don’t,” Ord explained. Keep Records Small business owners should keep accurate records for tax purposes, and to gain a better understanding of the company’s financial situation. Importantly, all businesses should cross-check figures with bank statements and source documents, like tax invoices and receipts. In addition, technology – like point of sale software, accounting systems and smartphone applications – are efficient ways to run your business and ensure all figures are balanced. Tax expenses and deductions can be lodged

when completing a tax return, which will be a common feature for staff who were forced to work from home. The ATO urges all individuals who are claiming work-related deductions to ensure the money was spent by the worker and not reimbursed; and relates to earning income. Individuals should keep a record of the amount spent as proof. “Make sure your deductions genuinely relate to your business, and that you have the required evidence to support your claims,” Ord said. Take Your Time In the lead up to lodging your tax return, take the time to crunch the figures and focus on making any necessary changes for increased security. “Small businesses should use the lead up to the end of the financial year to get their books in order. This will put you in the best possible position to tackle your tax obligations,” Ord said. During this time, it may also be beneficial to check your business structure, consolidate and internalise any processes and assess where budget cuts can be made if required. Ord believes small business should think about their operations in a holistic manner, to ensure there are no gaps or future surprises. Financial security can be challenging to navigate, and while professional help is available, personal support can also be beneficial. “Be mindful of the added financial stress you may be facing. Take advantage of the free mental health support programs on offer for small businesses,” Ord said.

Q2 | June 2021

Mental Fitness: Four Tips to Help Get Your Day Off to a Better Start Physical fitness gets plenty of attention—for good reason. A healthy body can help prevent everything from heart disease through to diabetes. Although just as important, mental fitness doesn’t always receive the same consideration. One simple way to build mental fitness is adopting a morning routine that sets your day up for success. Morning routines are powerful. They set the pattern for the rest of the day. A stress-filled morning often spirals into an anxious afternoon. In comparison, starting the day with a focused routine can help create a sense of calm and confidence that makes the rest of the day seem more manageable. A consistent morning routine can also help to prioritise physical and mental fitness for the rest of the day. Everyone’s ideal morning routine will be different, so the following suggestions should be considered a starting point, rather than a prescriptive stepby-step guide. Experiment with what works for you, and remember that consistency is key.

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Australian Australian Welding Welding

According to Gus Worland, Founder of Australia’s leading mental fitness and suicide prevention foundation, Gotcha4Life, strengthening mental fitness is vital. “Mental fitness is so important to me. There are so many people taking their own lives—around seven men per day and two women per day. Suicide is the number one way for men to die,” said Worland. “The ‘old school’ Aussie bloke mentality of ‘she’ll be right mate’ just doesn’t cut it anymore—particularly when subtle little changes in your day-to-day routine can make such a difference.” “We all need to be role models—for our own children, for our apprentices and employees, for anyone who looks up to you. We all need to get out of our comfort zones and try something different like these changes to your morning routine.” Worland believes that the most important aspect of creating a morning routine that builds mental fitness is consistency. “It’s all about consistency at the end of the day. It’s not just about every now and then—it’s about committing to a new routine for at least a month, and seeing how you feel at the end of that.” “The morning routine that you commit to might be really simple. You don’t have to make huge changes. It’s just about using that time when you first wake up in the morning to set yourself up for a great day,” said Worland. 1. Buy An Alarm Clock Worland’s first tip is simple: buy an alarm clock. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 years of age, and men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Workers in construction and other trades— including welding—are even more at risk. Tradies are 70% more likely to die by suicide than their behind-the-desk counterparts. One in five Australians will experience a common mental illness within a 12 month period. The three most common mental illnesses affecting Australians aged between 16 and 85 are anxiety disorders (at 14%), depressive and bipolar disorders (at 6.2%), and substance use disorders. Of the one in five Australians experiencing a mental health disorder, only 35% seek professional support. Despite these alarming statistics, mental fitness definitely isn’t something that tradies talk about at smoko or after knocking off.

“We wake up in the morning, hit snooze, and immediately pick up our phone. From the minute we open our eyes, we’re flicking through our notifications, reading emails, replying to texts, looking at Facebook – all while we’re still lying in bed,” said Worland.

“The ‘old school’ Aussie bloke mentality of ‘she’ll be right mate’ just doesn’t cut it anymore— particularly when subtle little changes in your day-to-day routine can make such a difference.”

~ Gus Worland (Founder and Director of Gotcha4Life)

Q1 Q2| |March June 2021

When we check our phones, we’re inviting a whole flood of stimulation into our brain. We’re confronted with a range of issues that seem to all simultaneously demand our immediate attention. This can be particularly confronting if you’re in a relaxed state, such as that after sleeping. Instead, Worland suggests that we maintain that relaxed state for as long as possible. “Go and buy an alarm clock – that way, you don’t even have to have your phone in your bedroom. I do this myself, along with all my kids. Of a night, my whole family leaves their phones all lined up on the kitchen bench charging—it’s great!” “We all want to get ahead of things and make sure we’re on top of our inboxes. We’re all committed

to our jobs. But, we aren’t sleeping enough as it is, and as soon as we wake up, the drama starts. We’ve got to start looking after ourselves a bit better. No job is paying you from the minute you wake up. So, take some time for yourself in the morning and start your day off right,” said Worland. “Freddy Fittler [head coach of the New South Wales State of Origin team] gets all his players to do this. Mobile phones are taken off all the players. Freddy wants them to talk, to make eye contact, to get to know each other—to build a real team. It’s impossible to do this with a mobile phone in hand.” “We’ve become addicted to mobile phones, and they are a necessary evil. We just need to stay away from our phones for the first five minutes of our

Men’s Health Week: 14 to 20 June 2021 The health status of males in most countries, including Australia, is generally poorer than that of females. More males die at every stage of their life, more males have accidents, more males take their own lives and more males suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions than females at the same age. Meanwhile, men are less frequent visitors to general practitioners, and the perception is that they don’t care about health or that health services are not well-prepared to interact with men effectively. Men’s Health Week was started in the United States by the US Congress in 1994 to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. In Australia, Men’s Health Week provides a platform for challenging and debating key issues in men’s health and to raise the profile of men, their health outcomes and health needs. For more information, visit: menshealthweek.org.au

Australian Welding

day—it gives us all a much better chance of getting through the day with less stress,” said Worland. Plus, reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up is a surefire way to derail your morning routine. Before you know it, you’ll have spent half an hour on Instagram and be rushing out the door to get to work. 2. Breathe “Get out of bed. Go to the toilet. Then, come back and sit on the edge of the bed. While seated, breathe for a minute – in through the nose for five seconds, out through the mouth for five seconds. Do that for a minute. It should take about five breaths. Nice and easy,” said Worland. When you’re stressed or anxious, your breathing is usually fast and shallow, rather than slow and deep. This is the body’s natural response to stress. Taking some deep breaths can actually help to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to produce a sense of calm. 3. Drink Some Water “Put a glass of water next to your alarm clock before you go to bed at night. While you’re sleeping, you’re getting more and more dehydrated. So, you

need to start hydrating as soon as you wake up. Take a minute or so to drink a glass of water,” said Worland. Hydrating actually helps increase our cognitive function and gives us a clearer mind. It can improve your mood and energy levels, and even balance out hormones and emotional responses—all in less than a minute. 4. Make Your Bed Lastly, get up and make your bed. It might seem small and inconsequential, but making your bed can help to set the tone for your entire day. It can make your physical space feel less messy and cluttered, which impacts on your mental space. As retired US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven once said, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. And by the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”

Further Information If you’d like further details, or are keen to run a mental fitness program at your organisation, contact Donna South (National Manager Membership & Marketing, Weld Australia) on d.south@weldaustralia.com.au or 0409 609 031. Weld Australia has partnered with Man Anchor and Gotcha4Life to help build the mental fitness of Australia’s welders.

Q1 Q2| |March June 2021

Women in Welding: Skylar Wright Boilermaking is second nature to Skylar Wright. From a young age, Skylar knew that she wanted to pursue a career in a trade. Today, she stands tall as a passionate boilermaker at her family’s successful welding business, Wright’s Welding Operation, in the heart of the Australian outback. Initially, Skylar found it challenging entering the maledominated world of welding. However, she soon found her feet and has become a trailblazer for other women in the industry. Skylar started her career early by enrolling in a pre-apprenticeship course. She joined the TAFE at School program and completed a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways alongside her Year 12 studies. After high school, Skylar began her apprenticeship at the TAFE Queensland Mount Isa campus. She was able to access free apprenticeships for under 21s and enrolled in a Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade Boilermaking and Welding. Skylar’s dedication to her training and her enthusiasm for encouraging more women to become boilermakers earned her a TAFE Queensland 2020 Mount Isa Trade Excellence Award; she was named the Female Trades Student of the Year. Each day, Skylar draws on more than three generations of family inspiration to carry out fabrication works in the family business. In 1993, Wright’s Welding Operation was born in Mount Isa, Queensland. The town is situated 977km west of Townsville and has a strong mining history, after substantial lead discoveries were made in 1923. Today, Mount Isa is one of the world’s top ten producers of lead, silver, zinc, and copper. Wright’s Welding Operation fixes and maintains heavy earthmoving equipment, with a key focus on quality and addressing local needs. Skylar is crucial to meeting the company’s vision, as she draws on her skills and imagination to conceptualise, design, and build welded products in the company’s workshop. Skylar took time out to answer some questions about her welding career so far.

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Describe your job. In Wright’s welding workshop there are two key areas. One area works with heavy fabrication projects, like rebuilding and repairing loader buckets, and dump truck trays. Meanwhile, our second area is for the lighter fabrication work like general repair jobs, or building steel and aluminium vehicle ute trays. I mainly work in the second area, where my work focuses on building commercial steel ute trays for the local people of Mount Isa and surrounding areas, alongside differently designed trays for mining vehicles for our three local mining companies. I work with basic standard trays, and the more modified trays with canopies, toolboxes and other extras. What inspired you to choose a career in welding? Boilermaking is in my blood. My family has a highly successful business that has been running for nearly 30 years. My grandparents, uncle, mother, and a few other family members all work in the business. I pursued work in the industry because it’s something I always found interesting. Starting from when I was really young, and watching my grandfather building a boat or doing general repair works, I would grab a spare helmet and watch as he worked. I spent a lot of my school holidays at my

family’s business, where I got to watch my family and the other workers do really interesting work, which left me feeling inspired. Why do you think women should consider a career in welding? This career is perfect for women who find themselves working better on the move and using their hands. Some people can’t sit still to work at a desk job, and I think this is just one of the reasons women should definitely consider this job. It keeps both the mind and body active. Do you have any advice for women considering a career in welding? Never, ever give up. If a person has an interest or passion for the job, then let that push them to the best they can be. There are always going to be days when the work is too hard or hot, or even days where you will question why you want to continue in this profession. But I would advise people that you can do anything and that not every day is going to be like the last. Also, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything just because you’re a woman. Be confident in yourself and the work that you do. Lastly, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Have you found working in a traditionally male-dominated industry difficult? At first, I certainly did. However, I was lucky enough to find myself in a working environment where most of the workers accepted me, saw my interest and love for the work. I was a 17-year-old girl that had just graduated from high school and there were a few male workers who thought I wasn’t going to be able to handle the work, and even thought that I was kidding myself being there. This affected my confidence and self-esteem because I started thinking to myself that they must be right, because a woman in such a career was very rare. Five years later, I look back and laugh because those people made me push myself to prove that I was more than capable at handling the work. What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on? A project I have worked on myself that I found both challenging and interesting was a complete rebuild on a tray built for a dump truck. We had to rebuild and install the walls and floor for the tray. I had to air-arc gouge all the old flooring and walls on the inside and outside of the tray, then grind out all the old built up mine dust and dirt from inside the tray. I then had to replace all the floor and walls with thicker steel and weld out the whole tray. After the tray got flipped over, I had to repair the cracks and damages on the outside of the tray. I found it interesting because there was so much involved in just one job.

Who has inspired you professionally? The first person who comes to my mind would be my grandfather. He was 15 years old when he started his apprenticeship, but two years later, he was working on a vehicle that caught on fire and resulted in over 50% of his body being burnt. He spent 18 months in the hospital recovering from the injuries only to be told that he could never be a boilermaker again. In the 44 years since, he has not only recovered from his burns but also finished his apprenticeship, won awards for his work, and also opened a well-respected business that has been running for nearly 30 years. Today, he is 63 years old and still works on the tools in the company. He has shown me what it really means to be in this profession. What do you believe is the biggest challenge for the welding industry? The biggest challenge we face is finding people who want to work in such hot and dirty conditions. Finding people who have the passion for the trade, and the drive to do the job correctly. Welding is not for everyone. It is hot, heavy and dirty. I have noticed less people wanting such a job, which is why it’s challenging to find enough people to do the work. What do you believe is the biggest opportunity for the welding industry at the moment? The new technology that is rolling out across the industry provides such big opportunities. There are always new tools and machines being made and purchased for the industry to improve its work, in terms of the quality and speed of production.

Q2 | June 2021

Do No Harm: Canada’s Position on

Welding Power Source No-Load Voltage In 2019, the CSA Group published the Canadian National Standard CSA W117.2:19 Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes. For environments in which there is an increased risk of electric shock, the Standard includes a requirement that a voltage reduction device—that limits the open circuit voltage of MMAW, GTAW and Air Arc Gouging power sources to 12 volts—is used. Dave Hisey, Chair of the Canadian Safety in Welding Cutting and Allied Processes Committee, provides an overview of the Standard. Background: Case Studies On 25 June 2014, a 29-year-old male welder died when the welding electrode penetrated his neck. He was seated on the building structure to which his return lead was connected. This was the case which caused the reduction in acceptable no-load voltage (open circuit voltage or OCV) under specified conditions to 12 volts within Canada. From Engineering Report, Electrocution Incident Carmuse Lime, Dundas Operations, Dundas, Ontario, Canada (Cement Plant Kiln): • The kiln was in operation and extremely hot humid (50°C and 85% humidity) and noisy at the time of the accident. • The welding spot was tight, awkward, and the lighting was poor. • There was no insulating material to isolate the welder from the work piece (coal bin) or other metallic parts inherently connected to the work piece. • There was no safe place to place or store the live electrode holder • The return lead was connected to structural members more than 30m from the area where the victim was welding creating stray welding currents throughout the structure. Does any of the above sound familiar to repair and maintenance welders? Electrical Contact Points The coroner detected only one massive entry wound, where the electrode penetrated the victims neck. The electrode had embedded in the victim’s neck at a downward angle, exit burns were found in the vicinity of his knee. In the follow-up court review of the death, there was discussion that the victim may have committed suicide as the investigators had

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no experience with electrode shock fatalities, and for part of the actual investigation could not believe that a welding machine could kill anyone. For the family, I reviewed and created a report on 18 welding electrode fatalities I had on file. In a review of 18 individual cases of electrode shock death, I found that: • 8 had electrode contact points of face or neck • 2 cases rescuers were unable to remove the electrode from the victim’s mouth due to locked condition • 11 were found in lying position in contact with metal or ground • 1 sitting position on base metal • 1 foaming at the mouth • 1 had high enzymes (muscle damage or excessive use) • 1 had lung and kidneys congested with fluids. Additionally, one of the serious injury cases had direct forehead contact with a new electrode, welder lying in prone position - knocked unconscious for an undetermined time period. Face and neck contact is a normal finding in fatal or serious injury welding electrode shock occurrences. From a welding electrode fatality perspective, the 25 June 2014 investigation provides a disorganised report; concentrating more on the primary power circuit than the welding circuit which was the cause of the fatality. This is not unusual; I have looked at many welding electrode fatalities where the investigation team is not familiar with this cause of death. They eventually get to the cause.

The Welding Current Electric Shock Injury or Fatality Report The Report was created to simplify investigation in cases of welding electrode shock injury or fatality. This report was published as Weld Australia‘s Technical Guidance Note TGN-SW03 Welding Electrical Safety—Electric shock injury and electrocution reporting. It is available and can be downloaded free of charge, for your use via the Resource Centre on the Weld Australia website. Please use this form as we learn much from welding electrode injuries when welders are alive to explain what happened, or, nearly happened. It was the fatal accident of 25 June 2014 and the investigation into it which caused the Canadian CSA W117.2 technical committee to create the changes to CSA W117.2 Safety in welding cutting and allied processes. This individual had also suffered such a severe welding electrode shock one week before that he went home early from work physically sick. Had the Welding Current Electric Shock Injury or Fatality Report been available and used to understand the issues which allowed him to receive such a severe shock; one more young welder, husband and father, son and brother may still be alive today. My friend Darren and I had an email discussion on the voltage levels specified in IEC 60974-1 prior to submitting our national vote on that edition of the standard in a January 2016 email. Darren’s response to my question on how our vote should go: “In regard to voltage level [specified in IEC 60974-1], I have always advocated a much lower level being acceptable. Because I have the knowledge that our test work revealed worst case scenarios of body resistances being less than 100 ohms, in good conscience I cannot endorse having open circuit voltage higher than 12VDC. This voltage level is achievable with no effect to the welding process, so to recommend a higher level, would on my part, be negligence.” Darren Green died of a heart attack on 3 November 2020 at the age of 58. Although a few years younger than me, Darren had been my mentor on this subject from the early 1990s when I first began working on finding ways to reduce the incidents of welding electrode shock and the injuries and fatalities eventually caused. His work continues through CSA W117.2 technical committee and the lessons he taught us. CSA W117.2-19 Clause 7.2.1.2.21 Accordingly, for high risk welding environments, CSA W117.2 specifies: To reduce the hazard to life, a voltage reducing

device that allows 12 volts or less, no load voltage shall be used where all the following conditions are met: a) in environments with increased risk of electric shock (see Clause 3); b) when the welders body is likely to be in contact with the metal being welded or with the earth; c) when using the following welding or cutting processes: SMAW, GTAW, or CAC/CAG; and d) when the welding or cutting machine or system is not equipped with a circuit that de-energises the welding machine secondary voltage until the welder is safely positioned, the electrode is installed in the holder/torch and is ready to strike the arc with a normally open manual electrical switch. Further: CSA W117.2-19 Clause 7.2.1.2.31 To reduce the hazard to life, a voltage reducing device that allows less than 12 volt no load voltage should be used where all the following conditions are met: a) in environments with increased risk of electric shock (See Clause 3); b) when the welders body is likely to be in contact with the metal being welded or with the earth; and, c) when the welding orcutting machine or system is not equipped with a circuit that de-energises the welding machine secondary voltage until the welder is safely positioned, the electrode is installed in the holder/torch/gun and is ready to strike the arc with a normally open manual electrical switch. These requirements are consistent with the recommendations within Weld Australia’s Technical Note 7 Health and safety in welding, Technical Note 22 Welding electrical safety, and Australian industry’s best practice for high risk welding environments. Source: CSA W117.2:19, Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes. © 2019 Canadian Standards Association. Please visit https://www.csagroup.org/store/

With the permission of Canadian Standards Association, (operating as “(SA Group”), 178 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9W lR3, material is reproduced from CSA Group standard CSA W117.2:19, Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes. This material is not the complete and official position of CSAGroup on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the Standard in its entirety. While use of the material has been authorized, CSA Group is not responsible for the manner in which the data is presented, nor for any representations and interpretations. No further reproduction is permitted. For more information or to purchase standard(s) from CSA Group, please visit store.csagroup.org or call 1-800-463-6727.

Q2 | June 2021

The Changing Face of Australian Standards Australian Standards are living documents. They reflect progresses in science, technology and systems. To maintain their relevancy, all Standards are periodically reviewed, with amendments and revised editions published. The last few months have seen several developments, including an urgent review into standards related to rubber hoses for welding, cutting and allied processes, and ongoing reviews into standards related to pressure equipment and steel structures. Pressure Equipment Committee ME-001 has initiated the revision of AS 1796 Certification of welders and welding supervisors, and a draft has been prepared. It is was released for public comment on 9 June 2021. The draft will include items from other pressure equipment standards, including new provisions for a pressure equipment welding inspector. Separately, the Committee has also completed the balloting of the latest revision of AS 2593 Boilers— Safety management and supervision systems, and the standard was published on 19 March 2021. As previously reported, users have reported a number of issues with the revised AS 3992 Pressure equipment—Welding and brazing qualification (published in June 2020), and a minor amendment will be required to address the issues raised. Users are encouraged to report any issues they encounter with the draft and they will be forwarded to the drafting committee when the opportunity arises. As AS 2593 has been published, the project proposal for the revision of AS/NZS 3788 Pressure equipment—In‑service inspection has been finalised and submitted to Standards Australia. Standards Australia have advised that the project proposal has been accepted and the formal revision process will commence in the coming months. Welding of Structures Review of public comment on the draft of the revision of AS/NZS 1554.2 Structural steel welding—Part 2: Stud welding (steel studs to steel) was completed in December 2020. An error was detected in the table of values relating to threaded studs. This table has been revised and the Standard was released for further public comment and

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committee ballot on 26 May 2021. Comment closes on 7 July 2021. Eye and Face Protection Committee SF-006 has been active in the revision of ISO 25980 Health and safety in welding and allied processes — Transparent welding curtains, strips and screens for arc welding processes. As such, there is likely to be changes made to the Australian Standard that governs welding screens and curtains: AS/NZS 3957 Light-transmitting screens and curtains for welding operations. Under consideration is a move from the existing calculation of a spectral risk factor ‘G’ at specific wavelengths, to the calculation of blue light transmittance and replacement of the spectral transmittance limits in the UV with a value of transmittance weighted by the skin/cornea sensitivity to damage. Whilst this may relax current requirements, there will also be a luminous transmittance-based classification, and curtains may be quite light provided that they provide the full UV and blue light protection. As such, curtains will be required to be labelled with their category: Light, Medium, Dark or Extra Dark. Currently, the AS/NZS range does not extend to either the Light or Extra Dark categories. People directly viewing the arc will need a protective filter, the strength of which will depend on curtain category (see also AS/NZS 1336). For people protected by the curtain and working in the vicinity but not directly viewing the arc, the use of safety glasses will still be recommended. With all of these proposed changes, Australia is

yet to decide if the proposed ISO 25980 will be considered for adoption. ISO Update ISO TC44/SC10 has commenced the revision of the ISO 3834 series of Standards primarily to take cognisance of changes to ISO 9001 and the 2019 edition of ISO 14731. Parts 2 to 4 inclusive have been published with Parts 1 and 5 being prepared for FDIS ballot, and Part 6 prepared for DTR ballot. The next meeting is scheduled for September 2021. TC44/ SC10 has also been revising ISO 17660 Welding— Welding of reinforcing steel. This edition is planned to combined the two existing parts into a single document. A number of meetings have been held, and submitted comments have now been resolved. A DIS ballot is likely within the coming months. Similarly, ISO TC44/SC11 has commenced the revision of ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders—Fusion welding—Part 1: Steels with the intention of combining all 5 parts into the one standard. This will simplify the ongoing maintenance and review requirements for the standards as Parts 2 to 5 of ISO 9606-1 are in need of revision. Work on resolving comments is ongoing. Standards Map Weld Australia has prepared a new Technical Guidance Note: TGN-SG07, which details and maps Australian and Australian/New Zealand Standards relevant to welding. This Guidance Note is available for free download from the Resources Centre via Weld Australia’s website, and is published on pages 26 to 27 of this magazine. The map will be updated periodically.

Download Weld Australia’s new Standards Map

Weld Australia Releases Updated Technical and Guidance Notes Weld Australia recently released updated versions of two of its Technical Notes and their associated Guidance Notes related to welder safety in Australia: • Technical Note 7: Health and Safety in Welding • Technical Note 22: Welding Electrical Safety • Guidance Note TGN-SW03 Welding Electrical Safety: Electric Shock Injury and Electrocution Reporting • Guidance Note TGN-SW07 Health & Safety in Welding: Guides & Forms Technical Note 7: Health and Safety in Welding This Technical Note gives guidance on health and safety practices in welding, cutting and allied processes such as brazing, soldering, pre- and postweld material treatments and metal spraying, for the prevention of injury, ill health and discomfort, as well as damage to property, equipment and environment by fire, and explosion. Various Chapters deal with: • Basic principles of safe working • The main hazards and safety measures in welding, cutting and allied processes • Precautions required in particular working situations Technical Note 22: Welding Electrical Safety Although electric arc welding can be performed perfectly safely, there are circumstances when there is a substantial risk of electric shock. Precautions against this risk include use of properly maintained equipment, correct protective equipment and sound work practices. With reference to Industry best practice, Technical Note 22 addresses how to safeguard a person against electric shock, reviewing elements such as: equipment, the human body, the workplace Australian Standards.

CONTACT engineering@weldaustralia.com.au | VISIT weldaustralia.com.au Q2 | June 2021

Australian & Australian/New Zeala

TGN-SG07

“Standards do not replace education, sound judgem

Quality Requirements for Welding §

Weld De

Metallic Structures

AS/NZS ISO 3834 Series

AS 4100, AS/NZS 4600, AS 3990, AS 5100

Fabrication and Erection

AS/NZS 5131

Materials

AS/NZS 1163, AS 1397, AS 1450, AS/NZS 1594, AS/NZS 1595, AS/ZS 3678, AS/NZS 3679.1, AS/NZS 3679.2, AS/NZS 3679.1, AS 3597, SA TS 103

AS/NZS 1734 AS/NZS 1865 AS/NZS 1866 AS/NZS 1867 AS/NZS 1874

Welding, WPS

AS/NZS 1554

AS/NZS 1665

Welder Qualifications

AS/NZS 1554, AS/NZS 2980, AS/NZS ISO 9606.1

AS/NZS 1665

AS/NZS 1554

AS/NZS 1665

Post Weld Heat Treatment Material Groupings

Trans Joggle Tensile Trans Butt Tensile All-Weld Tensile Trans Joggle Tensile Tensile Cruciform Bend Tests Trans Free Bend Trans Joggle Butt Wrap Tongue Bend Test Fracture Test Macroscopic Hardness Test

SA/SNZ TR ISO 15608, ISO/TR 20172, ISO/TR 20173, ISO/TR 20174

Charpy-V Notch Test Dropweight Fracture

AS/NZS 2327, AS 3600

Steel: Studs & Reinforcing

AS/NZS ISO 13918, AS/NZS 4671

Bridges

AS 5100

Corrosion Test Aust. SS

Welding, WPS

AS/NZS 1554.2, & .3

Cold Cracking

Fracture Mechanics Hot Cracking

AS/NZS 1200, AS 1210, AS 1228, AS 2971, AS 3857, AS 4041

AS 4458, AS 3509

AS 1796, AS 3992, AS/NZS ISO 9606.1

Brazing & Brazing Consumables

AS 3992, AS 1167.1

Examination & Testing

AS1796, AS 3992, ISO 9606-2

AS/NZS 3788

Installation

AS 3892

Testing GTAW Electrodes Hard Facing

Non-A Fine G St

AS 3920

Design Welding, Testing, etc.

AS/NZS 2885

Materials

AS 2074

Welding

AS 1988.1

Measurement of Preheat

AS/NZS ISO 13918

Measurement of Arc Energies

ISO/TR 18491

Calibration, Validation & Verification

ISO 17662

NDT - General Rules

AS 1101.3, AS 1929, ISO 17635

Visual Testing

AS/NZS ISO 17637

Radiographic Testing

AS 2177 AS 1710, AS 2207, ISO 10863, ISO 13588

UT of Austenitic Steels & Ni

ISO 22825

UT Thickness Testing

Penetrant Testing (general)

Procurement

AS 2129, AS 2556, AS 4331

Conformity Assessment

Macro & Microscopic Testing

Technical Delivery

AS 1271, AS 1351, AS 1732, AS 2593, AS 2872, AS 3873, AS 4343

Flanges & Piping

Magnetic Particle Testing

AS1796, AS 3992, ISO 9606-3, -4, -5

AS 4037

Inspection

Ultrasonic Testing

Weldin

AS 3992

Personnel Qualifications

Operation & Safety

Delta Ferrite

AS 1548

Welding, WPS Pressure Equipment

All-weld Tensile

AS 4458

Manufacture

Inspection & Testing After Welding

AS/NZS 1664.1 & .2

Trans Butt Tensile

Design

Materials

Castings

Cu, Ni, Ti, Zr

AS 1796, AS/NZ 2214, AS/NZS ISO 14731

Design & Application

Pipelines

Aluminium

Design

Welding Supervision & Coordination

Concrete & Composite Structures

Steel

AS ISO 16809 AS ISO 9934 series AS/NZS 2205.5.1 AS ISO 3452 series

Eddy Current Testing

AS ISO 15549, AS ISO 17643

Personnel

AS ISO 9712, AS ISO 20807

MMAW

AS/NZS

GMAW

AS/NZS

GTAW

AS/NZS & ISO 6

SAW Electrodes

AS/NZS 14171

SAW Flux FCAW

AS/NZS 17632

Gas Welding

AS/NZS & ISO 2

Shielding Gas Notes:

§ -

References in fields This document is ba Refer to the Nationa ISO standards are r This Technical Guid alteration. It will be - Users should alway

Disclaimer: While every effort has been m be held to be liable or responsible in any costs or expenses incurred as a result of

and Standards for Fusion Welding

ment and good engineering practice”, Mathias Lundin

estructive Testing

Environment, Health & Safety

AS 2205.2.1

Respiratory Protection

AS/NZS 1715, AS/NZS 1716

AS 2205.2.2

Fume Sampling in Breathing Zone

AS 3853.1, AS 3853.2, AS3640

AS 2205.2.3

Head Protection

AS/NZS 1801

AS 2205.2.1

Eye Protection

AS/NZS 1336, AS/NZS 1337, AS/NZS 1338

AS 2205.2.2

Protective Clothing

AS/NZS 2161, AS/NZS 2210, ISO 11611

AS 2205.2.3

Welding Curtains

AS/NZS 3957

ISO 9018

Noise

AS/NZS 1269 series

AS/NZS 2205.3.1

Confined Spaces

AS 2685

AS 2205.3.2

Electrical Safety

AS 1674.2, AS 60479.1

AS 2205.3.4

Fire Safety

AS 1674.1, AS 1940, AS/NZS ISO 60079

AS 2205.3.5

Ionising Radiation

AS 2243 series

AS/NZS 2205.4.1

Laser Safety

AS/NZS 1336, AS/NZS 1337.4 & .5, AS/NZS IEC 60825 series

AS/NZS 2205.5.1

Environment, Risk & OHS Management

AS/NZS ISO 14001, AS/NZS ISO 31000, AS/NZS ISO 45001

AS 2205.6.1 Welding Equipment

AS 2205.7.1 AS 2205.7.2

Arc Welding Power Sources

AS 60974.1, AS 60974.6, AS 60529, AS 2799, AS 4417.2, IEC 60974–14

AS 2205.8.1

Arc Welding Cables & Equipment

AS/NZS 1995, AS 60479.11, IEC 60974–7, IEC 60974–12

AS 2205.9.1

Gas Hoses

AS/NZS 1335, AS/NZS 1869

AS 2205.10.1

Gas Cylinders & Reticulation

AS 1345, AS 1596, AS 4289, AS 4332, AS 4484, AS 4645.2, AS 4839

ISO 17641-1, -2, -3

Gas Regulators, Valves, Flash-Back Arrestors

AS 1349, AS 2473.1 .2 & .3, AS 4267, AS 4603, AS 4840

Symbols

AS 1101.3

Terms & Definitions

AS 2812, AS 4942

Welding Positions

AS/NZS 3545

Materials Groupings

SA/SNZ TR ISO 15608, ISO 20172, ISO 20173, ISO 20174

Quality Levels

AS/NZS ISO 5817, ISO 10042

Mechanical Equipment - Steelwork

AS 3990

ISO 6848 & AWS 5.12

Metal Finishing Prep.

AS 1627 series

AS/NZS 2576

Sun Protection

AS/NZS 2604, AS/NZS 4399

ISO 17655

Others

ng Consumables AS/NZS ISO 544 AS/NZS ISO 14344 ISO 15792-1, -2, -3, 6847, 14372, 8249, 3690, 2401 & AS/NZS 3752

Alloy & Grained teel

S 4855

Classification of Welding Consumables High-Strength Steel AS/NZS 4857

Creep Resistant Steel

Stainless & Heat Resisting Steel

AS/NZS 4856

AS/NZS 4854

S 14341

S 1167.2 636

S ISO

S 1167.2 20378

AS/NZS 16834

AS/NZS ISO 26304

AS/NZS 21952

AS/NZS ISO 14343

AS/NZS ISO 24598

Nickel

Copper

Aluminium

ISO 14172

ISO 17777

ISO 18274

ISO 24373

AS/NZS ISO 18273

ISO 18274 & AS/NZS 1167.2

ISO 24373 & AS/NZS 1167.2

AS/NZS ISO 18273 & AS/NZS 1167.2

Cast Iron

Titanium

Magnesium

ISO 1071

ISO 1071 & AS/NZS 1167.2

ISO 24034 AS/NZS 1167.2

ISO 18274

AS/NZS ISO 14174 AS/NZS ISO 18276

AS/NZS ISO 17634

AS/NZS ISO 17633

ISO 12153

AS/NZS 1167.2 & ISO 20378

ISO 1071 ISO 1071 & AS/NZS 1167.2

AS/NZS 1167.2

AS 4882 or ISO 14175

s with this colour are directly linked to AS/NZS ISO 3834. ased on a similar document for ISO and EN standards produced by Mathias Lundin, Swedish Welding Commission. It is available at www.svets.se/overview. al Construction Code and the Building Code of Australia published by the Australian Building Codes Board for the design, construction and modification of buildings. referenced where there is no equivalent Australian or Australian/New Zealand standard. dance Note has been published by Weld Australia. The latest edition is available at www.weldaustralia.com.au. Usage of the document is permitted without erasure or e revised from time to time and comments aimed at its improvement are welcome. ys refer to Standards Australia to verify the currency of the standards listed prior to use.

made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the material contained herein, users should always refer to Standards Australia’s website to verify the currenty of the standards prioir to use. The authors, editors and publishers of this publication shall not y way whatsoever and expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage costs or expenses howsoever caused incurred by any person whether the purchaser of this work or otherwise including but without in any way limiting any loss or damage f or in connection with the reliance whether whole or partial by any person as aforesaid upon any part of the contents of this Technical Guidance Note. Should expert assistance be required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

2 8748 0100 | PO Box 197, Macquarie Park BC, NSW 1670 | ABN 69 003 696 526

New Certifications Refocus Aerison on Seamless Delivery and Expansion Aerison has one simple policy: ‘clients for life’. For over 30 years, this strategy has guided the company’s staff to strive for excellence and maintain strong customer relationships. Founded in 1988, the company has grown from a specialist environmental engineering company into a broad based engineering design and construction company that delivers multi-disciplined EPC, engineering and design, construction and maintenance services to various industries and clients across Australia. To remain competitive and maintain industry excellence, Aerison recently certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085. Together, these internationally recognised certifications will enhance the company’s profile, open a new range of opportunities in a post-pandemic world, and help forge its position in a new market segment.

George Mathew is the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager at Aerison. He oversees the company’s seamless delivery of projects across Australia. George believes the key to the company’s success is to ensure a stringent and uniform approach to quality. “This approach ensures Aerison maintains its position as a multi-disciplined EPC services provider that is recognised for delivering solutions safely, to the highest quality and to schedule,” he said. Aerison provides end-to-end engineering design, construction, and asset maintenance to their clients. The company’s skilled workforce is matched with expertise in administration and project management. “We’re more than just a multi-disciplined engineering, fabrication and construction company. We provide crucial services for tier one mining, oil and gas, infrastructure projects and now to the rail sector,” Mathew said. The company was founded in 1988 and acquired by Giuseppe Leone and Daniel Hibbs in November

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2016. “We are proudly Western Australian owned and operated. Our expertise lies in full turn-key solutions,” Mathew said. “We really care about our clients and staff. In fact, our ethos is to maintain long-term relationships with our clients, and retain staff, even after a project is finalised and completed.” Aerison has around 125 management and engineering staff, and 420 supervisory and bluecollar tradespeople. “Our staff come into work and focus on commitment, expertise, responsibility, and excellence,” Mathew said. Specialist Environmental Division The Aerison Group is widely recognised for its specialist expertise in environmental services across four key areas being: Air Particle Control (APC) or dust control, emissions control, noise abatement and water and wastewater treatment. No matter the requirement, Aerison is there to help clients reduce the impact of their operations on the environment by performing studies and audits, compliance testing, engineering and design, construction, commissioning, inspection and maintenance. Aerison’s bespoke environmental services are

utilised by asset owners across mining and minerals processing, agriculture, chemicals and power generation, as well as port, road tunnel and rail infrastructure. Multi-Disciplined Engineering and Construction Aerison is focused on its core disciplines of structural, mechanical, piping electrical and instrumentation. In 2017, the company established an engineering consultancy division that has grown to over 35 staff and supports the businesses diverse client base. “The ability to provide clients with an end-to-end seamless delivery solution has really set the business apart from its peers,” said George. In recent years, Aerison has established a capability in large scale construction projects having recently completed the construction of a Powder Leach Nickel Sulphate plant for BHP Nickel West and a number of expansion Projects for Rio Tinto across their operations in the Pilbara. Aerison recognised the need to be involved in the complete life cycle of their clients assets and to have a balanced mix of project versus ongoing maintenance type work. “The company has built up an impressive portfolio of master services agreements and preferred vendor status arrangements across multiple sectors which include iron ore, gold, mineral sands, port infrastructure, grain handling, utilities, road tunnel and rail car manufacturing,” said Mathew. Aerison’s CEO, Giuseppe Leone, said, “The company will continue to diversify and expand its footprint across Australia and into other sectors such as infrastructure, defence and utilities when the correct opportunity presents itself. Whilst the spend in mining and resources is anticipated to remain buoyant for some time, it is important that we set the business up to be able to pivot into other areas as and when the market focus shifts”. “Achieving AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085 was a huge success story for the business, and involved an enormous amount of commitment and effort by the team,” said Leone.

Achieving Certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085 Aerison recently received two certifications to advance their fabrication capabilities: AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085. AS/NZS ISO 3834 specifies the quality requirements that are expected for fusion welding on a global scale. The certification is also a prerequisite for EN 15085, which is an exclusive certification for personnel who are working with railway vehicles, their components and assembly. “We embarked on this journey to ensure Aerison’s participation in the growth of the rail manufacturing industry in Australia. It will also help to guarantee that Aerison’s systems are aligned with the international requirements for rail fabrication and assembly,” Mathew said. Since Aerison certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085, Mathew believes new opportunities have already begun to present themselves. “We’re seeing a lot of increased work come through for Australian rail opportunities, and even new international opportunities in the rail industry. It helps to ensure that we stay competitive and meet the ongoing demands of our clients.” Mathew described the overall certification process as “informative, interesting, detailed and structured”. He also explained that other likeminded companies should consider certifying to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085. “When you start the process, you should ensure your base systems are operating to a satisfactory minimum standard prior to engaging with this certification.” “You don’t want to be caught out and have to change the way you are already operating. Listen, take notes and ensure this is a whole-of-organisation approach to certification,” he concluded.

For further information, visit: aerison.com

Q2 | June 2021

Certification Boosts Shotton Group’s Manufacturing Capabilities The Shotton Group’s success story started in 1977, when founder Roy Shotton opened his family-owned business with nine employees. Today, the company boasts over 80 staff members, and has continued its strong focus on quality control and continuous improvement in the design, engineering and fabrication of metals. The company works with a range of customers across rail, bus, aviation, architectural, biomedical, forensic, and general infrastructure works. In line with their ongoing professional development, the Shotton Group was recently certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085, which will help boost their manufacturing capabilities and bring a new list of clients on board.

According to Robert Lamb (Quality Systems and Work Health and Safety Manager, Shotton Group), family values remain at the heart of the company. “It’s still very much focused as a Shotton familybusiness. The company has its roots in the family, but we’re all very much a part of that family from the way that they treat their employees.” Shotton Group was a pioneer in securing high-level projects, which presented some challenges, but also generated growth and interest in the business from the very start. “They wanted to cater towards the types of work that nobody else was really looking at – jobs that were traditionally deemed ‘too difficult’. We’ve still got a little bit of that occurring today, but the dynamic of the business has changed substantially since its inception,” Lamb said. Forty-four years later, the business has leveraged its expertise and branched out into different areas. “When the business was first conceived, it was merely a fabrication business, working with welding sheet metal. We began working with smaller and Image: Shotton Group designs and manufactures hydraulic lifters from start to finish. Credit: Shotton Group.

medium-sized companies. In the present day, we are an all-inclusive business. We cover design and design support for manufacturing and assembly, which allows us to make a product in a more economical way,” Lamb said. “We can offer any size solutions. Whether it’s a complete solution, or just elements of what we do combined, we can tailor ourselves to suit our customers and their needs. We’re not scared of anything, which goes back to our founding principles that we’re happy to take on challenging and difficult tasks, because we have the capabilities to deliver where other similar businesses may not,” Lamb said. The company’s all-in approach has also allowed them to branch into international markets. Today, Shotton exports to the United States, including biomedical sheet metal components manufactured to the Food and Drug Administration’s high standards. NOTUS Project Saves Lives During COVID-19 The Shotton Group’s expertise was recently enlisted on the NOTUS project – a multinational conglomerate of companies that worked together in a partnership to provide ventilators for COVID-19 patients. Together, the partnership manufactured and delivered 2,100 ventilators across Australia. It was supported by a $31.3 million Federal Government supply contract. Overall, the project created or retained 250 jobs across the broad spectrum of suppliers. “We rapidly developed the ventilators, got them approved and then went through a series of manufacturing stages through the partners that were involved. It was a pretty quick turnaround, as we were working on a tight schedule,” Lamb explained. “We’re really proud of that particular collaboration

Australian Welding

project, as we completed it during a time of great need. It was formed by one of our existing clients who received a government grant to build ventilators under licence.” The Shotton Group used their 8,000m2 facility to deliver the project. The company’s head office and manufacturing hub is based in Melbourne, with a further five satellite factories within walking distance, and a warehouse in Queensland. Their Melbourne facility includes the Amada Combination Laser and Punch, which is unique to the Shotton Group. It offers speed and excellence not matched by other machinery located at similar companies. “We’ve got a combination machine that does laser cutting, turret punching, and has folding capacity. In that configuration, it is a one-of-a-kind machine in the southern hemisphere. That machine gives us the flexibility to stack up to five different types of materials and then pre-program different jobs to run during the day or night,” Lamb said. The combination machine delivers a range of capabilities in one machine. It can operate on metal sheets with dimensions of 1,250cm x 2,500cm and boasts accuracy of +/- 0.1mm. In addition, it offers scratch-free processing of sheet metal parts that are complex in nature.

For further information, visit: shottongroup.com.au

Image: Shotton Group’s Combination Laser and Punch. Credit: Shotton Group.

Achieving Certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085 The Shotton Group recently received two certifications – AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085 – which will strengthen and add a suite of new opportunities to their business. “It came about after a conversation with one of our major customers in the rail industry, who advised us that our welding needed to be lifted to stay in the game. We swiftly embarked on our journey to AS/NZS ISO 3834. Not only has it given us great opportunities with that customer, but it’s also opened the door to other opportunities too,” said Lamb. AS/NZS ISO 3834 focuses on the minimum quality requirements for fusion welding. It is also a prerequisite for EN 15085, which is crucial for railway vehicles, their components and assembly. Lamb first heard of EN 15085 three years ago at a seminar hosted by Bombardier, who play a crucial role in the delivery of Victoria’s local train network. “It’s a mandatory requirement for the rail industry in Australia. Suppliers who supply product into the rail industry need to reach EN 15085, which you are unable to do unless you have AS/NZS ISO 3834, so it really did become a stepping stone for us.” “I didn’t find the certification processes as hard as I thought, purely because there are so many similarities between AS/NZS ISO 3834 and ISO 9001. The difficulty came with qualifying the welders for the welding process and traceability controls for materials and consumables, and the inspecting and testing requirements,” Lamb said. Lamb said the two certifications are allowing the Shotton Group to get ahead of the game, as only seven companies and suppliers are certified to EN 15085 in Australia. “We’re getting in early and we’re already seeing potential customers knocking on our door and giving us an opportunity to grow.” He also offered some advice to other organisations considering the certifications.

Image: A Shotton Group welder. Credit: Shotton Group.

“You have to look at the benefits it will have on the business, and the associated costs. It’s not a simple process to go through, and it can be quite costly. You have to go into it with your eyes wide open. It is a long-term commitment,” said Lamb.

Q2 | June 2021

TSS Engineering: Four Years in Business Delivers Mega Projects In 2017, a boilermaker and a welder consolidated their experience and formally established Total Steel Solutions (TSS) Engineering. With two colleagues coming on board a short time later, it wasn’t long before TSS Engineering started winning major contracts in the civil infrastructure space. Today, the four directors work with TSS Engineering’s 35 staff members across a 1,800m2 workshop in New South Wales. The company recently completed certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Part 2 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials – a sign of their ongoing commitment to continuous growth.

TSS Engineering was founded on three core principles: respect, complete, and strive. Today, the company’s staff use those underlying principles to guide their work on complex, high value projects. Michael Shim (TSS Engineering’s General Manager) said the company has grown beyond the directors’ expectations over its first four years of operations. “We started small but we’re fast growing and hungry for more. I believe our attitude to provide high class service to client satisfaction has led us to this achievement in a relatively short time.” “We believe diligence has been the key in gaining a good reputation for the company and continuous project involvement. We’ve put lots of effort in our tender submission for client’s interest then focused on successful project delivery. We constantly review our business strategy and review our business model for the company’s direction and future goals,” Shim said. The TSS Engineering Quality, Environment, and Health and Safety Management System (QEHS) underpins the staff’s health and safety objectives. To

Australian Welding

date, the company is yet to experience a workplace injury of any kind. “Whether they are one of our hardworking employees on site, or our office-based staff who ensure our business is running efficiently – everyone is part of the team. Our main focus right from the beginning has been to build up the foundations of the business, which we are still doing. Reputation is first then profit,” Shim said. TSS Engineering initially started developing simple beam structures for retaining walls. However, the company’s burst of success has led to more complex works being contracted and undertaken. Shim explained there is scope for further expansion as the company grows. “While we are yet to land on any specialty areas, we would really like to get involved in the mining sector and water infrastructure. Ideally, we would like to be recognised as a multiplayer that is not just limited to civil infrastructure works.”

TSS Engineering’s Major Project Winner TSS Engineering has secured a pivotal role in the development of Australia’s largest road infrastructure project – a 33km stretch of road that will transform Sydney’s underground motorway.

“We also provide a complete design, manufacture, installation and commissioning service to our clients. This is important when clients are seeking a ‘one-stop’ solution to their project, requiring a single contractor delivering all,” Shim said.

“The first project that we got ourselves involved in started back in January 2019 with the WestConnex M4-M5 Link Tunnels,” Shim said.

Bolstered Capabilities with Recent Certification In line with TSS Engineering’s rapid growth, the company recently gained certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Part 2 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. This certification focuses on the quality requirements expected for fusion welded products globally. It is crucial for welding personnel’s technical knowledge and can lead to increased company profitability on a global scale.

The M4-M5 Link Tunnels consist of twin 7.5km four-lane tunnels linking the New M4 tunnels at Haberfield to the New M5 motorway at St Peters. This link will create a western bypass of the CBD, which will allow the full benefits of WestConnex to be realised. By easing congestion, connecting communities, and delivering more than 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly, the new motorway will provide crucial support for Sydney’s long-term economic and population growth. “At the beginning, we visited many project sites and people by door knocking to project teams. Our effort was noticed, and we got lucky to become one of the first metal fabrication companies to get a major contract on that project. Since then, we have been winning one after another, and delivering those projects successfully.” “We are proud to be part of the multi-billion-dollar scale projects, contributing to government funded projects for the benefit of New South Wales citizens. However not limiting our business fields in government project only, we are definitely open to any new opportunities in wider industry areas,” Shim said. TSS Engineering offers fabrication, welding, installation, and labour hire services. All works come out of a single fabrication facility and workshop in New South Wales. “We started off in a small, rented fabrication workshop then relocated to a larger facility with workable area around 1,200m2 with an overhead ten-tonne crane. Then around six months ago we expanded our facility with a further 600m2 and another ten-tonne crane,” Shim explained. The larger workspace has allowed TSS Engineering to engage a series of high-level clients, including BOC Gas, Tooheys Brewery and WestConnex. They also work closely with the State Government and local municipalities like the City of Ryde, Campbelltown City Council and Northern Beaches Council. Image (Far Left): Since 2017, TSS Engineering have expanded their expertise across several large-scale projects. Image (Left): Sydney’s WestConnex M4-M5 Link Tunnel.

Additionally, Transport for NSW lays out unique construction categories and accreditation that are required to operate on metalworks that are undertaken across the state. The AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification was a prerequisite for the Transport for NSW Steel Fabrication to Construction Category 2 Certificate, which TSS Engineering needed before beginning work on the WestConnex tunnel project. “We conducted some research and found out that AS/NZS ISO 3834 was a prerequisite to even apply for the Transport for NSW accreditation,” Shim said. Shim explained that the two-step process was rather seamless for TSS Engineering’s welding personnel. “We approached Weld Australia who conducted the audit and granted us the AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification. Once we achieved that, we were able to move onto the Transport for NSW accreditation application for metalworks, which we have successfully completed since,” he said. Shim also offered advice to other companies who are considering an AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification. “Go for it! You will be surprised at how many people in the construction industry recognise AS/NZS ISO 3834. When we are dealing with suppliers, or buying welding consumables, or dealing with other companies, or most importantly new clients… by mentioning that TSS Engineering has an AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification, then that assures them that we are a recognised and capable company. In that regard, AS/NZS ISO 3834 is a good tool for us to demonstrate our ongoing capabilities,” said Shim.

For further information, visit: tssengineering.com.au Autumn 2020

Global Manufacturing Group Certified to EN 15085 Global Manufacturing Group (GMG) is a leader in the metal fabrication industry. GMG is a turn-key operation, with highly skilled personnel working around-the-clock to cover all parts of metal manufacturing. Across their 30 year tenure, GMG has worked on a range of projects across land and sea – from rail improvement works to marine safety. The company operates two sites across a 7,000m2 workshop space, including one in Maryborough and another in Gladstone, Queensland. Together, they drive the state’s laser cutting and metal fabrication force to deliver a range of high-level projects. GMG’s Maryborough facility recently achieved certification to EN 15085 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components.

GMG’s services cover the entire lifecycle of metal manufacturing. From a world-leading 10kW fibre laser and plasma cutting facilities, to robotic and semi-automatic welding systems, as well as comprehensive machining capabilities with 12 CNC machining centres and lathes – GMG can deliver advanced quality that is not matched by other companies in the welding and fabrication sector. The company also offers protective coating services like powder coating and spray painting. In all, the company works across a variety of industries like construction, infrastructure, engineering, rail, oil, mining, marine and gas. As the company’s Quality and IT Systems Manager, David Hyland explains, GMG’s recent EN 15085 certification was a crucial step towards attracting new clients. “Our decision to become certified to EN 15085 was client driven, more than anything else. We deal with some of the largest manufacturers of rolling stock and rail, including Downer EDI and Bombardier, which is now Alstom.” “Initially, these companies came to us and said that a lot of their trains were being designed overseas, calling up international standards. They had drawings being submitted in which the fabrication had to comply with EN 15085. This meant that they had to find fabricators in Australia with EN 15085 certification,” he explained. EN 15085 certifications focus on the design, manufacturing, testing and quality assurance of welded components, and assembly of railway vehicles. The certification also has performance qualifications for individual personnel, which helps welders grow professionally. “Certification also looks good when we’re heading towards work with the Australian Defence Force, Rheinmetall and the Federal Government. We’ll be starting work on the process of defence-specific

Australian Welding

certification soon,” Hyland said. The certification process followed Bombardier – a rail industry partner in Australia for over 70 years and with 1,000 employees – conducted a gap analysis in GMG’s operations. The analysis focused on any gaps that would exist if GMG were certified. “We have a long-standing relationship with Bombardier all over the country, and always go above and beyond,” Hyland said. GMG discovered that they would be unable to manufacture local train components in the future without EN 15085 certification, prompting Hyland and the team to embark on the certification journey. “This certification is going to help us win a lot of work – Global Manufacturing Group is one of only about five companies in Australia to hold it. When I say that there are only five companies in Australia that hold this certification, two of those are Bombardier and Downer EDI themselves – it’s not a large pool of fabricators. So, I guess you could say, our decision to become certified to EN 15085 was about planning for the future, with a little tip from our clients,” Hyland said. In addition to Bombardier and Downer EDI, GMG also deals with a range of other rail industry partners. “All these companies are looking for certified partners—certification definitely attracts new clients,” Hyland said. GMG’s expertise is also evident in their advanced marine solutions like engines, hydraulics, plumbing, fabrication, hold cleaning, electrical, refrigeration, and complete overhaul. The company also designs, drafts, and manufactures components for a range of ship classes and small watercrafts. Above all, safety remains a key priority for GMG staff. Occupational health and safety management systems are integrated into the company’s software, which allows real-time traceability and accountability for all aspects of a project’s lifecycle.

Complementing Existing Certifications GMG’s Maryborough and Gladstone facilities are also certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 – Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. “Since our Gladstone facility was certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 a few years ago, we’ve had a number of new clients and projects come through. In Maryborough, the certification has gone a long way to raising eyebrows in other industries. We’ve got our fingers in a lot of pies – transport, medical, electrical. More and more, all these industries are looking for certified fabricators,” Hyland said. “We were the first company to take on certification to both standards simultaneously. Normally, companies will complete the AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification first, and then take on EN 15085.” Hyland worked with the experienced Weld Australia team to complete the certification process. “As it was a dual audit, it was very intense. I had Paolo Corronca (National Manager – Engineering, Weld Australia) in the workshop asking questions for AS/NZS ISO 3834, and a representative from the Italian Institute of Welding on Zoom asking questions for EN 15085,” he said.

Image: Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits GMG’s Maryborough facilities.

Aside from the pressure-cooker scenario of attaining two certifications within the same timeframe, Hyland explained that Weld Australia’s assistance was highly valuable. “The process itself was made very easy by Paolo. He liaised between me and the Italian Institute of Welding. If I had been dealing directly with Italy, it would have been very difficult. The process was made much better as a result of Paolo’s input.” Hyland also offered some advice to other companies who are seeking an EN 15085 certification in their workplace. “While it’s a long and costly journey, if you hang in there, the benefits are worth it. Australia is way behind the rest of world when it comes to manufacturing – you only have to look at Rheinmetall and what they’re doing in Germany to see just how far behind. These certifications are becoming more abundant and in ten years’ time will be mainstream. I’m a big supporter of manufacturing in Australia – I’d much rather see things manufactured here than overseas. I believe that certifications can only benefit Australian manufacturing as a whole,” Hyland concluded.

For further information, visit: gmqld.com.au

Q2 | June 2021

Image: Spencer Wells, a NASA mechanical engineering technician, tackles some welding at the Prototype Development Laboratory at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA and Ben Smegelsky.

Inside Metal Fabrication at NASA By Dan Davis, Editor-in-Chief of The Fabricator

What’s it like to be a sheet metal fabricating expert at NASA? “Pretty cool,” said Spencer Wells, whose actual title is mechanical engineering technician, in the Prototype Development Laboratory (PDL) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Wells isn’t working on fabrications that other shops also might be doing—a new antibacterial gel dispenser for tourists, for example. The PDL team of engineers and engineering technicians are dedicated primarily to the design, fabrication, and testing of prototypes, test articles, and test support equipment for their NASA co-workers. At the time of this interview in November 2020, Wells had just wrapped up work on a project for the Artemis program, which has the goal of putting astronauts back on the moon by 2024. (The first test launch of the Artemis program is scheduled for later this

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year.) But PDL also supports the research and technology development laboratories at the space center and other major projects that might involve NASA partners, a more common occurrence as private industry and the government’s leading space exploration experts work more closely together. “It’s hard to explain the type of work we do. And the reason why it’s hard to say is not only because I can’t go into specifics, but also because we do so much here,” Wells said. “One week we supported an engineering group that wanted to test a new blanket material that was used for protection from heat. They wanted to know at what temperature it would fail. So they didn’t even necessarily walk out of here with a product, but they walked out of here with the answers they needed.”

“The flipside of that is the next week we might fabricate an entire housing for electronics and avionics,” he continued. “That’s really the two ends of the spectrum.” The space flight hardware is something that is a bit newer for the PDL, according to Wells. It had long been active in fabricating items such as ground support equipment, testing fixtures, mockups for training, and even some tooling, but building space flight components elevates the stakes. The PDL team needs to be at their best so that their fabrications don’t fail.

While the lab’s fabricating work schedule may be very different from that of most metal fabricators in the world, the tools of the trade aren’t. To accomplish most of the tasks, the technicians still need to cut, bend, and join metal. “We’re far from a production shop here,” Wells said. “We’re basically a one-stop shop for prototyping. That’s why we have so many capabilities.”

The PDL team comprises about 15 technicians who take on these engineering challenges and fabrication duties. They work mainly with aluminum, such as 5052, 6061, and 7075; some stainless steel; and a small amount of titanium. You won’t find too much mild steel in this lab.

“So if you had engineers or scientists with an idea or a concept that needed to be worked through and it involved sheet metal or even composites that required fabricating, machining, or electrical work, they would have to go to the outside world and find a company to work on each of those areas. You would have to deal with multiple businesses. Instead, they come here. We work through all of those problems and get those engineers and scientists what they need.”

Wells said that the PDL works on about 100 projects per year. Some can be turned around in a couple of hours, and others might take two months to finish. While some projects could be measured in days rather than hours, Wells said that they are respectful of deadlines. NASA has a lot of moving parts as it marches toward the end of major programs like Artemis, and no one wants to be responsible for throwing such important initiatives off schedule.

The PDL upgraded its sheet metal cutting capabilities with the installation of a new waterjet about four years ago. Wells, who has been with the team for just two years, after almost 18 years in the aerospace industry, said his co-workers described the waterjet as a “game-changer,” allowing material to be cut precisely and quickly. The lab also has machining centers, 3D printers, and welding equipment that metal fabricators might have in their own shops.

Image: Wells works on one of three new camera housings. The thermal cameras will be added to Launch Pad 39B for the launch of Artemis I, the first in a series of missions that will enable human exploration to the moon and, ultimately, Mars.

Q1 | March 2021

The lab also had a 100-ton hydraulic press brake, but it wasn’t a machine that the other technicians really saw as a positive when it came to forming capability. Wells said that when he was hired, he became the primary sheet metal expert on staff. Most of the other technicians had machining backgrounds, and the brake simply couldn’t deliver the consistency and tolerances that they were used to getting with their CNC mills. “They all kind of dreaded working with the press brake because they weren’t getting a lot of repeatability and the setups were lengthy,” Wells said. “They were basically just shying away from the sheet metal work if they could.” Wells said that, relying on his experiences with older hydraulic press brakes, he introduced some practices to help reduce tooling setup time and the process time dedicated to delivering formed parts meeting specifications. The latter was an exercise in determination and patience, however, for those without a ton of press brake experience. It also was getting hard to get replacement parts for the press brake, which was more than 20 years old. The only place to find those parts was on eBay, a supplier that’s not on any federal agency’s approved vendor list. Early on Wells learned of a program within NASA that allowed labs to upgrade their equipment. It’s how the PDL purchased its waterjet, and it looked like a way that they could solve their bending dilemma. Wells started the process in 2019 and got approval to look at new press brakes in 2020. Getting a Brake When the search began for a new press brake, one

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of Wells’ co-workers suggested an electric brake, something he had seen at a tradeshow. Wells said he didn’t have any experience with that type of press brake, but he was intrigued to learn more. When he began to see this type of equipment in action, he liked what he saw. “We thought with this type of press brake and with new software, it was going to allow us to do first part, right part every time,” Wells said. In particular, the team gravitated to the SafanDarley E-Brake, which the company calls an “electronic” brake. It had a built-in light curtain, not added on as a safety measure after the brake was built. Wells may not have had experience with electric press brakes, but he had experienced the frustrations with add-on light curtains. More often than not, they were hindrances to production. The light curtain was too sensitive and shut down the braking action when the operator’s hands barely grazed the brake’s bending window. Wells said he had known operators to turn off the light curtains on their press brakes so that they could work without interruption. The built-in light curtain can keep tabs on the bending area while also allowing other movement in the press brake window because the sensors focus on an area of about 30mm, just over 1 inch, where the bending takes place. If the integrated light curtain senses a presence that it shouldn’t, the ram stops within milliseconds. (The servomotors controlling the ram movement can stop it much more precisely than a hydraulic system.) Also, if there’s a power failure, the E-Brake has a springreturn mechanism that causes the ram to go up, not down like on the older hydraulic press brake it replaced.

At NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, technicians from Orion prime contractor Lockheed Martin have welded together three cone-shaped panels on Orion’s crew module for the Artemis III mission that will land the first woman and next man on the Moon. Scheduled for launch in October 2024, Artemis III will be the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew module’s primary structure, the pressure vessel, is comprised of seven machined aluminum alloy pieces that are welded together through a weld process that produces a strong, air-tight habitable space for astronauts during the mission. The pressure vessel is designed to withstand the harsh and demanding environment of deep space. Image credit: NASA and Michael DeMocker.

Those safety enhancements made the press brake a favorite of both the search team and, ultimately, NASA, according to Wells. The commitment to minimising health risks for personnel begins long before the astronauts are sent into space. Wells added that the light curtain can be used to operate the brake’s ram, totally bypassing the foot pedal. (Other modes allow the operator to use the foot pedal exclusively or a combination of the foot pedal and interrupting the light curtain.) For example, in one particular mode the operator can wave a hand into the light curtain to advance the ram into the workpiece. As the ram retracts, the operator can move the workpiece for the second beam, which then triggers the ram to advance down again. The process continues in the same manner until completion. “It’ll really be used a lot for smaller parts,” Wells said. The bending can be done quickly and set up away from the foot pedal, if necessary, depending on how the tooling setup is done. The tooling is being upgraded with the press brake as well. The PDL is getting Wila press brake tooling, which means the lab is shifting from bottom bending to air bending. That’s going to result in a lot less tooling that the lab has to keep organised, Wells said. So what does the bending process look like now? The technicians are able to feed 3D models—the engineers use Creo for designing of 3D models and the PDL uses SolidWorks—into the SigmaTEK SigmaBEND software, where they can see how the part actually will bend and with what tooling. Once the bending software produces the bending sequence, the technician can then set up the tooling quickly because the Wila tooling can be

front-loaded, not slid in from the side of the press brake into the right place in a holder. The technician can initiate the brake, wait for the backgauge to position itself, and start the bending sequence. “We all have different things that we need to do around here. I don’t necessarily have a day to set up the press brake and try to get the right bend for one or two parts,” Wells said. “I need to be confident in the software and the press brake so when I punch in the numbers, I can go over to the press brake and bend one part and have it right.” A New Bend in the Road Capital Machine Technologies, the distributor that handled the sale and installation of the 80-ton press brake, offered machine and software training to the PDL technicians, and Wells said that got everyone excited about the potential of the new forming tool. They won’t be actively looking to avoid the press brake in 2021. The new E-Brake was installed in February. Wells said he spent a lot of time at the first of the year preparing for its arrival. He’s glad it’s in place. “I’m a technician. At the end of the day, I love working on new equipment,” he added. But that’s only part of it. Wells said that the lab’s capabilities and collective knowledge make it a place that is unlike any other place he’s ever worked, and he noted that he once worked in the research and development area for a jet manufacturer. The work the PDL does is something that few if any other metal fabricators are doing. Wells is glad he gets a chance to be a part of it. This article first appeared in The Fabricator: https://www.thefabricator.com Q1 Q2| |March June 2021

Women in Welding: Ellie Smith Having finished her apprenticeship last year and earned a Certificate III in Light Metal Fabrication at TAFE NSW, Ellie Smith is a Sheet Metal Fabricator at Mars Food Australia. This year Ellie decided to further her skills and is currently working towards a Certificate IV in Engineering Fabrication and attempting a Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) pressure ticket. Ellie was the first female to undertake both courses at TAFE NSW and is excited to be paving the way for other women. Ellie recently answered some questions about her career so far.

Can you describe your job? I am a Sheet Metal Fabricator and Welder at Mars Food Australia (MFA) that is best known as the maker of MasterFoods, Dolmio, Uncle Ben’s and KanTong. As one of MFA’s Reliability Workshop Team, my job is to ensure that all the lines of equipment in our factory are running efficiently. That sees me doing purge welding of food grade tube, fabricating sheet metal boxes, undertaking project engineering work, maintenance welding and mechanical support. I am also a buddy/mentor to our newest welder apprentice, Holly Collins. We are the only two apprentice welders and fabricators in MFA’s apprentice program. What inspired you to choose a career in welding? I have never let stereotypes dictate the paths I have chosen in life. I race mountain bikes which is predominantly male-dominated, so when my coach who is a contracted plumber at MFA told me about the apprentice program and upcoming opportunities, I was keen to give it a go. I was really lucky that after the business offered me my apprenticeship, they gave me a two-week internship to get a feel for what I would be doing before I had to make a decision to accept or not. In those two weeks, I learnt the basics of GTAW and all about Mars, and I loved every second! With my parents and schoolteachers’ support I made the decision to leave school in Year 11 and pursue

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a career in welding at a world class, global, familyowned, principles and purpose-driven business. Why do you think women should consider a career in welding? I think women should consider a career in welding as it is a chance to learn a specialised skill, earn good money, and stay physically active. A lot of women have good attention to detail and patience, which is a requirement for this career. The profession offers a sense of accomplishment and a multitude of job opportunities and options for further studies after completing your trade. Do you have any advice for women considering a career in welding? My advice for women considering a career in welding is be prepared for a challenging but rewarding career. Learning to weld isn’t something you learn overnight, it’s a process that takes patience and persistence. Having the confidence to give it a go and not be scared of failure is key. You have to make mistakes to learn so it is important not to be too hard on yourself. It is awesome to learn a specialised skill and get paid to do so! In my experience learning my trade has helped boost my confidence, practical and problem-solving skill, and general happiness. I learn something new every day. At Mars, I am surrounded by people who love their job and are always willing to help out and pass on their knowledge. If you are considering it, just go for it, you will probably surprise yourself! Four

years ago, I never imagined myself to be where I am today, and I am excited to continue developing my skills into the future. Have you found working in a traditionally male-dominated industry difficult? If so, how have you overcome any challenges? I have not found working in a male dominated industry difficult. I am fortunate to work at Mars Food, a family-owned company that is committed to its five principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Mars embraces a culture of belonging and strives for gender equality, with programs such as ‘Full Potential’ that aims to unlock opportunities for women. I have always been treated with respect and kindness by my male colleagues. Personally, I found my biggest barrier was actually my own self-confidence which has grown throughout my apprenticeship with the support and inclusive nature of Mars and the Reliability Workshop team have shown me. What is the most interesting project you have worked on? The most interesting project I have worked on was fabricating an intricate tube work project that extended from one side of the Mars factory to the other and back, which in total is 150m. This was the first project that I was heavily involved with from start to finish. In total the project consisted of 290 purge welds (288 welded by me) on a range of tube sizes from 1 inch to 4 inch. The project took about seven weeks to complete and I was very satisfied when we tested the lines and all the welds were sound. Who has inspired you professionally? Several people have inspired me professionally. The first was Shayne Jones, who sadly passed away last year after a battle with leukemia. Shayne hired me as an apprentice and gave me the opportunity to learn a trade. He was my manager and invested a lot of time and energy into my development. His trade and management skills inspired me, and I admired the

way he was always able to bring out the best, not just in his team, but anyone around him He pushed me to try my best at work, TAFE and in my mountain bike racing. He supported me by helping organise fundraisers so I could race in the Down Hill Mountain Bike World Championships in Switzerland, and I am sure Shayne would be very proud of my achievements and the hard work I am putting into my development this year. The tradesman I work with in MFA’s Reliability Workshop Team, Chris Ambrose inspires me too, with his expertise. After many years of working in the trade he has lots of knowledge and skills to pass on, and does so every day willingly. My TAFE teachers also inspire me, especially Danny Maffione who gave me the confidence to enrol in my Cert IV and my current teacher Mick Wardle who is a two time Hunter Region WorldSkills winner and first class welder who I feel privileged to learn from each week. What do you believe is the biggest challenge for the industry at the moment? I think one of the biggest challenges for the industry at the moment is keeping welders up to date with the latest technologies and continued training to maintain and improve skill levels for the ongoing demand of the welding industry. What do you believe is the biggest opportunity for the industry at the moment? A big opportunity for the welding industry is for businesses to utilise the current government incentives which target the employment of new apprentices. I also think an effort to display welding in a more attractive light could help the industry appear more appealing to young people and especially women. This could result in larger number of people considering careers as welders which, considered the projected demand in the Australian industry is necessary.

Q2 | June 2021

An Update from Weld Australia’s Hotline

Weld Australia offers a ‘Hotline’ service to all Corporate Members. The purpose of the Hotline is not to provide a solution, but to advise the enquirer on practical next steps. For further advice, Weld Australia’s highly experienced welding consultants can speak to you over the phone or visit your site in person. If you have a Hotline query, complete our online contact form and we will respond as soon as possible: www.weldaustralia.com.au/hotline. The Weld Australia Hotline recently received a query from a member in relation to AS/NZS 1554.1 and the role of Welding Supervisors and contractors in the overall fabrication process. The member wanted an interpretation from Weld Australia about how the requirements of the Standard aligned with their business practices. What is AS/NZS 1554.1? AS/NZS 1554.1 was originally published in 1974 and is based on the fundamental principles and practices of the North American AWS D1.1. The Standard refers specifically to structural steel welding, and is crucial for the welding of steel structures made up of several combinations of steel plates, sections, or sheet metals. In practice, welds that are completed under this Standard should be produced at minimal cost, meet compliance levels, and eradicate any rework or post-weld inspection and examinations. Crucially, the Standard requires the fabricator to maintain a suitable system of quality management to ensure the overall quality of a weld, which falls into two categories: 1. Quality management: fabricators should ensure a well-managed and maintained quality

This Hotline update covers a specific query encountered during the last few months. Whilst accuracy in welding is critical, it is impossible to report in detail the full circumstances of the query. As such, Weld Australia recommends that further technical advice is sought in relation to specific, individual circumstances.

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management system that correctly applies the requirements of AS/NZS 1554 is used. 2. Basic welding requirements: personnel should understand the requirements for technical inputs required to control the welding process under this Standard. Like other Standards, AS/NZS 1554 outlines four fundamental values when conducting a weld: 1. Welds shall be made in accordance with a qualified welding procedure 2. Welds shall be carried out by a welder suitably qualified to carry out such a procedure 3. Welds shall be carried out under the supervision of a Welding Supervisor 4. Welds shall comply with the requirements of the Standard In line with the Standard, companies must appoint a Welding Supervisor. The role of a Welding Supervisor is to ensure that the weld process is managed before, during, and after a weld. A Welding Supervisor may be seen as a job title, or a certain qualification attained by an employee. Therefore, it is critical that organisations specify the qualifications and requirements for their individual needs and services, and are transparent about any particular changes. Some of the key responsibilities recommended for Welding Supervisors under AS/NZS 1554.1 include: • Working knowledge of AS/NZS 1554 • An understanding of welding safety • Basic cost estimation • Contract review and forward planning • Understanding the selection and care of parent materials • An understanding of welding consumables • Weld process control • An understanding of weld procedures, including the application of essential variables

• • •

An understanding of weld defects and corrective actions Delegation and supervision of personnel Basic quality management skills including record keeping and traceability.

Organisations may employ Welding Supervisors with or without formal qualifications; the Standard omits the type of system and the level of accreditation required for Welding Supervisors, as these are considered commercial matters and may vary from organisation-to-organisation. In some cases, an external contractor may be accepted rather than a full-time Welding Supervisor. This creates gaps within the overall knowledge base of the organisation and their availability, and some questions should be considered: • Who is responsible when the supervisor is not in the workshop? • What happens when business-as-usual changes? • Does the delegated person have a minimum understanding? • Are there opportunities to upskill other staff? AS/NZS 1554.1 In Practice AS/NZS 1554.1 outlines specific details of the accepted and expected level of qualification for Welding Supervisors, which are outlined in clause 4.12.1 from section ‘a’ to ‘d’. Furthermore, subclause ‘e’ grants the option of a person whose competence is assessed and in line against AS/NZS ISO 14731. Importantly, it is expected that these personnel will have at least the same knowledge as the supervisor, which is defined in AS/NZS 2214 according to their tasks and responsibilities. According to Weld Australia’s Paolo Corronca

(National Manager Engineering), a supervisor assessment through AS/NZS 1554.1 Clause 4.12.1, section ‘e’ is subject to the personal interpretation and knowledge of AS/NZS ISO 14731. This ultimately forms part of the duties for the Welding Supervisor and comes down to the individual examiner. However, variations due to personal interpretation of the examiner can be limited where the fabricator has a clear job description for the supervisor. Some organisations may find it harder to ensure a high standard of consistency across the board if different individuals are assessing this job function. According to AS/NZS 1554.1 in Clause 4.12.1 section ‘a’ through to ‘d’, a qualification issued by an approved and reputable training organisation ensures stricter compliance for assessing potential candidates and employees. Weld Australia has seen evidence of companies which are using a contractor, particularly for smaller fabrication projects. While contractors may provide some benefits, Corronca believes that consistency is the key to success. Furthermore, he reiterated that having a contractor “on call” only, does not ensure that they would be available when needed, or that the business would avoid the call as much as possible to minimize the production cost. At the cost, this time, of the final product outcome. “My preference is to have a full time, fully qualified Welding Supervisor – or a part time Welding Supervisor that works contracted, reasonable and scheduled number of hours per week in the fabrication workshop. This person should have a backup, or more knowledgeable person available at all times. The same would apply for workshops that work across multiple shifts,” said Corronca.

Q2 | June 2021 For further information, contact Disha Mistry on 02 8748 0100 or d.mistry@weldaustralia.com.au

News & Insights into Weld Australia’s Training & Certification Recent Company Certifications Weld Australia would like to congratulate the following companies that have recently gained certifications. These internationally recognised certifications help increase the likelihood of global supply chain opportunities and repeat business, bolstering profitability. Hofmann Engineering’s Bendigo facilities were certified to EN 15085 and AS/NZS ISO 3834, while their Cheltenham facilities in south-east Melbourne were certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834. Since 1969, Hofmann has provided specialist engineering services to Australia’s industry leaders. DVR Engineering Melbourne was certified to both AS/NZS ISO 3834 and DIN 2303. With over 33 years’ of precision metal engineering experience, DVR boasts a 30,000m2 modern manufacturing facility equipped with the latest CNC machining, laser and plasma cutting and machining technology. Aerison was certified to both AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085. Founded in Perth in 1988, Aerison has grown over the years from a specialist environmental engineering company to a broad based engineering and construction company providing multidisciplined EPC and mechanical installation services to a wide variety of industries and applications. BRE Engineering in Perth was certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834. BRE is a leading provider of concept to completion mechanical and structural (or multidiscipline) integrated engineering solutions for the marine, defence, mining and industrial sectors. BRE employs almost 100 staff across more than 20 disciplines. Alstom in Dandenong (who acquired Bombardier Transportation in January 2021) was certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and EN 15085. Alstom develops and markets mobility solutions that provide the sustainable foundations for the future of transportation. Alstom’s products range from highspeed trains, trams and e-buses to infrastructure and signalling.

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Weld Australia’s In-House Training Courses Weld Australia recently delivered training for Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) at their Gladstone site. Over 15 of QAL’s team members completed the week-long course to gain the IIW International Welding Inspector Basic (IWI-B) qualification, which is recommended in both AS/NZS ISO 3834 and AS/NZS 1554.1. According to Joe Sandor (Welding Technology Trainer, Weld Australia), who ran the course, “All the QAL team members who completed the course were great—they were all really on the ball. All the participants enjoyed the course, with quite a few them of saying that the course was much better than they expected.” Weld Australia also delivered IWI-B training course at Nambour TAFE in Queensland earlier this month. Ross O’Bryan (Welding Technology Trainer, Weld Australia) spent a week presenting the course to a group of TAFE Queensland (East Coast and South West) teachers, as well as an employee of Allweld Manufacturing. All the feedback received by Weld Australia was extremely positive. In the coming months, Weld Australia is set to deliver in-house training for several other companies, including Monadelphous in Gladstone, and MCQC in Singleton. Weld Australia can present any of its courses to your employees in-house at the location of your choosing. Just email training@weldaustralia.com.au for further information.

Joseph Sandor (Welding Technology Trainer, Weld Australia) delivers training for QAL.

Upcoming Weld Australia Training Course One of Weld Australia’s most popular training courses is kicking off again soon. The International Welding Inspector Basic (IIW IWI-B) is commencing on 7 October 2021. Backed by the International Institute of Welding (IIW), the International Welding Inspector – Basic (IWI-B) qualification expands your career as a welding inspector. This qualification is recommended in both AS/NZS ISO 3834 and AS/NZS 1554.1.

imperfections associated with pre-production; fabrication and post fabrication; Non destructive testing; and much more. As a Welding Inspector, you will play an important part in ensuring that welded components comply with the appropriate International or Australian Standards, codes and client specifications. You may also be responsible for ensuring that documentation, procedures and welder qualifications (required to demonstrate compliance are in place and adhered to.

This internationally recognised course provides extensive knowledge surrounding welding, inspection theory and application. It includes theoretical components such as mechanical and visual inspection techniques; inspection procedures and acceptance criteria; identification of weld

THERE ARE PLENTY OF BENEFITS THAT COME WITH IN-HOUSE EMPLOYEE TRAINING. Convenient: It’s much more convenient to train employees at your office than sending them off site. Employees don’t have to take time off from the office, travel, or dedicate a weekend to training. Tailored: In-house training can be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of your business. This means the training will be highly relevant, with your employees gaining the skills needed to perform their jobs well. Cost-Effective: In-house training can be cost-effective, eradicating off-site expenses and ensuring that employees can get back to work sooner, with less time wasted for improved productivity. Collaborative: In-house training gives employees the opportunity to collaborate and develop stronger relationships, encouraging employee retention. All of Weld Australia’s training courses can be delivered in-house. Email: training@weldaustralia.com.au

Q2 | June 2021

All the News from Weld Australia’s Advanced Welder Training Centres Weld Australia has worked with partners around the country to secure State and Federal Government funding for the establishment of Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTCs). Using the state-of-the-art Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulator, the training delivered at the AWTCs quickly qualifies welders to the only industry Standard in the world that is accepted in both Europe and America: ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding. This Standard is the minimum requirement for working on rolling stock, defence and infrastructure projects, which are crucial to onshore Australian manufacturing and a stronger national economy. South Metro TAFE Augmented Reality Welder Simulators Commissioned South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia is set to introduce augmented reality into their welding curriculum. 16 Soldamatic simulators have just been delivered to the TAFE, with Weld Australia commissioning the machines earlier this month. Images: Training at South Metro TAFE.

Image:Students Training at at Woolgoolga South Metro High TAFE.School. Image:

Image: Training at the Outsource Institute.

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We also rolled out training to their teachers recently, in both ISO 9606 and the use of the simulators. The training was enjoyed by South Metropolitan TAFE’s teachers—they all seem to be looking forward to getting students onto the simulators. Augmented Reality Training for ISO 9606-1 at the Outsource Institute Weld Australia recently worked with the Outsource Institute to deliver augmented reality training for ISO 9606-1 as part of an upskilling program for both apprentices and experienced welders. The training session was run in Queensland by our Regional Training Coordinator, Adam Coorey. Over the course of the day, Adam explained what ISO 9606-1 is, how it works as an international welding qualification Standard, and how welders can obtain this qualification. Attendees also had the chance to try their hand at welding according to a specified weld procedure using the Soldamatic augmented reality simulators. Using new technologies, Weld Australia is providing welders the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications in a more efficient and engaging way. Working with leading RTOs (such as Outsource Institute), our goal is to provide government funded training and delivery of vital industry skills for welding across Australia.

Industry Program Making a Real Difference in the Lives of Adelaide’s Long-Term Unemployed An innovative new training program commenced in Adelaide in early June, designed to help the longterm unemployed gain foundational skills in one of Australia’s most in-demand careers. Weld Australia has partnered with Workskil Australia and TAFE SA, to deliver a training program that is upskilling a cohort of long-term unemployed people. Students will walk away with foundational skills in welding, opening doors to opportunities to gain employment as a welder.

Images: Weld Australia and Workskils Australia training program at TAFE SA.

With little to no prior welding experience, the students start by using augmented reality welding simulators to learn the skills and techniques needed to perform welds in a safe, stimulating and confidence-building environment. Students then move onto real-world welding machines to hone their skills. According to Weld Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Crittenden, “This exciting program has huge potential to make a real difference in the lives of long-term unemployed.” “The welding industry is facing a looming skills crisis—the skills required to complete complex infrastructure, defence and construction projects are already in short supply. In South Australia alone, the continuous naval shipbuilding program will require around 1,300 welders between now and 2027. And yet, ABS statistics show that the number of welders in Australia is on the decline— from around 75,800 in 2014, to 69,600 in 2019.” “Grass roots programs like the one we’ve kicked off this week with Workskils in Adelaide are essential. These sorts of programs are sparking an interest in welding in a whole new audience, helping to pave the way towards closing the ever widening skills shortage.” “Most importantly, the Workskil Australia training program is helping long-term unemployed people to get ahead, linking them to real opportunities in the workforce, and providing them with foundational welding skills on which to build a secure, successful career,” said Crittenden. Workskil Australia is a national not-for-profit and charity, with over 35 years experience supporting Australians to achieve sustained economic and social self-reliance. Workskil Australia does this by providing a range of employment, work experience, disability, youth, Indigenous and community services across New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria.

Augmented reality training systems are student-focused, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace. Welding apprentices learn and understand welding procedures and techniques through a more interactive training method, gaining hands on experience in a controlled, safe environment. Augmented reality transforms training from boring theory and text books into highquality interactive experiences that capture the imagination.

Q2 | June 2021

An Update from Weld Australia’s Technology Networks Weld Australia’s Technology Networks provide a forum for technology transfer and research and development, linking members with industry and research organisations. Weld Australia works with Technology Network members to ensure they remain diverse and resilient in the ever-changing and increasingly challenging global markets. Power Generation Process Safety Group Weld Australia’s Power Generation Technology Network met recently, with representatives from AGL, Alinta, Aurecon, CS Electricity, Delta Electricity, Origin Energy, Energy Australia, Stanwell, Synergy and Weld Australia in attendance. Lara Kayess (Manager, Asset Management, Aurecon) is facilitating an audit with each member of the Power Generation Technology Network to establish a baseline of Process Safety Management systems. A 40-question survey, based on an OECD questionnaire, has been developed. The survey questions have been built into an MS form with a selection of drop-down responses. An accompanying introductory pack has also been developed to introduce the Weld Australia Process Safety Group, outline the reasons for the survey and the benefits to a company in doing the survey.

Australian Welding

Kayess provided an update on the audit progress. A number of businesses have completed, or agreed to complete the survey. The Group is in the process of establishing an Incident Database. The objective of the Database is to share safety events and the learnings arising from these events that have a broader industry concern. It was agreed that members of the Group will trial the Database tool for efficiency and ease of use. The Group is also producing a series of Good Practice Guides. The first two guides to be produced were the Guideline for Safety Critical Elements and a Guideline for Reporting Process Safety Incidents for the Electricity Industry. These two documents have been circulated for review and are currently underway.

Power Generation Boiler Group Held at the end of April, the Power Generation Boiler Group meeting was attended by over 60 people. There were representatives from AGL, Alinta, ALS Global, ANSTO, Delta Electricity, Greenview Strategic Consulting, HRL, LaserBond, Quest Integrity, Stanwell, Synergy, Uniper and Weld Australia. The meeting was kicked off by Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia). Geoff gave attendees an overview of Weld Australia’s recent activities. According to Geoff, there has been significant growth in certification, with 70 companies to be certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 by close of the year, and increases in EN 15085 and DIN 2303 certification. Geoff detailed the move to online training for courses such as the IWS, IWT and IWE, as well as Weld Australia’s work on the Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTC), with new AWTCs commissioned for Victorian Correctional Services and South Metro TAFE. Attendees then heard from several expert industry speakers. Mehdi Soodi (who recently joined LaserBond as their Technical Sales Manager) gave a presentation about LaserBond, opportunities for reclamation and their new surface engineering technologies, such as E-CLAD. Yun Tian (Lead Asset Engineer, Synergy) gave an overview of Synergy’s flexible operations program and low load tests that were carried out at Collie Power Station.

a plant and people perspective to the changing energy market drivers. He also outlined CS Energy’s experience with anodamine dosing, their igniter upgrade project and plant tuning. Wayne Hill (Asset Manager Boilers, Delta Electricity) gave an overview of boiler risks at low load operation and strategies to mitigate the risks. Methods to assess boiler combustion stability were reviewed together with an example of boiler combustion optimisation for low load operation undertaken at Mt. Piper. Russell Coade (Principal Engineer, HRL) outlined the scope of a proposed project: Effect of cycling on boiler remnant life, location of failures and optimisation of monitoring, inspection and instrumentation. Simon Vanderzalm (Senior Consultant, Greenview Strategic Consulting) gave an update on NEM, including the transition to renewables, the downward trends in pricing as a result, the impact of rooftop solar on demand during the day and factors influencing the current changes in the market. Dave Potter (Managing Director, Uniper) gave an overview of Uniper and presented a case study on the continuous optimisation of flexible operations at Ratcliffe Power Station focussing on operator cultural changes and what was achieved during the winter of 2020-2021. Finally, Bruce Cannon (Principal Welding Engineer, Weld Australia) gave a brief update on Standards.

Terry Houston (Asset Engineer Mechanical, CS Energy) outlined CS Energy’s response both from

The Benefits of Technology Network Membership • • • • • • • • • • •

A confidential forum for discussing issues with peers A unified body that advocates for change among industry clients Advantageous access to technical advice and engineering support The opportunity to benchmark against industry best practice A conduit between industry and research organisations Beneficial nationally and internationally accredited training Cost effective certification products and services Collaborative sharing of resources and services for repair options in accordance with Australian and international standards Opportunities to influence Australian Standards, contract terms and specifications Opportunity to participate in research and development projects Technology transfer and networking via industry specific forums

Contact Alistair Forbes (National Manager Corporate Businesses, Weld Australia) on a.forbes@weldaustralia.com.au for details.

Q2 | June 2021

WELD AUSTRALIA’S

MEMBER DIRECTORY Our new Member Directory provides all company members free exposure on our website. Every Corporate, Premium Corporate and Industry Group member can create a listing in the Directory with contact details, a logo, a short description of the business and their services, and industries served. The following member types are eligible to have a listing in the Member Directory: • Industry Group Members (always displays at top of results, logo listing and Industry Group badge) • Premium Corporate Members (displays above corporate member listings, logo listing and Premium Corporate Badge) • Corporate Members (standard logo listing)

HOW TO SET UP YOUR MEMBER DIRECTORY LISTING You can create your listing from within your Weld Australia profile. Just log in and select ‘My Business Listing’ from the dropdown menu under your name. Click on ‘Create’, fill in your company’s details, then hit submit. It’s as easy as that! Listings are approved by Weld Australia prior to going live, so there may be a delay between you submitting a listing and it appearing in the directory.

Visit the Member Directory 50

Australian Welding

Enrol in a Fusion Welding Course Today

Enrol in a fusion welding course at any of the Advanced Welder Training Centres listed below. ACT Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) cit.edu.au 81 Mildura Street, Fyshwick There are two fusion welding courses that adhere to ISO 9606 Qualification test of welders on Training.gov.au. This is the authoritative source of nationally recognised training and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These two courses were developed in Victoria in 2018 and use augmented reality welding simulators as a key component of the training. Transition Workers To be awarded a certificate for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Transition Workers, you must successfully complete seven units of competency (four core and three elective). Core units: • Simulate fusion welding processes using augmented reality equipment • Identify welding processes, safe welding practices and use of hand and power tools • Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the procedures of ISO 9606-1 (Steels – carbon steels) Experienced Welders To be awarded a Statement of Attainment for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Experienced Welders, you must successfully complete three units of competency (one core and two elective). The core unit is: Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes. Further Information For further information, contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au

Queensland TAFE Queensland tafeqld.edu.au • Cairns Campus: Gatton, Newton, Eureka and, Wilkinson Streets, Manunda • Townsville (Trade Centre Bohle) Campus: 763 Ingham Road, Bohle • Toowoomba Campus: 100 Bridge Street, Toowoomba City • Ashmore Campus: Benowa Road & Heeb Street, Ashmore • Nambour Campus: 91 Windsor Road, Burnside • Bundaberg Campus: 118 Walker Street, Bundaberg West South Australia TAFE SA Regency Campus tafesa.edu.au 137 Days Road, Regency Park Tasmania Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council tasminerals.com.au 13 Wellington Street, Burnie Victoria Box Hill Institute boxhill.edu.au 465 Elgar Road, Box Hill Bendigo TAFE bendigotafe.edu.au 23 Mundy Street, Bendigo Federation University federation.edu.au Lydiard Street South, Ballarat

Q2 | June 2021

Securing the Future of

Australia’s Welding Industry

weldaustralia.com.au | office@weldaustralia.com.au | +61 2 8748 0100

Australian Welding | June 2021

Articles inside

Weld Australia Member Directory

An Update from Weld Australia’s Technology Networks

News & Insights into Weld Australia’s Training & Certification

All the News from Weld Australia’s Advanced Welder Training Centres

An Update from Weld Australia’s Hotline

Inside Metal Fabrication at NASA

Women in Welding: Ellie Smith

Global Manufacturing Group Certified to EN 15085

Certification Boosts Shotton Group’s Manufacturing Capabilities

TSS Engineering: Four Years in Business Delivers Mega Projects

New Certifications Refocus Aerison

Women in Welding: Skylar Wright

Health & Safety: Five Potential Welding Safety Hazards to Avoid

Canada’s Position on Welding Power Source No-Load Voltage

Business Essentials: Money Matters for the New Financial Year

A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO

Mental Fitness: Four Tips to Help Get Your Day Off to a Better Start

Breaking News

A Message From Weld Australia’s President