Certification to BS EN 13067

BS EN 13067 Plastics Welding Personnel - Qualification testing of welders - thermoplastics welded assemblies specifies a method of testing the skill and knowledge of welders involved in the repair or construction of thermoplastic structures.

The standard applies to the welding of sheet, pipe, fittings and lining membranes, using hot gas, extrusion, heated tool (butt and socket fusion, wedge), and electrofusion welding processes.

The skill of a welder is an essential condition to assure the quality of the welding work and application of this standard guarantees that the examination is carried out according to a uniform procedure.

The examination consists of:

• A theoretical test - 20 multiple-choice questions
• A practical test involving the welding of a standard test piece, from which specimens are cut and mechanically tested.

Both tests must be passed to obtain a certificate.

Only welders whose training and/or previous activities show that they are likely to pass the above tests may be allowed to take the examination, i.e. if one of the following conditions is met:

• Completion of a relevant recognised Apprenticeship scheme as a plastics fabricator
• At last two year's experience in the relevant welding technique (company's certificate)
• Completion of an approved technical and practical training course

The validity of the approval is up to 4 years, depending on certain criteria being met, after which the examination must be retaken. For more information, see the flow chart describing the certification scheme and the CSWIP requirements document no. CSWIP-PW-6-96.