AUSTRALIAN 1
WELDING
Bendworx-Steelpro:
Steel Supply & Processing Specialists Page 30
Global Manufacturing Group
Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 Page 36
A & B Welding
Leading the Charge in the NT Page 38
Q1 | March 2020 Official Journal of Weld Australia www.weldaustralia.com.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Weld Australia’s Value Proposition
Weld Australia is the peak industry body, representing the welding profession in Australia.
Our members include individuals and companies in almost every facet of Australian industry, making a significant contribution to the economy.
Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).
Our mission is to represent the interests of our members and safeguard the public.
We do this by ensuring the integrity of in-service welds, and promoting the use of best practice technology and quality systems.
HowWeld WeldAustralia AustraliaDelivers DeliversValues Value to How to Members Members Network
Learning
We provide a network for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of resources.
Technology Transfer
We facilitate technology transfer from research institutions and overseas markets.
We deliver pathways for learning.
Technical Solutions
We offer specialist technical solutions on all welding and materials related issues.
Voice
We are the voice of industry to promote awareness of welding to decision makers.
Certification We are an internationally accredited certification body.
Weld Australia Contacts National Office
Qualification & Certification
Editorial Submissions
Building 3, Level 3, Suite 5 20 Bridge Street Pymble, NSW 2073 (PO Box 197 Macquarie Park BC NSW 1670) T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: info@weldaustralia.com.au
Paolo Corronca T: +61 (0)438 012 099 E: p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
Sally Wood T: +61 (0)434 442 687 E: sally@wordly.com.au
Chief Executive Officer
Marketing & Advertising
Geoff Crittenden T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au
Donna South T: +61 (0)2 8748 0130 E: d.south@weldaustralia.com.au
Training Guy Brooks T: +61 (0)2 8748 0150 E: g.brooks@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 the 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 the Weld Australia. Publication of any advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Weld Australia of any product, nor warrant its suitability.
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Contents: March 2020
Contents
20
Australia’s First Robotics Hub to Drive Manufacturing
32
The Implementation of the Shergold Weir Report
24
Regional Manufacturing Hubs Create Opportunities
A Message From Weld Australia’s Chair
4
A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO
6
Inside the Industry Breaking News Fume Minimisation: Welding, Cutting, Brazing & Soldering Is Your Business Prepared for the Recent Superannuation Changes? The Changing Face of Australian Standards Advanced Manufacturing Expo Australia’s First Robotics Hub to Drive Manufacturing Regional Manufacturing Hubs Create Opportunities Weld Australia Member Q&A: Andrew Barnes Bendworx-Steelpro: Steel Supply & Processing Specialists The Implementation of the Shergold Weir Report GMG Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 A & B Welding Leading the Charge in the NT Inside Weld Australia Key Developments Continue at the AWTCs An Update from Weld Australia’s Hotline 2020 Training Calendar Member Directory Upcoming Events
8 12 14 16 18 20 24 28 30 32 36 38
40 42 46 48 51
About Weld Australia
40
Key Developments Continue at the AWTCs
A membership-based organisation, Weld Australia represents Australia’s welding profession. Our primary goal is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative of the International Institute of Welding. Visit: www.weldaustralia.com.au.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
A Message From Weld Australia’s Chair “
2020 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for Weld Australia and its members. We will continue to focus on the provision of quality member services, training, certification and qualification, as well as exciting and engaging events.”
David Lake Chair, Weld Australia
2020 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for Weld Australia and its members. We will continue to focus on the provision of quality member services, training, certification and qualification, as well as exciting and engaging events. Member Engagement Weld Australia will continue to provide high quality member services and advice. We will continue to bring individual and company members together into a collaborative community to share resources, solve technical problems, and promote the interests of the welding industry. To help facilitate greater member engagement, we are looking to establish regional committees in locations such as Toowoomba, Mackay and Newcastle. As such, we are currently seeking expressions of interest for regional committee members. To submit an expression of interest, email membership@weldaustralia.com.au. Our calendar of member events is also taking shape. Just some of
the topics on the agenda include Welding 4.0, Metal Printing, Surface Engineering, Manufacturing for the Mining Industry and Robotic Welding. Training, Certification and Qualification Training, certification and qualification will continue to play an important role in Weld Australia’s operations this year. They are all essential to securing the future of welding in Australia, as well as ensuring the integrity of in-service welds, and the safety of the general public.
Our 2020 Training Calendar and Examination Dates are already available. (For further information, please see the article on page 46.) I encourage members to take a look at the courses and qualifications on offer. We plan to run several engaging and informative series of seminars this year, including one focused on Australian Standards, another on how to mitigate the risk of welding fumes, and another on managing coal-fired power stations. All these seminars will be presented by expert speakers.
We will continue to support our Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTCs) in the delivery of individual welder certification to ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding.
We will continue to work with TAFEs and AWTCs across the nation to ensure their ongoing success, and lobby governments to establish even more AWTCs throughout Australia.
We will focus on highlighting the benefits of company certification to: AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials; and EN 15085 Railway Applications - Welding of Railway Vehicles and Components.
It is an exciting time for the Australian welding industry and Weld Australia members alike. I encourage all members to make the most of their membership in 2020.
Structural Bolted Joints
Specifying & Achieving Performance Expressions of Interest Now Open Weld Australia is facilitating a series of workshops in October 2020 on Structural Bolted Joints: Specifying and Achieving Performance. The workshops will be presented by Robert E. Shaw, President of the Steel Structures Technology Centre Inc, a consulting engineering firm in the USA. The program will address concerns around structural and mechanical connections with high strength fasteners using AS 4100 Steel structures and other related Standards. The sessions will introduce new and innovative methods to save time, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency and quality of bolted connections. Upon completion, attendees will be better able to specify, construct or inspect bolted connections and address a variety of structural performance needs and issues.
Register your interest: http://bit.ly/boltingEOI
https://weldaustralia.com.au
|
02 8748 0130
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events@weldaustralia.com.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO “
To secure the future of Australian manufacturing, we need determined action from our Governments, industry leaders, and the general public to put Australia first. We need to foster a sense of social responsibility. We need Australians to support Australia.”
Geoff Crittenden Chief Executive Officer, Weld Australia
Australia has a long, proud history of manufacturing. With the federation of Australia in 1901, customs barriers were eliminated between the states, so they could more easily trade with another. This saw the first wave of manufacturing expansion, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales. By 1913, manufacturing employment totalled at 328,000 and accounted for 13% of GDP.1 During World War I, the Australian Government quickly realised that our economy was too reliant on imports; it was near impossible to source many products in wartime. As a result, Australia started to manufacture a range of products on-shore during the war, from aspirin right through to chlorine. Our steel industry also experienced enormous growth. BHP opened a new steelworks in Newcastle in 1915, which generated huge profits due to the unprecedented demand for steel to build ships, ammunition and artillery.
Australia had quickly matured from a rural economy into a substantial manufacturing power. The 1920s marked the beginning of the car manufacturing boom in Australia. Both General Motors and Ford established factories across the nation, in Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle and Sydney. At the time, it was more cost effective for these American manufacturing giants to assemble their cars using imported components, rather than import complete vehicles. By 1929, 440,000 people were employed in manufacturing, approximately 18% of the total population.2 While car manufacturing took off, Australia also faced challenges in 1920s; the Great Depression impacted several of our industries, particularly heavy industrial manufacturing (such as tools and metal parts). To help industry stave off these challenges, the Australian Government applied tariffs to some imported goods, encouraging Australians to buy local. As a result,
the Australian metalworks and heavy industrial manufacturing sectors expanded in the 1930s. BHP took over the Port Kembla steelworks. General Motors started building allsteel welded car bodies at its new plant in Melbourne. Rheem started manufacturing waters heaters. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation opened their plant in Melbourne. When World War II hit in 1939, Australian manufacturing was poised to play an even greater role than it had during World War I. With imports scarce, local demand was high. And, Australian also became an important supplier of manufactured goods to the United Kingdom and the United States. Australian manufacturing remained strong in the years immediately after World War II. For instance, Toyota opened up shop in the late 1950s. And, in the 1906s, Alcoa opened its first alumina refineries in Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Australian manufacturing was responsible for approximately 28% of the GDP, and 28% of all employment.
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A Message from Weld Australia’s CEO
The Demise of Australian Manufacturing By the 1970s, Australian manufacturing was in decline. Local manufacturers were unable to compete with imported goods. Imports were much cheaper than goods produced in Australia, which meant businesses and governments alike began to consistently offshore their contracts for products and projects. Manufacturing saw its share of total employment fall from 25% in 1970 to 19% by 1980.3 Fast forward to today and, while manufacturing remains a vital part of the Australian economy, it is responsible for just 5% of the GDP, and only 5.4% of total employment.4 Arrium collapsed in 2016. Holden and Ford have closed their facilities. Australian manufacturing is dying. This slow and painful death is due, in part, to market forces: an extended period of unfavourably high exchange rates; the rapid rise of China as ‘the world’s factory’; increasing wage costs; a lack of skilled workers; and increases in local energy and other input costs. But it cannot all be blamed on market forces. Successive state and federal governments continue to off-shore manufacturing work that the local industry is more than equipped to handle. Take, for example, rail industry projects. As recently as 10 years ago, most rail vehicles were designed and manufactured here in Australia. Not anymore. The $2.43 billion contract for the new Intercity train fleet was sent off-shore by the New South Wales Government. Sydney’s Waratah trains have only 20% local content.5 Queensland’s new trains were fabricated in India, failed to meet Australian Standards for accessibility, and are now undergoing significant rework. And, while Victoria’s Metro Trains are manufactured locally, the fabrication work is completed in China. And let’s not forget about the big corporates. Many, if not all, of the
major mining companies off-shore their fabrication work. It was not so long ago that BHP awarded more than 20,000 tonnes of structural steel work for its $4.7 billion South Flank project to an off-shore manufacturer. The $150 billion investment by the Federal Government in the defence industry has revitalised many smallto-medium enterprises within the Australian manufacturing supply chain, and brought in new investment from overseas. However, this is just a drop in the bucket; we need a much larger proportion of government spending to remain in Australia. A Global Comparison Let’s compare Australia to the rest of the world. Manufacturing makes up about 16% of the workforce in Germany, Japan, and Switzerland. Canada, whose economy otherwise is similar to ours, has 1.7 million manufacturing workers, compared to our 47,500. In Israel and Sweden, with far smaller populations, advanced manufacturing is thriving.6 South Korea—the 5th largest export economy in the world and the 6th most complex economy according to the Economic Complexity Index (ECI)—had a positive trade balance of $124 billion in 2017.7 In comparison, Australia lags behind as the 20th largest export economy in the world and, embarrassingly, the 59th most complex economy. In 2017, Australia had a positive trade balance of just $44 billion—just a third of that of South Korea’s.8 It is a matter of national pride to buy South Korean-made goods, from trains to cars to telephones. Imports and sales of products such as German-made cars and iPhones are some of the lowest in the world in South Korea. Why? Because every element of government and the South Korean people work together to support their local manufacturing industry. There is a real cultural and governmental focus on growing and protecting their local economy and developing their own strengths.
So Then, What Is The Solution? A complete lack of support from state and federal governments and industry at all levels has had a possibly terminal impact on Australian manufacturing. It has weakened our ability to compete internationally and reduced our industry to the lowest common denominator: cost. This economic rationalist way of living, which delivers short-term savings, will not secure the future of our economy or manufacturing industry long-term. We need a commitment from state and federal governments to increased levels of local content for all procurement decisions. We need the big corporates, like BHP, to award local contracts to local companies. These local companies will then be in a position to invest in their own businesses, and to strengthen our manufacturing industry from within. Business innovation encourages the creation of strong and lasting new businesses and the creation of new and better jobs, which together support a move to higher living standards. Innovation investment by business is crucial to our ongoing prosperity.9 To secure the future of Australian manufacturing, we need determined action from our Governments, industry leaders, and the general public to put Australia first. We need to foster a sense of social responsibility. We need Australians to support Australia. References 1
2 3 4
5
6
7 8 9
https://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@. nsf/0/33bb7a8977192473ca2569de0027ced7 Ibid Ibid https://cdn.aigroup.com.au/Economic_ Indicators/Economic_Outlook/Australian_ Manufacturing_in_2019.pdf https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/ programs/ockhamsrazor/the-end-of-australianmanufacturing/5478190 https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/ manufacturing-further-economic-decline/newsstory/5357ac5f103f8abeac50010ccd8d3ed2 https://oec.world/en/profile/country/kor/ https://oec.world/en/profile/country/aus/ https://www.ceda.com.au/Digital-hub/Blogs/ CEDA-Blog/February-2020/Stimulatingbusiness-innovation-investment
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Breaking News Bombardier Celebrates Final New Generation Rollingstock Train in Queensland Bombardier Transportation recently celebrated the introduction into passenger service of the final New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train for the Queensland Government. In addition to delivering 75 commuter trains, Bombardier will also maintain the entire fleet at its Wulkuraka maintenance centre near Ipswich, Queensland for a period of 32 years.
Western Australia TAFE Trade Program Endorsed for Naval Shipbuilding Leading vocational training provider South Metropolitan TAFE has been recognised by the Naval Shipbuilding College for producing job-ready workers. Its Certificate III Engineering—Fabrication Trade program has been endorsed by the College for providing students with the skills they need to build Australia’s new high-tech naval fleet.
According to Wendy McMillan (President, South East Asia and Australia, Bombardier Transportation), “Our highly efficient commuter cars have been performing well, providing passengers in Queensland with a safe and comfortable ride. Bombardier is providing mobility solutions through its NGR and Gold Coast projects, helping the Queensland Government deliver its economic and public transportation development programs. This significant milestone of the last NGR train delivery in Queensland was achieved thanks to close collaboration between Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Queensland Rail, Bombardier and our partners. Bombardier has created more than 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain throughout this project.”
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said attracting the next generation of highly-skilled workers is one of the Australian Government’s highest priorities. “We created the Naval Shipbuilding College to drive growth in our defence industry and ensure education providers are producing job-ready graduates ready to step into the workforce. For young people in Western Australia, our generational Naval Shipbuilding Plan presents an exciting opportunity for long-term careers in our national shipbuilding industry.”
The trains have been rigorously tested and commissioned to the highest requirements of TMR and Queensland Rail at the Wulkuraka maintenance facility. In addition, they have travelled more than eight million in-service kilometres and conducted over 150,000 passenger journeys since the first trains started service. Last year, Bombardier Transportation signed a contract for $335.7 million with the Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the NGR trains.
Image: Bombardier Transportation celebrated the introduction into passenger service of the final New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train in Queensland.
The College will continue to collaborate with prime shipbuilding contractors, supply chain partners and the educational and training sector to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce is available when required. Western Australia is currently building 21 Guardian Class Patrol Boats and will commence construction of 10 Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels in March 2020. The College operates a national Workforce Register. Registered candidates receive tailored advice on which education and training pathways can help them to upskill and secure a meaningful career in Australia’s growing naval shipbuilding industry, or they may be referred to potential employers across Australia.
Image: An ASC welder works on an Offshore Patrol Vessel. Image courtesy of ASC.
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Inside the Industry: Breaking News
Industry 4.0 Research to Drive Digital Manufacturing in Hunter Class Frigate Program A $1.45 million grant from the Australian Governmentfunded Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), matched by industry funding, will help develop and pilot cutting-edge manufacturing technologies that will be used to build nine antisubmarine warfare frigates. The new technologies will be used by BAE Systems Australia’s shipbuilding business, ASC Shipbuilding, to build the Hunter class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy at the world-class shipyard at Osborne in South Australia. In partnership with Flinders University and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the project will drive digital transformation through advanced robotics, assistive manufacturing and readiness for Industry 4.0 utilisation – both inside the shipyard and more widely in the Australian supply chain. BAE Systems Australia welcomes the funding from the IMCRC, which matches the company’s $1.45 million investment, and is on top of the $5 million already invested in developing digital technologies, to turn the digital shipyard concept into reality. The new $2.9 million cash investment will create seven new research positions at Flinders University. From March 2020 until 2022—when steel is cut on the first Hunter class frigate—the researchers will work with the shipbuilding workforce to trial advanced manufacturing technologies for application in the shipyard and beyond. These technologies enable connectivity between manufacturing equipment and databases that will provide real-time insights into shipyard and supply chain performance
Australian Industry Involvement in the Attack Class Submarine Program According to a recently released joint statement from Naval Group and the Department of Defence, the preliminary design phase of the Attack Class Submarine Program is progressing. The design activities are being undertaken by Naval Group’s design teams in France and Adelaide, and Lockheed Martin Australia’s design team in Adelaide. In addition, over 137 Australian companies and organisations have been subcontracted at this point. Design of the Attack Class will continue into the 2020s, transitioning to Australia during the detailed design phase. The build of a hull qualification section in Adelaide is projected to commence in 2023 to certify the Australian workers and construction yard equipment ahead of the construction of the first Attack Class Submarine. As these activities progress, the Department of Defence and Naval Group will be approaching Australian industry to identify suitable suppliers for the vast array of equipment to be fitted to the submarine, ranging from hydraulic systems to galley equipment. According to the joint statement, current work is focused on understanding the capabilities in Australian industry for the manufacture of submarine equipment, which differ from the capabilities required to sustain existing equipment on the Collins submarine fleet. This work will help the Federal Government understand how Australian industry, including the existing Collins Class Submarine supply chain, can be best prepared to participate in the Attack Class Submarine Program.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Breaking News $8 million Plan to Propel Queensland’s Space Industry into Orbit The Queensland Government recently released the Queensland Space Industry Strategy 2020-2025, part of its plan to create even more jobs in more industries for Queenslanders. Minister for State Development, the Hon Cameron Dick MP said the $8 million investment will accelerate Queensland’s space industry into a new growth phase, establishing its position as an Australasian leader for space technologies and launches. “Fifty years after humankind first walked on the moon, we are setting up Queensland’s space industry for the next 50 years,” Minister Dick said. “Because when it comes to the space industry, we want to see Queensland boldly go where no state has gone before. Queensland has already gained the reputation as Australia’s space coast, and through this strategy our government is looking to unlock maximum benefit for local businesses and workers.” “Our state has a respected high-tech aerospace industry, and is renowned globally for civil and military aviation, advanced manufacturing, and associated industries like mining equipment, technology and services (METS). This gives us a strong foundation to extend our reach when it comes to space-related activities such as robotics, automation, systems design, and the launching of payloads.” “Our goal is to create up to 6000 new high-value jobs for Queenslanders and generate $6 billion annually for the state by 2036,” Minister Dick said.
Above: Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel. Right: Littoral Combat Ships. All images courtesy of Austal.
Austal’s Australian Operations Approved to Bid for US Naval Ship Support Austal recently announced that its shipyards and service centres in Australia have been approved to bid for, and provide support services (including ship repairs, maintenance and sustainment activity) for the United States Navy and Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships. With the Agreement of Boat Repair (ABR) now in place, Austal’s Australian operations may now bid to provide emergent repair services to deployed US Navy ships, including the Austal designed and constructed Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The ABR also allows Austal to bid for maintenance and repair of MSC ships deployed to the region, to include the Austal designed and constructed Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels. Austal Chief Executive David Singleton said the approval from the US Navy demonstrates Austal’s global capability to provide OEM support to major naval fleets. “With this approval, Austal can provide a range of vessel repairs, maintenance and in-service support to US Navy and MSC ships operating throughout South East Asia. As the designer and builder, no-one knows the Independence-class LCS or Spearhead-class EPF better than us, and we’re naturally very pleased and proud to now have the opportunity to provide local support for these vessels to the US Navy, as opportunities arise,” Singleton said. The approval from the US Navy allows Austal to bid for work on US naval vessels that may visit Australia, including Cairns in Queensland, Darwin in the Northern Territory or Fremantle (Henderson) in Western Australia.
Inside the Industry: Breaking News
Sydney Manufacturer to Build Seating Frames for Army’s New Boxer Vehicles An Australian company has been awarded a contract to build the seating frames for the Australian Army’s new Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles. Precision Metal Group has partnered with German firm Probatec AG, which will support the local workforce of more than 50 employees based in Wetherill Park, New South Wales. Minister for Defence, the Hon Linda Reynolds MP, said the Government’s $5.2 billion program for the acquisition and initial support period for the LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability will provide the Army with a world-class capability. “These military-grade seats are critical for the protection of soldiers in our Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle crews,” Minister Reynolds said. “The vehicles are able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping, through to high-threat operations. Importantly, they will keep Australian soldiers safer while on deployment and on exercises around the world.” Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said Precision Metal Group was a recognised success story for Australian industry, having already been contracted to supply the battery boxes for the Boxer vehicles. “It’s fantastic to see Australian industry be part of producing a world-class capability for the Australian Army,” Minister Price said. This new partnership makes Precision Metal Group the first Australian company to achieve German welding certification, paving the way for further export opportunities.”
Image: Precision Metal Group’s facilities in Wetherill Park, New South Wales.
MILVEHCOE Production Building Constructed and Ready for Fit-Out The production building that will be the engine room of military vehicle manufacturing at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s new headquarters in Redbank is finished and ready for fit-out. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was a major construction milestone in the delivery of the $170 million Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) for Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said the company was thrilled with the progress of the construction and the current 200-plus Queensland-based employees were keen to move into the new premises. “Larger in size than four football fields, the production facility will be the beating heart of our operations and will accommodate many facets of our military vehicle operations,” Stewart said. “In addition to three simultaneous vehicle production lines, the production facility will feature a weld shop, an armoury, prototyping workshop, turret and simulator assembly, paint booths, heavy maintenance and a large warehouse area.” “When the rest of the facility comes on-line, the MILVEHCOE will be the most advanced military vehicle manufacturing facility in the country and the home of a truly Australian sovereign military capability.” High-skilled jobs to be based at the MILVEHCOE have been supported by a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between Rheinmetall Defence Australia and TAFE Queensland for the provision of skills training delivery.
Image: A artists’ impression of Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE).
Australian Welding: March 2020
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Fume Minimisation: Welding, Cutting, Brazing & Soldering Introduction Weld Australia is aware that in March 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified welding fume from Group 2B Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans to Group 1 Carcinogenic to Humans. Their assessment was subsequently published in IARC’s Monograph 118 in July 2018. The International Institute of Welding (IIW), through their Commission VIII experts, is evaluating the findings published by IARC and a position statement is being prepared. Following discussions with Commission VIII, Weld Australia advises that current fume management recommendations remain valid and recommends the Fume Minimisation Guidelines and Technical Note 7 - Health and Safety in Welding are followed. Recommendations In compliance with National and State WHS Regulations, conduct a risk assessment to ensure that the welder and people working nearby,
“
Weld Australia advises that current fume management recommendations remain valid and recommends the Fume Minimisation Guidelines and Technical Note 7 are followed.”
are protected from exposure to fume from welding and welding-related processes (including thermal cutting, gouging, and so on). The following actions should be considered in the risk assessment: 1. Where practicable, remove the welder from the source of the fume by mechanising or automating the welding process. 2. In conformance with Weld Australia’s Fume Minimisation Guidelines, arrange the work piece so that the welder’s head is not in the plume. NOTES • Unless welding in the horizontal (PC or 2G), overhead (PD, PE, 4F, 4G) or vertical (PF, PG, 3F, 3G) position, the welder’s head is likely to be positioned within the plume, and fume management methods or PPE, or a combination of both, may be required. • All welding processes generate fume. The plume may not be visible to
the welder or with some processes, the observer. 3. Relying on a light cross-draught in the vicinity of the welder’s face to ensure that the fume is either drawn or blown away from the welder’s breathing zone can be unreliable. Whilst mechanically assisted ventilation (such as a fan) can be utilised, crossdraughts sufficient to disperse fume may cause weld quality issues. Other fume management equipment such as fume extractors (fixed, downdraft or portable) may be required. 4. Utilise personal protective equipment such as respirator masks and air fed helmets if alternative methods of fume control are not reasonably practicable. Care should be taken to ensure that other workers are not exposed to the fume by allowing it to accumulate in areas away from the welding or welding related process. Specialist advice may also be sought from an Occupational Hygienist (such as the
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Inside the Industry: Health & Safety
Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists), particularly in the preparation and implementation of the risk assessment, and the verification of the application of the controls. Hazardous Chemicals and Regulations The objective of the national Code of Practice – Managing the risks of hazardous chemicals published by Safe Work Australia, is to reduce the risk of adverse health effects for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals (formerly referred to as “hazardous substances”) in their day to day workplace activities. This Code of Practice, which is referenced in the national Code of Practice entitled Welding processes (also published by Safe Work Australia), was originally based on the Hazardous Substances Regulations introduced by the States and Territories of Australia in 1994. What is a Hazardous Chemical? In general, a hazardous chemical (or hazardous substance) is a substance that has the potential to adversely affect human health. Hazardous chemicals may: (a) Be included in the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants [Safe Work Australia (April 2018)] or on a list produced by a particular State or Territory, or, (b) Fit the criteria for a hazardous chemical set out in Workplace Australia’s Classifying Hazardous Chemicals National Guide.
Application to Welding and Allied Processes Fume is a hazardous substance according to (b) above. Certain fume components may also be on the list of hazardous chemicals in (a). Individuals should not be exposed to levels above those given in the Workplace standards for airborne contaminants. Responsibilities Federal and state regulations set out the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, employers and employees. With respect to welding and allied processes the following requirements apply. Suppliers must: • Provide current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for substances being supplied for the first time to a particular buyer for use in the workplace. • Label substances that are hazardous chemicals, or can be when used. Refer to WorkSafe Australia’s Code of Practice Workplace labelling of hazardous chemicals. Persons conducting business or undertakings (employers) must: • Develop and subsequently maintain a register of all hazardous chemicals used or produced in the workplace. This may include consumables, welding fume or any other hazardous chemical. • Maintain a collection of SDS as part of the register. This register must be available for reference by all employees.
Weld Australia’s Free Fume Minimisation Guidelines are Now Available Weld Australia recently released a new Technical Guidance Note—Fume Minimisation Guidelines: Welding, Cutting, Brazing and Soldering. This free Technical Guidance Note includes all the information required to help protect your workforce from the hazards associated with welding fumes. Be sure to download your free copy of the Fume Minimisation Guidelines from Weld Australia’s website: https://weldaustralia.com.au.
•
• • • •
• •
•
Ensure a suitable and sufficient assessment is made of the risk to health created by welding fume or other hazardous substances. In most circumstances use of Weld Australia’s Fume Minimisation Guidelines will assist in the assessment. Revise the assessment at least every five years or if workplace conditions change significantly. Provide training to all employees with the potential for exposure to welding fume. Keep records of training and assessment. Provide health monitoring for employees assessed as being exposed to a significant health risk during employment duties. Undertake monitoring where the need is indicated in the assessment. Ensure that exposure of employees to hazardous chemicals is prevented or adequately controlled to minimise risk to health. Exposure must not exceed the relevant exposure standards. Ensure that engineering controls and safe work practices are effectively maintained.
Workers are required to: • Cooperate with the employer to ensure that activities within the workplace comply with the statutory requirements. • Report promptly to supervisors or managers any matter that might diminish the employer’s ability to achieve compliance.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Is Your Business Prepared for the Recent Superannuation Changes? We are starting to see some of the previously announced changes to superannuation make it into the law. Here, we explore some of the recent significant moves. New superannuation proposals and legislative changes can have significant impacts on business and employee outcomes alike. Business owners need to ensure they are operating according to superannuation law, and employees should be aware of changes to ensure they are receiving the benefits to which they are entitled.
Understanding the Superannuation Guarantee The superannuation guarantee is the minimum percentage an employer must pay into an employee’s super fund. This is a percentage set and legislated by the Australian Government. The rate of superannuation guarantee has remained at 9.5% per annum since 1 July 2014. However, from July 2021, this rate will increase incrementally each year before reaching 12% in 2025. This increase has been legislated, so it is something employers need to prepare for. Any employee aged 18 or over and earning more than $450 per month (pre-tax) must be paid super according to superannuation guarantee rates. Employees under 18 that work more than 30 hours a week are also entitled to superannuation guarantee contributions. Contractors
are also eligible if they are considered an employee according to superannuation legislation. Salary Sacrifice and Superannuation Guarantee From 1 January 2020, it will not be possible for an employer to count amounts that an employee has salary sacrificed to superannuation to satisfy their superannuation guarantee obligation. The legislation has been amended to change the formula to determine the amount of superannuation guarantee contributions that are required to be paid. The amended formula is: Employer contributions (excluding any salary sacrifice contributions) ÷ Ordinary time earnings (with any amounts salary sacrificed to super being added back)
This formula will not reduce the 9.5% superannuation guarantee contribution required to be made by an employer. Changes to Life Insurance within Superannuation The Treasury Laws Amendment (Putting Members’ Interests First) law was passed in September 2019. It aims to prevent certain people being charged for insurance inside their superannuation that they may not need. The PMIF law affects: • Members with a super balance under $6,000 • New members aged under 25 Under the new PMIF laws, super providers were required to check the balance of all super accounts with insurance on 1 November 2019. Where an account balance was below $6,000 (and no exemptions apply), the super fund must let the
Inside the Industry: Business Essentials
member know that their insurance will be cancelled, unless: 1. The balance reaches $6,000 before April 2020, or 2. The member requests to keep their insurance. From 1 April 2020, super funds must not provide insurance inside super to new members aged under 25 – unless the member requests it. There are exceptions to the above, such as employees that are classified as working in dangerous occupations, such as emergency services workers. Business owners need to check which of their employees fall under this classification. Low-amount Funds will be Automatically Consolidated If a superannuation fund has not been contributed to in more than 16 months and has a balance of less than $6,000, it will be considered an inactive low balance account. The balance of the account will be transferred to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), which will seek to consolidate the account with another superannuation account held by the same member. If the ATO cannot consolidate the account, it will retain the balance until it is claimed. Capped Fees for Low Balance Accounts Low balance superannuation accounts (less than $6,000 as at 30 June of each year) will now have fees capped at 3% per annum. This will help protect these accounts from being drained by fees. Exit fees have
also been banned, a move which has been made to address the $52 million in exit fees that were charged in 2016-2017 alone. Before Tax Contributions can Now be Rolled-over It is now possible to use concessional contribution cap amounts from previous years to make catch-up concessional contributions. Concessional contributions are tax free and are capped at $25,000 per year. If you did not use that amount in previous years, and you have a Total Super Balance of less than $500,000 from 30 June of the previous financial year, you can make payments over the cap. Amounts can only be carried-forward over a period of five years. After five years, these amounts will expire. ATO Given New Powers to Address Unpaid Super Employers that do not follow legislation in regards to making compulsory contributions can now be given court-ordered penalties. All employers have been included under the Single Touch Payroll system. This system means the ATO has exact information on how much superannuation employers are paying on behalf of employees, so businesses that do not follow legislation will be found and punished. Changes that Affect Retirees From 1 July 2019, the age at which employees qualify for the Age Pension rose to 66. This age will
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continue to rise by six months every two years until it is 67 by 1 July 2023. The age that employees can access genuine redundancy and early retirement scheme payments at tax free amounts has also risen in accordance. From 1 July 2019, retirees aged from 65 to 74 with a superannuation balance below $300,000 can make voluntary super contributions for the first year that they no longer meet the work test requirements. Also, from 1 July 2019, the Pension Work Bonus increased from $250 to $300 per fortnight. This allows pensioners to earn up to $300 each fortnight without reducing their Age Pension payments. This measure also applies to self-employed members. Merged Superannuation Funds Given Tax Relief The current tax relief given to merging superannuation funds will be made permanent from 1 July 2020. This means that fund balances for members will not be reduced by taxes. This is welcome news for the superannuation industry as it will encourage mergers and consolidation in the industry. This only applies to industry super funds only. Self-managed superannuation is excluded from this tax relief. Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and for informational purposes only. Professional advice should be sought on specific matters, and with lawyers under Costs Agreement and to which Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) applies.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
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 ongoing reviews into standards related to pressure equipment, steel structures, welding of structures, non-destructive testing and pipelines.
Pressure Equipment Revision of AS/NZS 3992 Pressure equipment—Welding and brazing qualification was completed late in 2018 and a public review draft was released in July 2019. Comments received during the public comment period, which closed in September 2019, have now been resolved. A ballot draft is now to be prepared by Standards Australia for review and ballot by Committee ME‑001. Publication of the revised edition of the Standard is likely to occur in Autumn 2020.
During 2019, Weld Australia assisted with the revision of AS/NZS 3788 Pressure equipment—In‑service inspection, and preparation of a draft for submission to Standards Australia was completed in December 2019. A project proposal to formally revise the Standard will now be prepared and submitted to Standards Australia to initiate the formal revision process. Steel Structures During 2019, Committee BD-001
worked on the preparation of public review drafts for the revision of two of its Standards: AS/NZS 5131 Structural steelwork - Fabrication and erection, and AS 4100 Steel structures. With the public review drafts being released in June 2019, comments received have now been resolved. Due to technical changes made during the resolution of comments received, updated drafts have been released for a second round of public comment and subsequent committee ballot. Welding of Structures The draft amendment to correct an error within AS/NZS 2980 Qualification of welders for fusion welding of steels—Additional requirements for Australia and New Zealand was released for public comment in July 2019, and public comment received has been resolved. The amendment is currently progressing through the final approvals process. Publication of the amendment is likely to occur in Autumn 2020. The preparation of a public review
For further information about Australian Standards, simply contact Weld Australia on +61 2 8748 0100. Weld Australia members can also utilise our Hotline, available via our website: www.weldaustralia.com.au
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Inside the Industry: Australian Standards
draft of the revision of AS/NZS 1554.2 Structural steel welding—Part 2: Stud welding (steel studs to steel) is well advanced, with the release for public review now due in Autumn 2020. As previously indicated, the draft has taken cognisance of the relevant ISO standards, and to this end, ISO 13918 has been adopted as AS/NZS ISO 13918 Welding - Studs and ceramic ferrules for arc stud welding for stud materials, providing for the use of stainless steel studs and studs for wear applications. Non-Destructive Testing Committee MT‑007 has advised that due to the age of Australia’s nondestructive testing (NDT) standards and lack of resources to revise these standards, the equivalent ISO standards have been reviewed and will be adopted as AS/NZS ISO standards. The NDT processes currently affected include magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, eddy current and ultrasonic thickness testing, with public review drafts and committee balloting closing in December 2019.
Publication is currently anticipated in March 2020. In all cases, whilst the impending adoptions align the test methods with international requirements, imperfection acceptance criteria as defined in the application standards remains unchanged. Consideration on the replacement of AS 2207 Non‑destructive testing—Ultrasonic testing of fusion welded joints in carbon and low alloy steels and the AS 2177 series (Non‑destructive testing— Radiography of welded butt joints on metal) by their ISO equivalent has been deferred at this point in time. Pipelines Committee ME‑038 has revised AS/NZS 2885.2 Pipelines—Gas and liquid petroleum Part 2: Welding with a modified public review draft closing for public comment and committee ballot in January 2020. Comments received are now being resolved. Part 3 of AS/NZS 2885 Pipelines— Gas and liquid petroleum Part 3: Operation and maintenance has also been revised and is currently open for public comment.
ISO Adoptions ISO 3821 is being adopted as AS/NZS 1335 Gas welding equipment—Rubber hoses for welding, cutting and allied processes, with public comment closing in November 2019. Comments received are currently being resolved. 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. 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 five parts into the one standard. This will simplify the ongoing maintenance and review requirements for the standards as parts two to five of ISO 9606-1 are in need of revision. Australia is participating in the revision process on both sub-committees.
Register on the AWCR Today How to Register 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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.
Go to www.awcr.org.au Click on ‘Click Here to Register’ Click on ‘Create An Account’ Enter your contact details Verify your email address Login and complete your profile
AWCR
Australian Welder Certification Register
+61 2 8748 0100 | www.awcr.org.au | awcr@weldaustralia.com.au | www.weldaustralia.com.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
First Advanced Manufacturing Expo Focused on Industry Expansion Australia’s manufacturing industry is set to benefit from a new industry event focused on evolution and growth, with the inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Expo to be held from 13 to 15 May at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. The Advanced Manufacturing Expo will comprise of a conference and exhibition, where attendees will learn how to increase their global competitiveness by adopting the state-of-the-art technology, revising their research and development or design processes, and emphasising value creation.
According to the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), manufacturing contributes $100 billion to Australia’s GDP and supports 1.27 million jobs. The industry has the potential to increase its value as much as $34.6 billion by 2026. However, this growth is dependent on Australian manufacturers adopting more sophisticated processes, taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies, implementing robust business models, and investing in highly skilled staff and high value services. This evolution—a shift to adopting advanced manufacturing processes and solutions—is why Advanced Manufacturing Expo has been developed, and will shape the sessions of the conference program and the types of solutions showcased within the exhibition. The introduction of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo also aligns with the New South Wales
Government’s launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Development Strategy in 2018, as well as the commencement of work on the Western Sydney Aerotropolis that is set to be a hub for advanced manufacturing. The Expo’s location at the Sydney Showground will ensure that New South Wales manufacturers, their 253,000 plus employees1, and numerous industrial SMEs based in Western Sydney, have direct access to the latest in advanced manufacturing processes and production right on their doorstep. Conference Program and Exhibition Within the conference program, attendees will gain expert insights into topics such as: the evolution of Industry 4.0, the future of manufacturing, implementation of Internet of Things devices, food manufacturing, artificial intelligence integration into manufacturing processes, empowering automation,
autonomous and collaborative robots, additive manufacturing, government grants, defence and space supply chains and advanced manufacturing skills. In the exhibition, visitors will be able to navigate through the numerous exhibiting suppliers via six designated product zones, including: Automation and Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, Engineering and Manufacturing Solutions, Industrial Internet of Things, Machine Tools, and Welding Technology. Sponsored by Weld Australia, the Welding Technology Zone will be a particular focal point of the exhibition, with exhibiting companies focusing their presence on demonstrating the latest welding technology and training programs available for Australia’s welders. This technology and training is particularly important given the shortage of qualified welders and the growing need for welders to support projects in industries like defence, shipbuilding and aerospace. Event Details The inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2020 is free to attend for all registered industry professionals. To register, please visit: http://www. advancedmanufacturingexpo.com.au NSW Advanced Manufacturing Industry Development Strategy 2018, NSW Department of Industry, 2018, Page 4.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
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Australia’s First Robotics Hub to Drive Manufacturing A not-for-profit company with a mission to accelerate industry’s uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes, the ARM Hub is a collaboration between industry, research institutions, and government in Queensland. The ARM Hub will bring world-leading expertise in advanced robotics and design-led manufacturing to the aid of Australian businesses and their global supply chains. The Hub will provide services to small-to-medium and micro-enterprise manufacturers, helping them become successful advanced manufacturing businesses. The Hub will also collaborate with large companies to help drive digital transformation and support local supply chain development.
In July 2019, the Queensland Government announced funding of $7.71 million over four years to support the establishment of the ARM Hub. With additional investment from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Urban Art Projects (UAP) and other partners, an $18 million company is set to emerge—a company with a mandate to support and grow advanced manufacturing jobs right across Queensland and, more broadly, as a national centre of excellence. The ARM Hub will enhance the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems by manufacturers, as well as increasing value-added benefits to companies by applying design-
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The Hub will help encourage and facilitate SMEs to go beyond business as usual and transform their strategies and operations, through the uptake of digital technologies, with a focus on robotics and automation,” said Independent ARM Hub Chair, Professor Roy Green.
led processes. It will leverage Queensland’s existing capabilities in the research, manufacturing, and development of robotics capability and provide a real-life production environment. The Hub will also be closely linked to the Queensland Government’s $30 million regional manufacturing hubs in Cairns, Townsville, and Rockhampton (see the article on page 24 for further information), and to other key resources such as CSIRO’s Data61 Robotics Innovation Centre. According to Independent ARM Hub Chair, Professor Roy Green, the ARM Hub will be a place where manufacturers can go to transform their businesses,
to learn new skills, and to create new processes through the application of advanced technologies. “The overarching objective of the ARM Hub is, essentially, to transform as much of the Australian manufacturing industry as possible, and to create new global markets for the entire Australian manufacturing supply chain. We plan to accomplish this by improving the uptake of new technologies, particularly robotics and automation,” said Professor Green. “If we look at the rates of adoption of robotics, compared to the rest of the world, Australian SMEs are lagging behind other developed countries by a long way—by a factor of 10 in some cases.”
Australia’s First Robotics Hub to Drive Manufacturing
“The Hub will help encourage and facilitate SMEs to go beyond business as usual and transform their strategies and operations, through the uptake of digital technologies, with a focus on robotics, assistive technologies, and automation.” The Beginning The ARM Hub was born out of a collaborative project involving UAP, QUT and Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC). With design studios in Brisbane, Shanghai and New York, UAP is a design and manufacturing company that specialises in delivering public art and large creative projects. UAP is adopting the latest digital design software to provide complex design solutions that are increasingly difficult to manufacture. After securing funding from the IMCRC, UAP and QUT collaborated on a project called Design Robotics. The aim of this five year, $8 million research and development project was to ‘teach robots to see’ (enabling a robot to look at an object before fettling or polishing) in order to improve the mass customisation capabilities of robotic manufacture. The project was all about turning a ‘dumb’ robot into a smart robot—one able to make decisions about its assigned tasks.
According to Cori Stewart (CEO, ARM Hub), the response to the Design Robotics project from local industry was incredible. “As part of the Design Robotics project, we had an open innovation network where we showcased what we were doing to other companies. This generated a significant amount of interest from large and small companies, from those who make medical devices to those who run steel mills.” “So, the idea was to scale up the model, and provide the kind of services Australian manufacturers need to transform their businesses. That’s how the ARM Hub came about,” said Stewart. The Need for Human-Robotics Integration The introduction of automation, including robotics and artificial intelligence, is occurring across the world and is widely acknowledged as being at the heart of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). To identify the advantages automation is likely to bring to the Queensland economy, the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision headquartered at QUT, commissioned an independent report: The Robotics and Automation Advantage for Queensland. The Report revealed that adopting robotics and automation will lead to substantial benefits for Queensland, including creating
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over 725,800 new jobs, and boosting the Gross State Product (GSP) by $77.2 billion over 10 years. According to Professor Jonathan Roberts (Technical Director, ARM Hub), “Robotics and autonomous systems are important to the future of manufacturing in Australia because of the type of manufacturing that tends to be undertaken here. Rather than mass production, Australian manufacturing is focused more on niche, unique products. In this type of manufacturing, automation can help assist humans and make businesses more productive, and better able to compete internationally.” “In the type of manufacturing that takes place in Australia, the human expert is essential. The human expert must help design the robot solution, program the robot, and work alongside the robot in the long-term. After all, it is this expert who best understands the process that is being automated.” “We are certainly not talking about replacing humans with robots. Robots are utilised to make existing jobs lighter, to take away some of the monotony, and to reduce some of the tough, manual labour involved. It’s all about giving existing staff smart tools to make their lives easier—changing their job for the better,” said Professor Roberts.
Fabrication using augmented reality. Image courtesy of UAP
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For instance, Professor Roberts recently worked on a project with UAP to help automate a linear finishing process. Traditionally, a worker would push a rotating tool covered in sandpaper across the surface of large metal sheets. The work is backbreaking and exhausting. For this project, UAP’s linisher had eight huge sheets to process, each of which would require at least eight hours’ worth of work. Over three days, UAP’s head linisher, Matteo Fantini, and QUT robotics engineer, Amelia Luu, codesigned a solution. While a robot undertook the backbreaking linear finishing, the linisher fabricated all the brackets, sprayed lubricant on the sheets, and performed other tasks the robot could not do. Instead of spending eight hours per sheet on manual labour, the linisher spent two. He was extremely happy with the result. “We want industry to come to us with their problems and initial ideas, and then work together with us as a team to find the solution— just as UAP’s linisher did. We have to work together to find safer, cost effective, and productive solutions,” said Professor Roberts. How the ARM Hub Will Work The ARM Hub will provide practical production and manufacturing advice in a real-life factory
Australian Welding: March 2020
environment, enabling Australian manufacturers to learn about cutting-edge robotic technologies and design techniques, and develop industry skill and expertise to apply to their own businesses. It will provide three key services. Industry Engagement “Through our industry engagement services, we will share our knowledge with manufacturers. After companies attend a business assessment workshop, the ARM Hub will typically exchange site visits of factories, perform an assessment of a company’s existing manufacturing processes, and then undertake a workshop to align their business processes and needs with a new manufacturing model,” said Stewart. Commercial Solutions “Our commercial solutions services will involve working with a company to adopt advanced technology. We might do something like an adoption sprint, or a demonstration project where we will model a solution to confirm that it will work successfully within the company’s facilities. Where relevant, we will help companies access grant funding to offset the costs of these projects.” Brokering Research and Development “This service will help facilitate new manufacturing solutions for mid to long-term outcomes, and
will tap into Australia’s research investments to help companies financially derisk their digital transformation needs. Typically, research and development projects will involve multiple companies and research institutions collaborating to solve challenges and create new intellectual property,” said Stewart. A Collaborative Mindset Collaboration will be an essential ingredient in the ARM Hub’s operations. By connecting companies and research organisations, and sharing knowledge and resources, the ARM Hub will help improve the resilience, effectiveness, and digital capabilities of Australian manufacturers. While the Hub will be located in a workshop adjacent to UAP in the Brisbane suburb of Northgate, it will be supported by several organisations, including QUT, CSIRO, Fraunhofer in Germany— Europe’s leading applicationorientated research organisation— and the IMCRC. IMCRC’s Managing Director and CEO, David Chuter, is very optimistic about the ARM Hub. “Every now and then, you’re able to assemble the right team of people, where the collaboration is based on a really good cultural fit, with visionary, ambitious leadership. That’s what the Hub has.” “The IMCRC is working to foster collaboration between industry and research institutions in Australia. The ARM Hub is a prime example of this type of collaboration. It is a non- competitive space in which manufacturers can not only see the technology available, but come to understand how it might be applicable to their own business.”
Image: (L to R): PhD Researcher Andrew Razjigaev, Professor Ross Crawford and Professor Jonathan Roberts. Photo Shelley Thomas. Image courtesy of the Australian Centre for Robotics Vision and QUT.
“The Hub offers manufacturers the opportunity to stretch their thinking, and to open their minds to the possibility of robotics and assistive technologies, which can be a major driver for productivity and growth,” said Chuter. The Hub will have access to IMCRC’s
Australia’s First Robotics Hub to Drive Manufacturing
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futuremap®—a business diagnostic tool designed to help Australian manufacturing SMEs assess their current state of business and identify areas of focus and potential investment to transform and future-proof their business. futuremap® enables manufacturers to map their maturity levels and capabilities in the areas of market positioning; leadership, strategy and change management; innovation and use of technology; and digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0). It then produces a point-in-time self-assessment and report that identifies both immediate and medium-term opportunities for growth and potential investment. According to Stewart, the IMCRC is a very important collaborator for the Hub. “Access to futuremap® will allow us to meaningfully engage with businesses who are at the beginning of their Industry 4.0 journey, and pinpoint specific areas for improvement. The IMCRC also helps us connect to a comprehensive, national network of manufacturers and research institutions. The ARM Hub Impact For Australian manufacturers looking to integrate robotics and automation into their business, understanding where to start can be quite daunting. The Hub could be a great place to start, particularly given its unique position within the market. “While there are quite a few hubs that cross over between advanced manufacturing, robotics, and research, we collaborate within, and across, that entire network. We are an independent company, dedicated to solving the needs of industry. We’re not a research institution, and not another company or competitor, which is quite rare,” said Stewart. “We also have our own workshop facility, so people can see and trial the technology first-hand. For some companies, where downtime is
Image: Australian Centre for Robotics Vision at QUT Real World Futures Event. Image Courtesy of Australian Centre for Robotics Vision and QUT.
not an option, having a space to trial and test is quite important. The facility is also an important space for start-up companies looking to scale-up their business: with us they can access industrial workspace and facilities with ready access to robotics and design experts as well as other likeminded problem-solvers.” “We have significant expertise in robotics and can provide unbiased advice. Our mandate is to help manufacturers, not to sell them anything. We also have extensive design capabilities, from industrial, process and digital, through to workflow, engineering and architectural design. You simply cannot capitalise on the benefits robotics that can deliver unless the design is correct,” said Stewart. Transforming the Welding Industry The ARM Hub is already engaging with the welding industry, according to Stewart. “There has been quite a lot of demand across the state, and interstate, for safer, automated welding processes, particularly for welding in confined spaces. Whether welders are working in the defence, or mining, or other sectors, this challenge is ever present.” As such, the Hub is working with Weld Australia on a proposal to government to solve some of these
challenges. “We recognise the urgency for improved safety and efficiency in the welding industry,” said Stewart. A Bright Future Professor Green believes the future is bright for the Australian manufacturing industry, provided the right support is made available to its SMEs. “Australia does have a manufacturing future. We cannot write manufacturing off because some of the more traditional segments have become uncompetitive in global markets. Instead, we must determine in which markets and value chains we can be competitive. Australian manufacturers must compete not just on cost but on quality, design excellence and innovation.” “We understand that a lot of manufacturers are anxious about the future and how to prepare for it. Projects in other countries—such as Germany, Korea and Switzerland— demonstrate to us that trusted intermediaries like the ARM Hub are essential for the process of industrial transformation,” said Professor Green.
Further Information For further information about the ARM Hub, please visit: https://www.armhub.com.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Regional Manufacturing Hubs Create Opportunities Located in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton, the Queensland Government will invest $30 million over three years to transform regional manufacturing as a critical driver of productivity and innovation in the economy. Each Hub will provide expert advice and support to local manufacturing businesses, helping them transition to advanced manufacturing through worldleading technologies. The Hubs will also have strong links with local universities, schools and TAFE Queensland to develop a workforce with strong skills in science, technology, engineering and math.
technologies in regional Queensland and enable international competitiveness through quality and innovation.” “There are great opportunities in Australian manufacturing. We have some of the brightest minds in the world here, as well as an abundance of natural and renewable resources. If we hone our skills, abilities and adoption of advanced technologies in emerging markets, the future of Australian manufacturing, particularly regional manufacturers, will be bright.”
The establishment and operation of the Hubs will be the catalyst to deliver world-leading technologies, processes and practices to regional manufacturers and attract increased private sector investment and jobs to our regions. The Hubs will build productivity, increase international competitiveness and access emerging and diversified growth opportunities in these localities.
“The manufacturing industry must start somewhere on the road to advancement. To be at the forefront of this technological and skills transformation within the Hubs environment is fantastic. We have the opportunity to connect our region with world leaders and see our region grow for both current and future generations, particularly in the emerging and renewable energy sectors,” said O’Rourke.
According to Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke, “The Manufacturing Hubs are a $30 million commitment from the Queensland State Government to stimulate advanced manufacturing within the regional areas of Central Queensland, Townsville and Cairns. This will help with the adoption of world-leading manufacturing
Regional Manufacturing in Queensland Manufacturing in Queensland contributes around $20 billion per year to the Queensland economy. Regionally, manufacturing creates a significant amount of employment— both directly and indirectly. These local manufacturing jobs are integral to the backbone of the regional
economy in the Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton areas. “Central Queensland’s regional manufacturers contributed over $1 billion to the state’s economy last year. There is a massive investment in regional Queensland over the next five years in mining, infrastructure, renewable energy and construction, which will require locally made products, as well as servicing of equipment. The ability to be digitally capable and use technologies such as high-end 3D printers (additive and subtractive manufacturing), digital twins, big data gathered through sensors, drones with Lidar and other information gathering equipment, as well as advanced machinery for product development and servicing, will be essential.” “This will need a highly skilled workforce to understand how to use the equipment and business needs to develop a technologically forward thinking and growth mindset to take advantage of existing and emerging industries – and the Hubs can help with all of this,” said O’Rourke. The Manufacturing Hub Delivery Model The Hub delivery model was developed following consultation with local businesses, local governments, unions and educational institutions. Consultation indicated that while the Hubs needed
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Regional Manufacturing Hubs Create Opportunities
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The Hubs will help with the adoption of world-leading manufacturing technologies in regional Queensland and enable international competitiveness through quality and innovation.”
Left (L to R): Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub staff Mick Elliott (Skills Development and Training Officer), Stacey Holmes (Project Support Officer)and Mick Allen (Manufacturing Hub Coordinator), with Wade Leslie (Country Sales Manager, Kuka Robotics). Below: Inside the Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub.
to be connected and share strategic objectives, each Hub should have its own ‘unique flavour’ and capitalise on each region’s strengths and opportunities to drive innovation, growth and jobs. As such, each Hub has its own key focus areas: • The Cairns Manufacturing Hub, which is located at the TAFE Queensland campus, will focus on marine, aviation and food manufacturing. • The Townsville Manufacturing Hub is located at the TAFE Queensland campus at Bohle. Its focus areas are advanced metal production, and food transformation through advanced manufacturing. • The Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub is located at Central Queensland University’s Rockhampton North campus. Its key focus areas are rail manufacturing and technology, advanced technologies for metal production, and food product innovation. As O’Rourke describes, the Hubs will implement four key strategies to achieve their objectives. “Strategy one is the adoption of leading-edge design, innovation, technologies, processes and practices. Strategy two is focused on a highly-skilled workforce. Strategy three will involve showcasing the opportunities and
Manufacturing Hub Opens Opportunities for Rockhampton Businesses and Industry In early February, the Queensland Government officially opened the $10 million Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub, unlocking a world of opportunities to help local manufacturers grow and improve their competitive edge. Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said the Hub, located at Central Queensland University’s North Rockhampton campus, has been operational since April 2019 and delivers on a 2017 election promise. “Manufacturing in Central Queensland is already thriving, employing more than 5000 people,” Minister Dick said.“The Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub will further strengthen the sector, as a centre of expertise for advanced manufacturing innovation and skills, which in turn with private sector investment will create more jobs in the region.” “Local manufacturers will gain access to business development programs, skills and training and equipment through the Central Queensland University campus. By focusing on Central Queensland’s key manufacturing strengths of rail, metal production and food innovation, the hub is ensuring it’s full steam ahead for local industry.” Minister Dick said the new facility was one of three manufacturing hubs delivered by the Queensland Government as part of a total $30 million investment. “Our recently announced $13.5 million Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program will also assist regional manufacturers to create jobs, improve productivity and build international competitiveness.”
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How the Hubs will Assist Local Businesses The Hubs will provide access to a range of tailored programs, advice and assistance that service the breadth of manufacturing. Business Development • Benchmarking • Working one-on-one with a consultant • LEAN manufacturing workshops • Basic business management, digital technology and marketing workshops • Grants writing assistance • Business-to-business mentoring, business coaching, • Mentoring for Growth • Improving supply chain capability • Sustainability seminars • Assistance to increase access to national and international markets including attending trade shows/missions Skills Development and Training • Advanced welding • Additive manufacturing • Laser cutting • Coordinated access to existing and emerging trade and professional skills • Micro-credentialing • Improved access between business and research Awareness of Advanced Manufacturing • Technology and demonstration days from advanced manufacturers • Industry 4.0 seminars • Virtual and physical tours of advanced manufacturing businesses • Hosting of international experts in advanced manufacturing • Events and workshops on advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics and Internet of Things
Australian Welding: March 2020
achievements of Queensland’s existing advanced manufacturing industry. Finally, strategy four will see us supporting regional manufacturing across Queensland.” “The hubs will bring together the state, industry partners, local businesses, local governments, economic development agencies, and educational institutions, to collaborate and grow regional manufacturing,” said O’Rourke. Critical to the success of the hubs will be fostering links between key stakeholders in the region with Queensland, Australian and international industry leaders to foster the growth of the existing manufacturing industry, help build stronger communities and attract investment and jobs to the regions. Working with Local Industry According to Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub Coordinator, Mick Allen, “The Hubs have already connected local manufacturers with leading advanced manufacturing providers. For example, Kuka Robotics has visited local
manufacturers in Gladstone, Yeppoon, Rockhampton and Emerald, as well as technology giants Siemens and Softbank. We’re working with Weld Australia and Kuka Robotics to develop a robotic welding course that will be internationally recognised.” “We have also connected manufacturers across the regions to one another. In one instance, two manufacturers are now working together to develop an innovative product for underground mining sensors. This is helping to create a local eco-system in which manufacturers support one another to open up new markets through connections and technologies, particularly for local emerging market opportunities such as defence, aerospace, bio-fuels, biomedical, hydrogen, and the circular economy. “We plan to run courses for local manufacturers on ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding at Central Queensland University this year, starting in March in Gladstone and Rockhampton, and then expanding
Regional Manufacturing Hubs Create Opportunities
out to Emerald. This will help upskill our local fabricators and businesses, enabling them to tender on mining, marine and defence work.”
and universities, the hub will help meet the increasing demand for STEM graduates in this knowledgeintensive industry.
“We also have LEAN manufacturing courses commencing in March, which we plan to continue running throughout the year. In conjunction with our partners and other government agencies, we will facilitate a range of other events, workshops, masterclasses and forums on topics as diverse as R&D tax incentives, additive manufacturing, and new technologies like holographics.”
“The Hubs recognised early that we need our next generation of workers to understand and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. So, along with some industry partners, we undertook a tour of schools within the Central Queensland region to demonstrate the breadth and depth of advanced technology,” said Allen.
Working with Universities, Schools & VET The Hubs will work closely with universities, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and schools to develop a workforce with strong skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). It is widely recognised that STEM skills are a vital pre-cursor to advanced manufacturing. By building capability in STEM learning, and working in partnership with industry, VET
“Kuka Robotics demonstrated their industrial robotic arm, while Softbank showed students how their concierge humanoid robot works. Skills Generation gave kids first-hand experience of their drone technology. Euclidean Holographics was a hit with their holographic wall, and TAFE Queensland enabled the students to try their hand at welding using augmented reality simulators. During the tour, we reached over 600 students, 35 teachers; five principals and 19 industry representatives in just 11 days. We plan to run a similar
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tour again in 2021,” said Allen. Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) The Queensland Government recently launched the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP), making $13.5 million worth of funding available to assist eligible businesses. This is an opportunity for manufacturers to become more productive and create the jobs of the future through: technology adoption, skills and training, business development, and advanced robotic manufacturing hub services via the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub. According to Allen, “The Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program is a fantastic and easy to use grant, designed specifically for manufacturers within Cairns, Townsville and Central Queensland who want to take the journey to advanced manufacturing. I urge manufacturers to take advantage of the MHGP and the benefits it has to offer.”
Benefits for Businesses Being part of the Hubs will offer significant tangible and transformational benefits for regional manufacturing businesses including: • A benchmarking service and access to one-on-one consultants to assist businesses to become more productive, access new markets and grow • Saving time for business and helping manufacturers focus more on developing their product • Assistance to help bring products to market • Showcasing regional manufacturers • Workforce development and training for businesses and employees • Business mentoring and coaching • Tailored programs to support businesses to diversify • Developing important pathways to and from schools and universities, to assist in retaining and developing the regional workforce with strong STEM skills • Growing SMEs to drive growth in regional areas and job creation through Queensland • Access to world leading technology providers, industry leaders and researchers • Bringing together business and research to improve local manufacturing capabilities The Hubs will also support local businesses to access Federal Government funding, such as that offered through the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). In addition, the Hubs will work closely with the AMGC to implement their programs in the regions.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Weld Australia Member Q&A: Andrew Barnes With over 30 years’ experience in the welding, oil and energy industries, Andrew Barnes is the Regional Sales Manager Southern at CIGWELD and ESAB. Andrew is an experienced manager with demonstrated expertise in welding products and gases, marketing, business planning, and operations. He was also the first Australian to win a medal in the Electric Welding category at WorldSkills, in 1988.
Describe your current job. I am the Regional Sales Manager Southern at CIGWELD and ESAB, covering the states of Victoria and Tasmania, as well as New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. I manage a small team of six experienced technical sales professionals to sell and support the big names of CIGWELD and ESAB in welding machines, consumables, safety and gas equipment. My work consists of managing my team of people, interacting with, and travelling to, company distributors who stock and sell CIGWELD and ESAB products. At distributor level, I get to meet the owners, managers and salespeople (who are mostly ex-tradies) in Australia, New Zealand and overseas in the Pacific Islands.
Above: Andrew Barnes (Regional Sales Manager Southern, CIGWELD and ESAB). Right: CIGWELD and ESAB’s range of products on display.
So I do a fair bit of travel and, occasionally, I get to have a local foodie treat, which helps make up for being away from home. Importantly, I get to go on-site and visit end-user customers, fabricators, and welding and engineering workshops. It is our interaction with the users that helps us report back to our product development teams, so that they can work on new and improved products and services for the future. On a day-to-day basis, I help with end-user customer problem solving, productivity enhancement, technical welding issues, training and demonstrations. I help manage trade shows, field days and distributor, end-user, and technical college training days.
Outline your previous experience. What has your career progression looked like? Before coming back to CIGWELD after a 21 year spell, I most recently worked at SUPAGAS (for eight years) as Retail Manager. I was responsible for the marketing and sales of all hard good products (welding products and tools) sold through ten retail shops and five on-site sales vans. My working career started as a welder apprentice at EMAIL in Orange, New South Wales. It was whilst I was training in my apprenticeship that I got involved in the WorldSkills Competitions and was the first person to win a medal for Australia in the Electric Welding category, way back in 1988.
Weld Australia Member Q&A: Andrew Barnes
Thereafter, I joined CIGWELD in a sales role in Sydney, and then Wollongong for about four years, before moving into a marketing and product management role in Melbourne for another five years. Throughout my time at CIGWELD, I stayed involved with WorldSkills and became Australia’s Judge at the International WorldSkills Competitions in Taipei, Taiwan in 1993; Lyon, France in 1995; and St Gallen, Switzerland in 1997. After leaving CIGWELD, I moved onto Air Liquide gases in 1998. During my four years with the company, I helped introduce the innovated ALTOP built-in cylinder valve with regulator system, and supported the expansion of Air Liquide into the welding gases market in Australia. In 2002, I started a welding products, tools and gases supply company called Rocket Industrial Supplies, in Taree, New South Wales, with my wife Joanne. We built the business up from absolute scratch and sold the business five years later to Taree Tools, which eventually changed its name to Rocket Tools. I worked with the new owners for two years. In 2009, we moved back to Sydney briefly and I worked for Dynaweld for about 12 months, until relocating to Melbourne to take up a position with Supagas. What inspired you to choose a career in the welding industry? Watching the A-Team as a kid, intrigued me with what could be achieved by welding and cutting metals (even if it was fictional TV)! Plus, my father Bob was a mechanic by trade and very handy. He tried his hand at welding me a BMX bike when I was 13 years old. From that time on, I learnt a lot of respect for trades people who could use their hands and heads to turn their talent into goods. Who has inspired you professionally? I could write a complete standalone story on the people who have inspired me but—for times’ sake—I
will say they are mostly the people who I have worked with, who took me under their wing and trained me in the trade, selling, marketing and other worldly life skills. So, a big thank you to all my fantastic mentors at EMAIL, CIGWELD, Air Liquide Australia and Supagas. What is the best project that you’ve worked on? Why? One period at CIGWELD really stands out. CIGWELD was taken over by the American company, Thermadyne, and the parent company decided to cross pollinate the synergies of the various global manufacturing plants around the world. As a result, they started selling CIGWELD products in the Canadian, US , Latin American and Indonesian markets. I was lucky enough to be involved in the promotion, launching, distributor sales training and end-user calls in these markets during 1995-1996. The travel was demanding, but the reward was in seeing and meeting so many different people from these different cultures. What do you believe is the biggest challenge for the welding industry? In recent times, we have seen a lot of cases of cheaper inferior imported steel structures being imported into Australia that don’t meet Australian or International Standards. This is a real concern. I know the entire Weld Australia organisation is pushing the injustice and safety concerns to the various levels of the Australian Government, which is great. I believe the rank and file membership of Weld Australia, along with other engineering organisations, are right behind this push. So keep up the good work Weld Australia. The other challenges I see as real issues moving forward from 2020 are sovereign capability and international competitiveness against cheaper overseas labour rates. I think the tide is changing and the disruption of the Corona Virus in China will be a big lesson to all companies in Australia about sovereign capability.
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What do you believe is the biggest opportunity for the welding industry? I foresee the next 10 years will bring many opportunities, mainly based around sovereign capability and international competitiveness. Unfortunately for China, and now other countries around the world, the Corona Virus is destroying people’s lives and livelihoods. Worldwide supply chains are being disrupted and, in some cases, decimated. This will continue for some time yet, making it a wake-up call for many. What we are learning is that local sovereign capability and capacity are important and without it, you may well suffer more than just lost profits—you may have no business at all. To be internationally competitive, businesses have to automate and continue to be more efficient and effective in what they do in everyday operations. Companies are taking the time and resources to consider new levels of automation and efficiency improvement—the old days of just saving money based on the cheapest price is changing. Smart companies are spending dollars to reduce waste, rework and ongoing maintenance and are investing in quality goods and services that deliver better value over the life time of the project. The best part of all these opportunities is that good, smart people will be required to make it all happen. Do you have any advice for people considering a career in welding? Welding is a great trade and an exciting industry that can take people in all sorts of different directions. The trade itself encompasses supervisory positions, management, quality control and inspection, design and engineering— the sky is the limit, and an ongoing education will help you get there. I have constantly tried to improve my education. As a mentor of mine once said, “The more you learn, the more you earn”.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Bendworx-Steelpro: Steel Supply & Processing Specialists Headquartered in Brisbane, Bendworx-Steelpro is one of Australia’s leading steel supply and processing specialists. An approved supplier to multiple state governments, and 100% Australianowned, Bendworx-Steelpro has provided specialist steel services to Australian and international industries since 2005. Weld Australia would like to congratulate Bendworx-Steelpro for their recent certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials.
Bend-Worx was founded in 2005 as a direct response to the lack of customer-focused steel processing providers in the market. That keen insight proved exactly right, and the company had to expand to a much larger facility in 2007 to cope with growing demand. Continued growth and success saw Bend-Worx merge with their direct competitor, Steelpro, in 2015, to become Bendworx-Steelpro. Today, Bendworx-Steelpro provides specialist brake pressing, plate rolling, section rolling and bending, steel processing, and pipe and steel casing services to Australian and international clients of all sizes. Partnering on everything from large public and private infrastructure projects, to small-scale sheet-metal jobs, their team has the expertise and experience to deliver, on time, and within budget. According to Adam House (General
Manager, Bendworx-Steelpro), “Our clientele ranges from global multi-nationals to local sole operators and is drawn from a wide range of industries, including mining, transport, maintenance, manufacturing, civil engineering, architectural and artistic, built environment, energy, and many, many more.” Their clientele has come to expect only the best in service, experience, and capability. “We pride ourselves on truly understanding our role in our clients’ supply chains, and have the right team to put unmatched industry experience to work in targeting optimal outcomes for our customers,” said House. “We also invest heavily in our plant and equipment to ensure we are ideally positioned to service clients’ requirements. We operate seven CNC press brakes, eight CNC plate rollers and seven section rollers— not to mention shears, cambering
machines, sub arc welders, rotators, manufacturing lines and more. We’ve worked hard to maintain strong, mutual relationships with key suppliers in order to have certainty in our supply chain.” An Impressive Project Portfolio Given their wide ranging clientele and state-of-the-art equipment, Bendworx-Steelpro boasts an impressive project portfolio. “Bendworx-Steelpro supplied pile casings to the Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade in Brisbane to the exacting specifications of the Department of Transport and Main Roads. This was a great project to be involved in as a local supplier, as too often inferior imported products are used resulting in poor outcomes for the overall project,” said House. “We’ve recently supplied pile liners and casings to a huge number of projects, including the Logan
Bendworx-Steelpro: Steel Supply & Processing Specialists
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Enhancement Project, the new Albion Park Bypass, HOTA’s Green Bridge Project, and SA’s Hill to Hill Transmission Line Project, just to name a few.” “Looking further back we’re particularly proud of being a major partner and supplier of pile liners and casings to the Brisbane Riverwalk Rebuild project which was a key part of the city’s recovery after the devastating 2011 floods,” said House. The new Riverwalk design is strong enough to withstand a 1 in 2,000 year flood, including depths of up to 9m and up to 18,000m3 of water per second. The Bendworx-Steelpro steel pipe and casing division was contracted to supply, manufacture, test, certify and deliver to site quality-assured multi-stage pile casings to the exacting engineering standards specified. Working closely with project engineers and piling specialists over 18 months, Bendworx-Steelpro responded to developing situations on the ground to continually exceed expectations. AS/NZS ISO 3834 Certification Bendworx-Steelpro recently obtained certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834. The decision to embark upon the certification process was an easy one for the steel supply and processing specialists. “The quality requirements of state governments and larger companies continue to evolve, and AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification is now a distinct requirement for many of our current and potential customers,” said House. “Having already manufactured welded products for many years, the procedures and processes we had in place were already very good. Where further work was required, the Weld Australia team was absolutely fantastic to work with in helping us bring everything up to speed with minimum fuss. A special mention goes to Paolo Corronca (Qualification and Certification Manager, Weld Australia) for his assistance, but the
whole team was great.” Having obtained certification, Bendworx-Steelpro is now finding even greater scope and opportunities to win new work. “Holding certification gives us the ability us to work with state governments and larger principal contractors that require suppliers to maintain AS/NZS ISO 3834 compliance. But, further than this, the certification serves as independent verification of the quality of our product, regardless of whether certification is a client requirement or not,” said House. For other companies considering certification, House has some sage advice: “Begin with a clear understanding of your purpose for pursuing certification. This will help
Far Left: The Bendworx-Steelpro facility in Wacol, Brisbane. Left: Bendworx-Steelpro employee, Scott welds reinforcing plates over J-slots for improved pile driving. Above (Top): Junior keeps a close eye on weld parameters during subarc welding. Above (Bottom): The BendworxSteelpro facility in Wacol, Brisbane.
maintain clarity, focus and drive throughout the process. Engage Weld Australia (or your chosen certification body) early. Most of all, embrace the process – your business will emerge stronger for it!” said House. For further information, visit: http://bendworx.com.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
The Implementation of the Shergold Weir Report Commissioned by the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) in mid-2017, the Building Confidence Report was released by Professor Peter Shergold AC and Bronwyn Weir in February 2018. Shergold and Weir concluded that the nature and extent of the problems with compliance and enforcement systems across Australia’s building and construction industry were “significant and concerning”. As such, 24 recommendations were outlined in the Report. The BMF issued an Implementation Plan based on the Report in March 2019, which is currently underway, with varying degrees of success. The Context The Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) commissioned an independent expert examination of the broader compliance and enforcement problems within Australia’s building and construction systems affecting the implementation of the National Construction Code (NCC) in mid-2017. The inquiry was in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy—in which more than 70 people lost their lives—and growing concerns over the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems in the building and construction industry in Australia. Professor Peter Shergold AC (Chancellor of Western Sydney University and a former Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet) and Bronwyn Weir (a legal practitioner specialising in government regulation and previously a member of Victoria’s Building Regulations Advisory Committee) were appointed as the independent experts to undertake the inquiry. During the course of the inquiry, Shergold and Weir completed 55 consultations with government bodies, Ministers and industry bodies, such as Engineers Australia and Master Builders. Over a dozen formal submissions were received, and Shergold and Weir also
examined a variety of reports and regulatory reviews. Based on the outcome of the inquiry, Shergold and Weir were asked to consider strategies for improving compliance and enforcement practices and to make recommendations for a national best practice model for compliance and enforcement to strengthen the effective implementation of the NCC. The BMF and the NCC The BMF is comprised of federal, state and territory government ministers with responsibility for policy and regulatory issues affecting Australia’s building and construction industries. The BMF was created under a series of intergovernmental agreements that establish and maintain the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), which is responsible for developing the NCC. The NCC contains the technical requirements and standards for the construction of buildings and for plumbing work. The NCC is adopted by each jurisdiction in its own building legislation. The goal is to have nationally consistent technical standards applying across Australia. Whilst Australia has a national technical standard for buildings, each state and territory has its own laws governing the implementation of the NCC.
Inside the Industry: The Implementation of the Shergold Weir Report
Shergold and Weir’s Findings According to Shergold and Weir, “The growing challenges…faced in ensuring effective compliance with, and enforcement of, the NCC…are significant and concerning. The problems have led to diminishing public confidence that the building and construction industry can deliver compliant, safe buildings which will perform to the expected standards over the long term.” “We have read numerous reports which identify the prevalence of serious compliance failures in recently constructed buildings. These include non-compliant cladding, water ingress leading to mould and structural compromise, structurally unsound roof construction and poorly constructed fire resisting elements. We have heard suggestions that large numbers of practitioners operating in the industry either lack competence, do not properly understand the NCC and/or have never had proper training on its implementation.” “We have consistently heard that the adequacy of design documentation is generally poor and that, on occasion, builders improvise, making decisions on matters which affect safety without independent oversight. This exacerbates disputes about the quality and compliance of building work. It also results in inadequate information to guide the future maintenance of safety systems in buildings. These issues undermine public accountability in building approvals processes.” “We have been told that oversight by licensing bodies, state and territory regulators and local governments can be weak due either to inadequate funding or a lack of skills and resources to undertake effective enforcement. We found that, until relatively recently, there has been almost no effective regulatory oversight of the commercial building industry by regulators. Those involved in high-rise construction have been left largely to their own devices. Where there has been supervision, this has generally been by private building surveyors whom critics argue are not independent from builders and/or designers.” As such, the Shergold Weir Building Confidence report
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The growing challenges…faced in ensuring effective compliance with, and enforcement of, the NCC… are significant and concerning. The problems have led to diminishing public confidence that the building and construction industry can deliver compliant, safe buildings which will perform to the expected standards over the long term.”
put forward 24 recommendations intended to address the weaknesses identified in Australia’s compliance and enforcement systems, with the suggestion that they be implemented over a three-year period. A Summary of the 24 Recommendations Recommendations 1 to 4 focus on the registration and training of practitioners. Shergold and Weir recommended a nationally consistent approach to the registration of certain categories of building practitioners and compulsory Continuing Professional Development, which includes mandatory hours or units dedicated to training on the NCC and the establishment of supervised training schemes which provide better defined career paths for building surveyors. Recommendations 5 to 7 address the roles and responsibilities of regulators. Shergold and Weir recommended a focus on collaboration between state and local government and (where applicable) private building surveyors to improve regulatory oversight. The Report also recommends the provision of broad powers to audit building work and take effective compliance and enforcement action. The Report recommends that each jurisdiction implement a proactive audit strategy for regulatory oversight of the Commercial building sector. Recommendation 8 goes to the role of fire authorities in the building design and approvals process. Shergold and Weir recommended that, consistent with the International
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Australian Welding: March 2020
comprehensive digital building manual be created for owners which can be passed on to successive owners. This would include all relevant documents for the ongoing management of the building, such as as-built construction documentation, fire safety system details and maintenance requirements. Recommendation 21 relates to building product safety. Shergold and Weir recommended that the BMF agree its position on the establishment of a compulsory product certification system for high-risk building products.
Fire Engineering Guidelines, jurisdictions require early engagement with fire authorities on designs which include performance solutions on fire safety matters. Recommendations 9 to 11 focus on the integrity of private building surveyors. It was recommended that minimum statutory requirements for the engagement, and role, of private building surveyors, a code of conduct with legislative status and enhanced supervisory powers and reporting obligations. Recommendation 12 addresses the issue of collecting and sharing building information and intelligence. Shergold and Weir recommended the creation of a central database by each jurisdiction and collaboration to develop a platform that can provide for information sharing to inform regulatory activities and the work of the BMF. Information in the databases would also be accessible as appropriate, by authorised persons including owners or purchasers of buildings. Recommendations 13 to 17 focus on the issues of adequacy of documentation and record keeping. It was recommended that there be a statutory duty on design practitioners to prepare documentation that demonstrates that proposed buildings will comply with the NCC. The Report recommends a more robust approach to third party review of designs and to the documentation and approval of performance solutions and variations. Recommendations 18 to 19 emphasise the importance of inspection regimes. Shergold and Weir recommended that jurisdictions require on-site inspections for all building works and that there be greater oversight of the installation and certification of fire safety systems in Commercial buildings. Recommendation 20 addresses the issue of postconstruction information management. It was recommended that for Commercial buildings, a
Recommendations 22 to 24 deal with the implementation of the recommendations laid out above. Shergold and Weir recommended commitment to a three year timetable for the implementation of the recommendations. It was recommended that the BMF establish a plan for implementation which is reported against by each jurisdiction annually. Shergold and Weir also recommended that, to deal with the issue of differing terminology across jurisdictions, the BMF develop a national dictionary of terminology. Industry Reaction to the Report Overall, initial industry reaction to the Building Confidence Report was positive. For instance, Engineers Australia endorsed all recommendations contained in the report. In particular, Engineers Australia advocated for implementation of the 10 recommendations focused on a nationally consistent approach to registration and continued professional development for certain categories of building practitioners, fire safety, approvals, satisfactory documentation and record keeping, independent third party review and post construction information management. Similarly, Master Builders welcomed the BMF agreement on establishing an industry forum on implementation of the Building Confidence report and Master Builders looks forward to participating and future forums. According to Master Builders, the Building Confidence report provides a pragmatic response on options for best practice whilst acknowledging one size does not fit all. Builders need consistency and clarity and not a never ending cycle of regulatory reform. To this end, articulating broad objectives and options for jurisdictions to cooperatively work towards implementing, in conjunction with the reform pathways they have already embarked on, is a sensible way forward. The Implementation Plan An important recommendation included in the Building Confidence Report was that the BMF prioritise the preparation of an implementation plan to enable all recommendations to be implemented within three years. It stipulated that a full list of agreed actions should be prepared, with jurisdictional performance against each one to be reported annually, allowing the BMF to monitor achievement. The state and territory governments took a year to
Inside the Industry: The Implementation of the Shergold Weir Report
publicly respond to the findings and recommendations, with a collective response released by the Building Ministers’ Forum in March 2019 via the Building Confidence Report Implementation Plan (BCRIP). The BCRIP prioritises six of the Shergold Weir recommendations considered by the BMF to benefit from a national approach. As part of this national approach, each jurisdiction will aim to adopt reforms consistent with those in place or proposed in other jurisdictions, to maximise consistency. These six priorities are aimed at the integrity of building surveyors, responsibilities of design practitioners, and registration and training requirements for building practitioners. Other than the six national priorities, and the four recommendations allocated directly to the BMF or the ABCB, the remaining 14 Shergold Weir recommendations are the responsibility of each state and territory, rather than the focus of a national approach. Of the remaining 14, no State or Territory has opposed any of these recommendations. In general, the remaining recommendations are either partially implemented, fully implemented, or supported in principle. However, the BCRIP is a little short on specifics, particularly around expected implementation timeframes for each state and territory. BMF Adopts a National Approach During the July 2019 BMF meeting, a national approach to the implementation of the Building Confidence Report recommendations was agreed upon. To achieve this, an implementation team was established, as part of the Australian Building Codes Board. The implementation team is developing and publicly reporting on a national framework for the consistent implementation of the Shergold Weir recommendations, as well as the design, construction and certification of complex buildings. In addition, the Ministers agreed that the strategic plan of the Australian Building Codes Board will be recast to better reflect the current challenges in the building sector, and the Board will be expanded to include greater representation and engagement from industry. Significant progress has already been made by the Australian Building Codes Board since the
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establishment of the implementation team, including: • Development of amendments to the 2019 NCC, including a best practice process for the development of performance solutions to strengthen their consistency and quality. • Development of a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module on the NCC to ensure building practitioners have a better understanding of the requirements within the NCC. • Development of a new nationally consistent definition of ‘complex buildings’ with further consultation on the definition and targeted regulatory interventions to continue in early 2020 with a view to inclusion of the definition in the NCC. The next steps include: 1. Development of a nationally consistent code of conduct for building surveyors with consultation to commence in 2020. 2. Development of a detailed national specification for commercial buildings. 3. Development of model provisions to set out the roles and responsibilities for documenting, approving and recording performance solutions. 4. Work on a national data-sharing framework to support the development of a comprehensive national building data portal will also begin next year. This will draw on data from state and territory governments to support education and compliance and enforcement activities. References • https://aca.org.au/article/implementing-the-shergold-weir-report • https://informedprofessionals.com.au/030419-one-yearshergold-weir-building-confidence-report/ • https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/buildingconfidence-report-implementation-plan • https://www.minterellison.com/articles/the-building-ministersforums-roadmap-for-reform • https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/building-ministersforum-communique-december-2019.pdf • https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-07/bmfcommunique-18-july-2019.pdf • https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/News/heard-not-heededbmfs-lack-urgency-building-confidence-report • https://www.masterbuilders.com.au/getmedia/d912396c-74c2424e-b63c-b12c1cd48abb/MBA-Response-to-Laundy-BuildingConfidence-Report-Final.pdf
Further Information
For further information about the BMF or to download a copy of the Shergold Weir Building Confident Report or Implementation Plan, simply visit the Federal Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science wesbite: www.industry.gov.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
GMG Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 Established in 1982, Global Manufacturing Group (GMG) is a metal manufacturing company dedicated to customer service, exceptional and consistent quality, and advancements in technology, equipment and infrastructure. GMG operates from two sites—one in Maryborough and the other in Gladstone, Queensland—over a shared 7,000m2 of workshop space. GMG’s Gladstone workshop recently achieved certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials.
GMG offers a complete turn-key operation, employing a range of skilled and highly trained personnel who operate on a rotating 24 hour roster capacity. Their services cover the entire lifecycle of metal manufacturing. GMG offers drafting and programming services, utilising AutoCAD Unigraphics, Bysoft NX3, and Solidworks to detail, develop, nest and refine designs to ensure laser cut components are exact to client drawings. With world class
CO2 laser cutters and profiling oxy and plasma cutting facilities on-site, GMG can handle everything from carbon steel and stainless steel to aluminium cutting. Their welding and fabrication services are equally as extensive, with MIG, TIG, robotic and semi-automated welding systems delivering superior quality welding of carbon and exotic materials. GMG can even undertake internal NDT testing, and deliver third-party NATA certified testing as required. To finish a project, GMG offers protective coating services, including industrial blasting, powder coating and spray painting. Plus, their fitters, welders, fabricators, machinists and trade assistants are available for on-site services for construction, installation and maintenance projects—large or small.
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GMG offers a total turn-key operation. Our clients find that our one-stop shop can cater for all of their manufacturing requirements. GMG is able to look after the needs of clients from start to finish, minimising costs due to shorter lead-times and less freight and transport requirements.”
GMG caters to the needs of a wide variety of industries, including infrastructure, construction, engineering, mining, rail, oil and gas and government contracts. Just some of their clients include Rio Tinto Alcan (QAL, BSL, Yarwun), Bombardier Transportation, Monadelphous, Cement Australia, Road Tek, Downer EDI, Voestalpine, Walz Construction, Gladstone Port Corporation and Goldings. According to Renae Foster (Quality Systems, Safety and Training Coordinator at GMG CQ), “GMG is dedicated to meeting industry standards and demands. We manage our quality through meticulous attention to detail at every stage. GMG has a quality system that allows us to manufacture to all of our client needs and requirements.” The secret to the company’s success over the last 40 years or so is convenience. “GMG offers a total turn-key operation. Our clients find that our one-stop shop can cater for all of their manufacturing requirements. GMG is able to look after the needs of clients from start to finish, minimising costs due to shorter lead-times and less freight and transport requirements,” said Foster. “We are grateful to all of our clients for the opportunity to quote for, and supply, our services. We are particularly proud of the regularity with which we win return work from our clients. This includes acquiring contract projects that last up to three years, with over 12,000 hours
GMG Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2
of welding per year assigned to our workshop on one project alone. This type of job security is invaluable to all of our employees.” Certification to ISO 3834.2 GMG’s Gladstone workshop was recently certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. The decision to become certified was an easy one for GMG. “We recognised the importance of quality control and assurance of welded fabrication. The standards of our larger clients call for a total welding management system that meets with
Above: (L to R): GMG staff undertake welding. Right (Top): Jason Beard undertakes welding work. Right (Middle): Scott Lithgow undertakes preparation work. Right (Bottom): GMG’s manufacturing facilities in Gladstone, Queensland. Left:: Scott Lithgow undertakes welding work.
the requirements outlined in AS/NZS ISO 3834.2. It became clear that, for GMG to remain competitive, acquiring AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 certification was the first step of many to give our clients complete confidence in our quality assurance,” said Foster. “The certification process was, ultimately, a very satisfying experience. The high level of professionalism, experience and knowledge within the team at Weld Australia is impressive and refreshing—they were supportive throughout the whole process.”
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As a result of obtaining certification, GMG has seen new opportunities become available. “Predominantly, pressure equipment work has been obtained since receiving AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 certification. We have been afforded the opportunity to quote for local government and defence force contracts.” For other companies considering certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834, Foster has this advice: “Be passionate and committed to quality assurance.” For more information, visit: http://gmqld.com.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
A & B Welding Leading the Charge in the NT Established in Darwin in 1986, A & B Welding was the first company in Australia to obtain certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. Specialists in all alloy and carbon steel piping, fabrication and welding, their experience and technical knowledge of even the most complex fabrication and welding applications is extremely impressive.
A & B Welding operates from a custom built facility located in East Arm, which features a 2,200m2 undercover workshop and a 5,747m2 hardstand, plus offices and amenities. It is from this facility that A & B Welding delivers a range of superior quality services, including all types of pipe fabrications, from basic straight spools, through to highly complex configurations for low-pressure systems and extremely high-pressure applications. Their team specialises in the welding of exotic materials, with applications such as all piping, structural steel, pressure vessels, crossovers, metering skids, access platforms, and more. In addition, A & B Welding has extensive experience dealing with complex specifications and offers specialised services, such as live welding, offshore and remote site work, and hydrostatic testing.
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We’re celebrating 35 years of business in the Northern Territory this year. The NT is often a tough climate, given our remoteness to the rest of the country. By adopting principles that promote superior quality workmanship and accreditations, we’ve proved that it’s not only possible to survive, but to thrive, in the Northern Territory.”
A keen focus on quality has been key to A & B Welding’s success over the last 35 years. According to Grant Ryan (Managing Director, A & B Welding), “We have built our business based on quality workmanship, integrity and reputation. This is evident by the amount of repeat business A & B Welding enjoys today, signaling our clients’ confidence with our performance.” “In today’s competitive market, we recognise the importance of good customer service, and work hard to ensure every client receives personalised attention. This practice forms the basis of a partnership strategy between A & B Welding and our clients, which promotes excellent communication and understanding between both parties.” A & B Welding’s focus on quality assurance is backed by several industry accreditations and
certifications, including AS/NZS ISO 3834.2, ISO 14001 Environment, ISO 9001 Quality, AS 4801 Health and Safety, and NATA ISO/IEC 17025. “We’re celebrating 35 years of business in the Northern Territory this year. The NT is often a tough climate, given our remoteness to the rest of the country. By adopting principles that promote superior quality workmanship and accreditations, we’ve proved that it’s not only possible to survive, but to thrive, in the Northern Territory,” said Ryan. Project Success Given the superior quality of their welding services, it is little wonder that A & B Welding boasts an impressive list of clients and projects alike. Predominantly, the company operates within the oil and gas industry, servicing highprofile clients such as APA Group, Broadspectrum, Technip and Power
A & B Welding Leading the Charge in the NT
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& Water Corporation. However, in recent years, A & B Welding has also moved into the defence and power generation sectors, as well as continuing with gas transmission works, and water supply pipelines. “Recently, we’ve been involved in the Northern Gas Pipeline for McConnell Dowell and Jemena —a 662km gas transmission pipeline that runs from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, to Mount Isa in Queensland—completing all the midline compressor stations and tie-ins,” said Ryan. “We’ve provided services to ConocoPhillips (for both their onshore and offshore assets) since they commenced operations in Darwin in 2005. And, we also continue to undertake a significant volume of work for Inpex and Shell Prelude.” AS/NZS ISO 3834 Certification A & B Welding was the first company in Australia to gain certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2, back in 2005. According to Ryan, this certification has helped the company differentiate themselves within the local market, and secure new clients. “Weld Australia helped us through the accreditation process quite a bit. Their technical help was essential. As a result of gaining this accreditation, we were able to target specific types of clients, such as ConocoPhillips and Defence primes. Accreditation to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2 is what sets us apart from other welding companies,” said Ryan. “Certification also improved our internal processes and operations. Quality has become the basis of our whole workforce culture.” “For other companies considering certification, I would tell them that it is not something that you can do half-heartedly. You have to be 100% committed to the process. You have to structure your business, and run all your systems according to the certification requirements. It can’t just be a certificate hanging on your office wall,” said Ryan.
Weld Australia Membership “Weld Australia accreditation and membership gives your company instant brand recognition—it demonstrates that you are a high quality supplier, which holds you in good stead throughout all industrial sectors. You definitely get broader industry recognition as a Weld Australia accredited member, rather than trying to forge ahead on your own,” said Ryan. “Weld Australia also brings the whole welding industry together, whether you work in the oil and gas, mining, or construction sector. They give welders and businesses a national identity.” “Being located in Darwin can be quite isolating. For instance, we don’t get a lot of training courses in Darwin to upskill employee’s. But, Weld Australia is doing its best to bring the whole country together—it has created a Northern Territory Division Committee that I am involved in, and Weld Australia
Left: Installing main process piping offshore on the Challis Venture FPSO in the Timor Sea. Top: A & B Welding’s custom built facility in East Arm, which features a 2,200m2 undercover workshop and a 5,747m2 hardstand. Middle: Welding 500nb sch120 Duplex flowlines for Bayu Undan WHP for ConocoPhillips. Bottom: Fabrication and installation of gas piping for Channel Island Power Station turbines 8 and 9.
representatives regularly try to get out and visit members in all states and territories,” said Ryan. For more information, visit: http://abwelding.com.au Northern Territory Committee Expressions of Interest Weld Australia is currently seeking expressions of interest for new Northern Territory Committee members. For further information, phone (02) 8748 0100 or email membership@weldaustralia.com.au
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Key Developments Continue at the AWTCs In 2018-2019, Weld Australia secured over $5 million in Government funding for the establishment of nine Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTCs), located at: the TAFE SA Regency Campus in Adelaide, South Australia; the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council in South Burnie, Tasmania; TAFE Queensland at SkillsTech Acacia Ridge in Brisbane, Caboolture, Townsville and Cairns; Box Hill Institute in Melbourne, Victoria; Bendigo Kangan Institute in Victoria; and Federation University Australia in Ballarat, Victoria. The AWTCs will use augmented reality welding simulators to upksill qualified welders and train transitionary workers to international welding certification standard ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding.
Kangan Institute in Bendigo The Kangan Institute is working towards AWTC accreditation, having recently had their welding staff complete the ‘Train the Trainer’ program on the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators, as well as the ISO 96061 component. This will see Kangan Institute officially recognised as a Weld Australia AWTC, enabling them to deliver and assess courses. Box Hill Institute in Melbourne The Box Hill Institute (through its Automotive and Welding department, working alongside its Youth Programs department) has created a specially designed welding program for Ability Works Australia. A not-forprofit social enterprise, Ability Works Australia has four business units: wire and metal fabrication, digital technology, packaging and assembly, and logistics and fundraising. Ability Works Australia offers a peopleRight: The Box Hill Institute has created a specially designed welding program for not-for-profit social enterprise Ability Works Australia.
centric supported workplace, with a clear purpose: ‘Through employment we create opportunities for people living with a disability and those socially excluded, to discover their potential and enhance their lives’. Ability Works Australia has facilitated a program for eight students, bringing the students into the Box Hill Institute welding workshops to learn how to weld, including how to repair fencing and build new wire mesh. The students began by using the new state-of-the-art augmented reality welding simulators in the AWTC. The experience gained on the simulators rapidly built the students’ confidence. The students then moved across to work in a live environment, demonstrating that the skills learnt while using the simulators can be directly transferred to the workplace. By creating a safe environment initially, the augmented
reality welding simulators allow the students to quickly learn the intricate skills required in welding, generating greater opportunities for meaningful employment. Regency TAFE in Adelaide The AWTC at Regency TAFE in Adelaide recently commenced the delivery of a new, nine week short course for female educators: Basic Welding Processes for Women. This course is a joint venture between Defence Industries and Engineering at TAFE SA and the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) at the Department for Education, South Australia. It is an opportunity for women to participate in a small, safe, and supportive learning environment. This first introductory trial includes MIG, TIG, MMAW (Manual Metal Arc) and Oxy welding techniques. There is a possibility to offer this course
Inside Weld Australia: Advanced Welder Training Centres
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to all women in the future, including secondary and TAFE SA students. The ATP is being funded as part of the Department for Defence: Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Strategy as a School Pathways Program managed through the SA Department for Education. The aim is to help reduce skills shortages in the defence industry by increasing the pool of STEM educated students, informing Australia’s youth about industry employment opportunities and pathways and increase student awareness of defence industry (including Space and Maritime) as an employer of choice. The ATP provides secondary students with positive career experiences in defence (and allied) industries through programs such as Teacher Industry tours and workshops. ATP also provides student activities and teacher professional development opportunities to enhance STEM capability, education and enterprise skills as well as enhancing student engagement, participation and enrolment in STEM subjects. TAFE Queensland TAFE Queensland is partnering with the largest supplier of military vehicles, Rheinmetall Defence Australia positioning Queensland as an important land defence and industrial capability centre. Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister for State Development and Manufacturing the Hon Cameron Dick MP and Minister for Training and Skills the Hon Shannon Fentiman MP launched the $170 million Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in February, also announcing TAFE Queensland’s commitment to delivering a full range of skills development programs to suit Rheinmetall’s current and future needs. One of the major challenges facing the production of military vehicles in Australia is the local engagement of suitably qualified welders that meet international certification standards required by defence markets. The partnership
will bridge the international welding certification qualification gap in Australia by enabling the supply chain of defence and advanced manufacturing industries to attract appropriately skilled welders, and upskill existing and transitional entrant welders to meeting the minimum international welding standard ISO 9606-1. TAFE Queensland has already been training experienced welders to the international standards demanded by defence following the purchase of 15 augmented reality welding simulators last year. Defence is a rapidly growing global industry and skilling students with the right qualifications desired for these types of projects will make Queenslanders more competitive in securing work in defence and advanced manufacturing industries. TAFE Queensland is also working closely with the Department of Defence to help provide training and development programs for veterans. Each year, approximately 6,800 people leave the Australian Defence Force—1,900 of these people are located in Queensland. As such, TAFE Queensland is facilitating transition seminars for these ex-Defence Force members. The first seminar attracted over 500 attendees. As a result, there are now 18 people preparing to undertake welder training, and another seven people attending job interviews.
Above: TAFE Queensland is partnering with the largest supplier of military vehicles, Rheinmetall Defence Australia positioning Queensland as an important land defence and industrial capability centre. Below: The AWTC at Regency TAFE in Adelaide recently commenced the delivery of a new, nine week short course for female educators: Basic Welding Processes for Women.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
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 regarding ‘Welder Qualification’. Below is an overview of the response that was provided. The design engineer specifies the applicable Design Standard or Code for any project dealing with fabrication and welding. The design standard consequently specifies the manufacturing or fabrication application Standard for welding. Standards, such as AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials, then specifies that the manufacturer or fabricator shall: 1. Review the contractual
requirements and the manufacturing or fabrication Standard(s) together with any technical data provided by the purchaser. 2. Establish that all information necessary to carry out the manufacturing operations is complete and available prior to the commencement of the work. 3. Affirm its capability to meet all requirements and shall ensure adequate planning of all quality related activities. The process of reviewing the requirements and aspects to be considered includes the following: • The manufacturing or fabrication
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application Standard(s) to be used, together with any supplementary requirements Statutory and regulatory requirements Any additional requirement determined by the purchaser Parent material(s) specification and welded joint properties Quality and acceptance requirements for welds Location, accessibility and sequence of welds, including accessibility for inspection and for non-destructive testing The specification of welding procedures, non-destructive testing procedures and heat
Inside Weld Australia: Hotline Update
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Welder qualification is a process which examines and documents a welder’s capability to create welds of acceptable quality following a well-defined welding procedure. It requires the welder to prove their competency and skill by welding a suitable test-piece.”
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treatment procedures The approach to be used for the qualification of welding procedures, and The approach to be used for the qualification of welding personnel (including welders, operators and welding supervisors).
Quality and safety are the important factors that need to be considered in any welding environment, whether for structural or pressure equipment application. Welder qualification is a process which examines and documents a welder’s capability to create welds of acceptable quality following a well-defined welding procedure. It requires the welder to prove their competency and skill by welding a suitable test-piece. On the other hand, ‘welder certification’ is granted to a candidate after they attend proper training modules (covered by theoretical and practical training courses) and on successful completion the candidate achieves certification. In Australia, we follow either the qualification or certification scheme.
Qualification as a welder can be achieved by the following: a. For welding of steel structures, welder qualification can be obtained in accordance with the appropriate parts of AS/NZS 1554 Structural steel welding. In this instance, the welder is required to complete a test weld by following a weld procedure, usually under the direction of the welding supervisor. b. Welder qualification standards such as AS/NZS 2980:2018 Qualification of welders for fusion welding of steels, and AS/NZS ISO 9606.1-2017 Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding – Part 1: Steels require the welder to follow a weld procedure which is then tested more extensively than in (a) above. On successful completion, the welder is awarded a certificate of test which sets out the test method and the range of capability applicable to the welder. c. For welding of pressure equipment qualification can be obtained in accordance with the AS/NZS 3992:2015 Pressure equipment – Welding and brazing qualification.
To become a certified welder (i.e. welder certification for a particular welding process), a welder must undergo theoretical and practical training courses in accordance with the AS 1796:2001 Certification of welders and welding supervisors. The titles and types of certificates are as follows for AS1796: • Certificate No. 1: Manual metalarc welding (MMAW) of welds in carbon steel plate and carbon steel pipe over 600mm outside diameter (single vee welded from both sides). • Certificate No. 1E: Manual metalarc welding (MMAW) of welds in
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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carbon steel plate and carbon steel pipe over 270mm outside diameter (single vee welded from one side only). Certificate No. 2: Manual metalarc welding (MMAW) of welds in carbon steel pipe (single vee weld from one side only). Certificate No. 3: Manual metalarc welding (MMAW) of welds using hydrogen-controlled electrodes in alloy steel plate and alloy steel pipe over 600mm outside diameter (single vee welded from both sides). Certificate No. 3E: Manual metal-arc welding (MMAW) of welds using hydrogen-controlled electrodes in alloy steel plate and alloy steel pipe over 270mm outside diameter (single vee welded from one side only). Certificate No. 4: Manual metalarc welding (MMAW) of welds using hydrogen-controlled electrodes in alloy steel pipe (single vee welded from one side only). Certificate No. 5: Gas tungstenarc welding (GTAW) root run and manual metal-arc welding
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(MMAW) of welds using hydrogen-controlled electrodes in alloy steel pipe (single vee welded from one side only). Certificate No. 6: Gas welding (GW) (single vee welded from one side only). Certificate No. 7: Gas tungstenarc welding (GTAW) (single vee welded from one side only). Certificate No. 8F: Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) of plate and pipe. Certificate No. 8G: Gas metalarc welding (GMAW), of plate and pipe. Certificate No. 9: Automatic welding. Certificate No. 10: Welding supervisor.
A certified welder is then permitted to perform welds on pressure equipment but is usually required to further qualify to specific weld procedures as set out in the relevant pressure equipment standard. Given their level of knowledge and skill, they may be afforded a lower level of supervision than a welder who
typically only qualifies to a specific weld procedure. Depending on the process methodology followed, it is also possible for a welder to obtain their welder certification, and, achieve a welder qualification test certificate to either AS/NZS 2980 or AS/NZS ISO 9606.1 at the same time by careful selection of the test methods common to the certification and qualification standards. It is usually the prerogative of the fabricator to decide the appropriate method of welder qualification, or if a certified welder is required. In some situations, specific requirements may be set out in application standards such as AS/NZS 5100.6 Bridge design - Steel and composite construction and AS/NZS 5131, or, clients may set out specific requirements in which case they will be indicated in specification for the work at hand. The welding of public infrastructure such as road and railway bridges for example, is a typical example of where specific qualification requirements may be applicable.
Premier Welder Qualification and Training
Weld Australia delivers a range of courses for professional development and formal qualification. As an International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised Nominated Body (ANB) and an Authorised Training Body (ATB), we are able to provide internationally recognised qualifications. Our comprehensive range of training, qualification and certification services is designed to help Australian welders, fabrication companies and the industrial sector at large achieve and maintain a competitive advantage. All our trainers are highly experienced, qualified specialists, who are often International Welding Engineer qualified themselves. We provide a number of specialist industry based courses which can be delivered either in a public forum or tailored to suit the specific needs of organisations and their employees. Our training courses include: • Welding Inspection Courses • Welding Coordination Courses • Short Courses • Online and Blended Learning Courses For further information on qualification or certification, please contact Weld Australia via: qnc@weldaustralia.com.au
Inside Weld Australia: Hotline Update
Advanced Welder Training Courses Fusion Welding Courses There are two ISO 9606 Qualification test of welders — Fusion welding —Part 1: Steels courses listed on Training.gov.au, the National Register of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. This is the authoritative source of Nationally Recognised Training and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These courses were developed in Victoria in 2018. One is intended for inexperienced welders, the other for experienced welders. Both use augmented reality welding simulators as a key component of the training. Transition Workers To complete 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 complete 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. Elective Units Other elective units available include: • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet AS/NZS ISO 9606-1 (Steels – stainless steel) • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet AS/NZS ISO 9606-2 (Aluminium and aluminium alloys) • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 9606-3, 4 or 5 (Exotic metals) • Perform routine manual metal arc welding • Perform routine gas metal arc welding • Perform manual heating and thermal cutting • Read and interpret technical drawings and make measurements for a welding procedure Further Information For further information, contact: +61 2 8748 0100, training@weldaustralia.com.au or weldaustralia.com.au.
Enrol in a Fusion Welding Course Today
You can enrol in a Fusion Welding course through any of the Advanced Welder Training Centres across Australia. These are all listed below. Queensland TAFE Queensland Caboolture Campus https://tafeqld.edu.au Tallon Street, Caboolture, Queensland TAFE Queensland SkillsTech https://tafeqld.edu.au 247 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, Queensland South Australia TAFE SA Regency Campus https://www.tafesa.edu.au 137 Days Road, Regency Park, South Australia Tasmania Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council https://tasminerals.com.au 13 Wellington Street, Burnie, Tasmania Victoria Box Hill Institute https://www.boxhill.edu.au 465 Elgar Road, Box Hill, Melbourne, Victoria Bendigo TAFE http://www.bendigotafe.edu.au 23 Mundy Street, Bendigo, Victoria Federation University https://federation.edu.au Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, Victoria
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Australian Welding: March 2020
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2020 Training Calendar Weld Australia delivers a comprehensive range of training and certification services, all of which are designed to help Australian welders and fabricators achieve and maintain a competitive advantage. As the premier welding certification body in Australia, an International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised Nominated Body (ANB) and an Authorised Training Body (ATB), Weld Australia offers individual certifications, including: Welding Inspector, Welding Specialist, Welding Technologist, Welding Engineer, AS 1796 Welding Supervisor Certificate 10, and AS 2214 Welding Supervisor.
International Welding Specialist Location
Dates
Brisbane
Week 1: 25 - 29 May 2020 Week 2: 22 - 26 June 2020 Week 3: 20 - 24 July 2020 Week 4: 17 - 21 August 2020 Week 5: 21 - 25 September 2020
Mackay
Week 1: 6 - 10 July 2020 Week 2: 3 - 7 August 2020 Week 3: 7 - 11 September 2020 Week 4: 5 - 9 October 2020 Week 5: 9 - 13 November 2020 Week 1: 23 - 27 March 2020 Week 2: 20 - 24 April 2020 Week 3: 18 - 22 May 2020 Week 4: 15 - 19 June 2020 Week 5: 13 - 17 July 2020
Perth
Week 1: 29 June - 3 July 2020 Week 2: 27 - 31 July 2020 Week 3: 31 August - 4 September 2020 Week 4: 28 September - 2 October 2020 Week 5: 2 - 6 November 2020
Sydney
International Welding Engineer Location
Dates
Wollongong
Module 1: 28 Sept - 2 Oct 2020 Practical: 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2020 Module 2: 7 -12 December 2020 Module 3: 8 - 12 February 2021 Module 4: 3 - 7 May 2021
International Welding Technologist Location
Dates
Wollongong
Module 1: 28 Sept - 2 Oct 2020 Practical: 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2020 Module 2: 7 -12 December 2020 Module 3: 8 - 12 February 2021 Module 4: 3 - 7 May 2021
International Welding Inspector - Basic Location
Dates
Adelaide
30 March - 6 April 2020
Brisbane
20 - 24 April 2020
Burnie
11 - 15 May 2020
Hunter
10 - 14 August 2020
Mackay
11 - 15 May 2020
Melbourne
18 - 22 May 2020
Perth
16 - 20 March 2020
Sydney
30 March - 3 April 2020
Please note: Weld Australia reserves the right to cancel or change dates of any training course due to insufficient registrations or other reasons beyond its control, and reserves the right to refuse enrolments.
“
The practical and theoretical knowledge of the trainers was excellent, the opportunity to draw on their knowledge was fantastic.�
Inside Weld Australia: 2020 Training Calendar
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“
This is the second IWI course I have taken and on both accounts I have been very impressed with the presenters. The level of knowledge from all the teachers is impressive.”
International Welding Inspector - Standard Location
Dates
Brisbane
Part 1: 16 - 20 November 2020 Part 2: 7 - 9 December 2020
Perth
Part 1: 24-28 August 2020 Part 2: 14 - 16 September 2020
Sydney
Part 1: 1 - 5 June 2020 Part 2: 22 - 24 June 2020
The Benefits of Training & Qualification Weld Australia training and certification is a strong addition to your career portfolio. It demonstrates to employers that you possess advanced welding knowledge, essential to ensuring the highest levels of workmanship. Qualification demonstrates to employers that you are dedicated to continually learning and growing in your field. These are qualities that are essential for success in team leadership roles or for more complex projects. Online & Blended Learning
Welding Technology Appreciation for Engineers (3DE) Location
Dates
Adelaide
11 - 13 May 2020
Brisbane
1 - 4 June 2020
Burnie
15 - 17 June 2020
Sydney
6 - 8 April 2020
Perth
27 - 29 July 2020
Mackay
2 - 4 November 2020
Melbourne
6 - 8 July 2020
Welding Workshop Supervisor (Blended Learning Program) Location
Dates
Australia-wide 7 January 2020 - 30 June 2020
In conjunction with the American Welding Society (AWS), Weld Australia offers online courses to help develop your welding knowledge and to better inform you for your professional development. The content has been developed by senior people within the profession and is regularly updated. These courses are available any time, day and night, and are designed as self-paced modules which will allow the student to complete them in their own time. Courses include: • Economics of Welding • Fabrication Maths (Basic and Advanced) • Metallurgy (Basic and Advanced) • Non-Destructive Testing • Welding Fundamentals (Basic and Advanced) • Welding Safety • Welding Sales Representative • Welding Symbols In-House Training Weld Australia can present any of its courses to your employees in-house at the location of your choosing. We can also tailor training courses specifically for your company and employees. Further Information For further information, or to enrol in a training course, contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0150, or visit www.weldaustralia.com.au.
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Australian Welding: March 2020
Member Directory Weld Australia is dedicated to providing members with a competitive advantage through access to industry, research, education, government, and the wider welding community. When you join Weld Australia, you become part of a network of engaged companies and individuals, with which you can share technology transfer, best practices, and professional opportunities. For further information, please contact membership@weldaustralia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0100.
Weld Australia Industry Group Members Weld Australia hosts and administers several Industry Groups, providing a forum for technology transfer and R&D, linking members with industry and research organisations. The Weld Australia Industry Groups: represent a source of vital technical welding information; optimise welding practices through standard development and tools; and assist members to prepare specifications. AGL Energy www.agl.com.au 131 245 customer.solutions@agl.com.au
Transport and Main Roads (Queensland) www.tmr.qld.gov.au +61 7 3066 6358 TMRStructuralMaterials@tmr.qld.gov.au
ANSTO www.ansto.gov.au +61 2 9717 3111 enquiries@ansto.gov.au
Navantia Australia www.navantia.com.au (02) 6269 5900 navantia.australia@navantia.es
ASC www.asc.com.au +61 8 8348 7000 David.Price@asc.com.au
NRG Gladstone Operating Service www.nrggos.com.au +61 7 4976 5211 cmcguinn@nrggos.com.au
Ausgrid www.ausgrid.com.au +61 2 4951 9555 cchiodi@ausgrid.com.au
Stanwell Corporation www.stanwell.com 1800 300 351 www.stanwell.com/contact-us
Austal www.austal.com +61 8 9410 1111 info@austal.com
Synergy www.synergy.net.au +61 8 9781 6720 Doug.Harman@synergy.net.au
CB&I www.cbi.com +61 8 93245555 www.cbi.com/contact
Thales Australia www.thalesgroup.com +61 2 8037 6000 MaritimeBusinessSupport@thalesgroup.com.au
CS Energy www.csenergy.com.au +61 7 3854 7777 energyinfo@csenergy.com.au
Transport for NSW www.transport.nsw.gov.au +62 2 8202 2200 stakeholder.relations@transport.nsw.gov.au
Energy Australia www.energyaustralia.com.au 133 466 Wayne.Hill@energyaustraliansw.com.au
Vales Point Power Station (Delta) www.de.com.au +61 2 4352 6111 info@de.com.au
LYB Operation & Maintenance Loy Yang B Power Station www.loyyangb.com.au +61 3 77 2000 contactus@loyyangb.com
VicRoads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au +61 3 8391 3216 vicroadstechnicalservices@roads.vic.gov.au
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Inside Weld Australia: Member Directory
Premium Corporate Members ALS Industrial www.alsglobal.com/au +61 2 4922 2400 powerservices@alsglobal.com Applied Ultrasonics Australia www.appliedultrasonics.com.au +61 2 9986 2133 info@appliedultrasonics.com.au Baker & Provan www.bakerprovan.com.au +61 2 8801 9000 info@bakerprovan.com.au BOC www.boc-limited.com.au +61 2 8874 4400 contact@boc.com Callidus Welding Solutions http://callidusgroup.com.au +61 8 6241 0799 info@callidusgroup.com.au CIGWELD www.cigweld.com.au 1300 654 674 enquiries@cigweld.com.au Coregas http://coregas.com.au +61 2 9794 2222 info@coregas.com
Hardchrome Engineering www.hardchrome.com.au +61 3 9561 9555 office@hardchrome.com.au
QENOS www.qenos.com +61 3 9258 7333 enquiry@qenos.com
HRL Technology Group www.hrlt.com.au 1800 475 832 info@hrl.com.au
Quest Integrity Group www.questintegrity.com +61 7 5507 7900 Info-APAC@questintegrity.com
Liberty www.libertygfg.com 1800 178 335 capital@libertygfg.com
Santos www.santos.com +61 8 8116 5000 reception.ade@santos.com
Lincoln Electric www.lincolnelectric.com +61 2 9772 7222 sales@lincolnelectric.com.au
Tronox Management www.tronox.com +61 8 9411 1444 info@tronox.com
LMATS http://lmats.com.au +61 8 9200 2231 admin@lmats.com.au
UGL Pty Limited www.ugllimited.com +61 2 8925 8925 uglinfo@ugllimited.com
Main Roads Western Australia www.mainroads.wa.gov.au 138 138 enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au
Welding Industries of Australia (WIA) www.welding.com.au 1300 300 884 info@welding.com.au
MMG www.mmg.com +61 3 9288 0888 info@mmg.com
Wilmar Sugar www.wilmarsugarmills.com.au +61 7 4722 1972 info@wilmar.com.au
Join Weld Australia Today. Help Secure the Future of
Australian Welding +61 2 8748 0100
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membership@weldaustralia.com.au
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www.weldaustralia.com.au
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Corporate Members 3M Australia: 3m.com.au A & B Welding: abwelding.com.au A&G Engineering: agengineering.com.au Abrasion Resistant Materials: arm.com.au Able Industries Engineering: ableind.com.au Adept Inspections & Training: adeptengineering.com.au Aerison: aerison.com AF Gason: gason.com.au Aitken Welding: aitkenwelding.com Ancon Building Products: ancon.com.au Antec Group: antec.com.au ARL Laboratory Services: arllabservices.com.au ATTAR: attar.com.au Austal: austal.com Austedan Fabrications: austedan.com.au Austin Engineering: austineng.com Austral: australtechnologies.com.au Australian Rail Track Corporation: artc.com.au Australian Welding Supplies: awsi.com.au AWS Centre of Excellence: australianweldingsolutions.com.au BAE Systems: baesystems.com Barker Hume Homes: N/A Baxter Institute: baxter.vic.edu.au Ben Baden Services: craneconnection.com.au Berg Engineering: bergengineering.com.au Bisalloy Steels: bisalloy.com.au BlueScope Steel: bluescopesteel.com.au BMC Welding: bmcgroup.com.au Bombardier Transportation: bombardier.com/en/transportation.html Bossong Engineering: bossong.com.au Bradken: bradken.com Brezac Constructions: brezac.com.au Broadspectrum: broadspectrum.com Brosco Enterprises: brosco.com.au Browns Precision Welding: brownswelding.com.au Brunton Engineering & Construction: brunteng.com Caltex Refineries (QLD): caltex.com.au CCR Group: ccrgroup.com.au Central Engineering: centralengineering.com.au Chess Engineering: chessindustries.com.au CPT Engineering: cptengineering.com.au CQ Field Mining Services: cqfma.com.au CQ Steel Industries: cqsteel.com.au Crisp Bros Haywards: haywards-steel.com
Australian Welding: March 2020
Cruisemaster Australia: cruisemaster.com.au Cullen Steel: cullensteel.com.au D&L Engineering Services: fabinox.com.au DGH Engineering: dghengineering.com.au Diverse Welding: diversewelding.com.au DJM Fabrications: djmfab.com DT Hiload Australia: dthiload.com Engineering Welding and Inspection Services Excel Marine: excelmarine.net.au Extrin: extrin.com.au FIELD Engineers: fieldengineers.com.au Flexco: flexco.com.au Fortress Systems: fortressresistors.com Foxheat: foxheat.com Frontline Manufacturing: frontlinemanufacturing.com.au Furphy Engineering: furphys.com.au G & G Mining Fabrication: ggminingfab.com Global Manufacturing Group: gmqld.com.au Hamilton Maintenance Group HEQ Diesel and Gas: heq.net.au Hilton Manufacturing: hiltonmanufacturing.com.au HVAC Queensland: hvac.com.au Industrial Installation & Maintenance: iimaust.com.au Incat Tasmania: incat.com.au Ingal EPS: ingaleps.com.au IRISndt Australia: irisndt.com Jacmor Engineering: jacmor.com.au JB Specialised Engineering: jordbellows.com.au JR’s Marine Engineering: jrsgroup.com.au JVA Engineering: jvaengineering.com.au Kangaroo Training Institute: kangarootraininginstitute.com.au Kenro Products: kenrometal.com.au Keppel Prince Engineering: keppelprince.com Keyhole TIG: www.k-tig.com Knox Engineering: knoxeng.com LaserBond: laserbond.com.au Lendlease: lendlease.com/au Loclur Engineering: loclur.com.au Lorch South Pacific: lorch.eu/en LSW Group: lswgroup.com.au Lucky Strike Welding Mainetec: mainetec.com.au MaxiTRANS: maxitrans.com MC Quality Control: mcqualitycontrol.com Mechanical Maintenance Solutions: mms.auz.net Mechanical Testing Services: N/A Melco Engineering: melcoeng.com.au Midway Metals: midwaymetals.com.au
Millmerran: intergen.com Monadelphous Group: monadelphous.com.au Monash University: monash.edu Newmont Asia Pacific: newmont.com Nix Engineering Group: nixengineering.com.au Obadare: obadare.com.au Orrcon Manufacturing: orrconsteel.com.au OSD Pipelines: osdlimited.com Precision Metal Group Aust: precisionmetalgroup.com QSM Fabrication: qsmfabrication.com.au Quality Process Services: qpspl.com.au Queensland Nitrates Plant: N/A Radio Frequency Systems: rfsworld.com RJB Industries: rjb-industries.com Robert Vernon: N/A Robot Technologies-Systems Australia: robottechnologies.com.au Rockpress: rockpress.com.au RTM Engineering: rtmengineering.com.au Russell Mineral Equipment: rmeglobal.com S&L Steel: slsteel.com.au Samaras Group: samarasgroup.com Saunders International: saundersint.com Scaffstand: scaffstand.com.au SMW Group: smwgroup.com.au Smenco: smenco.com.au Snowy Hydro: snowyhydro.com.au South32 Temco: south32.net Southern Cross Industrial Supplies: scis.com.au SSS Manufacturing: sssmanufacturing.com Steel Mains: www.steelmains.com Structural Integrity Engineering: siepl.com.au Supagas: supagas.com.au SWA Water Australia: swawater.com.au Synergy Aluminum Towers: synergyaccessandscaffolding.com.au Taurus Mining Solutions: taurusminingsolutions.com The Bloomfield Group: bloomcoll.com.au TEi Services: tei.com.au TICS: ticsndt.com Topline Steel Fabrications: N/A Trade and Investment NSW: industry.nsw.gov.au Uneek Bending: uneek.com.au United Pacific Engineering: unitedpacificeng.com Victorian Testing & Inspection Services: victesting.com.au Veolia: www.veolia.com/anz Walz Construction: walzgroup.biz Welding Guns of Australia: unimig.com.au WGASA: wga.com.au
Inside Weld Australia: Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events Whether you need to brush up on skills learnt years ago, or want to try your hand at something new, there is sure to be an industry event for you. For further information on any Weld Australia hosted events, please email events@weldaustralia.com.au or phone +61 2 8748 0100.
May 2020
August 2020
2020 Weld Australia & IIW Exams
Conference on Railway Excellence 11 to 13 May, Perth https://www.core2020.org.au
Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 27 to 29 August, Sydney http://www.aimex.com.au
Examinations are generally held in capital cities around Australia. Exam locations and times will be provided upon registration. Upcoming exam dates (where sufficient registrations are received) are listed below.
Advanced Manufacturing Expo 13 to 15 May, Sydney advancedmanufacturingexpo.com.au 4th International Congress on Welding and Joining Technologies and 3rd IIW International Congress in the Western European Region 27 to 29 May, Seville, Spain http://iiwelding.org July 2020 NANO 2020 - XV International Conference on Nanostructured Materials 6 to 10 July, Melbourne https://www.nano2020.org.au Ninth International Conference on Engineering Failure and Analysis 12 to 15 July, Shanghai, China www.materialsaustralia.com.au 73rd IIW Annual Assembly and International Conference 19 to 24 July, Singapore http://iiwelding.org
September 2020 International Conference on Coastal Engineering (ICCE) 13 to 18 September, Sydney http://icce2020.com November 2020 Australian Structural Engineering Conference 10 to 13 November, Melbourne https://aseconference.org.au CAMS 2020: Advancing Materials and Manufacturing 18 to 20 November, Melbourne http://www.cams2020.com.au National Electric Energy Conference 26 to 27 November, Sydney https://www.eecon2019.com December 2020 9th International Conference on Power and Energy Systems 10 to 12 December, Perth http://www.icpes.org
Welding Supervisors AS 1796 Certificate 10 • 10 & 11 June 2020 (closing date 29 April 2020) • 4 & 5 November 2020 (closing date 23 September 2020) AS 2214 Welding Supervisor • 10 & 11 June 2020 (closing date 29 April 2020) • 4 & 5 November 2020 (closing date 23 September 2020) IWS (International Welding Specialist) Exam papers SA1, SA2, SA3, SA4 • 10 June 2020 (closing date 29 April 2020) • 4 November 2020 (closing date 23 September 2020) IWE (International Welding Engineer) • Exam paper EA3: 4 May 2020 • Exam paper EA4: 15 June 2020 IWT (International Welding Technologist) • Exam Paper TA3: 4 May 2020 • Exam paper TA4: 15 June 2020 Exam applications must be submitted online through WeldQ. Please login to your WeldQ profile via: https://wtia.weldq.com/applicant/ If you have been issued with qualifications or certifications by Weld Australia (or WTIA) in the past, a WeldQ account has been created for you with your own unique WeldQ ID. You will need this ID to login. If you do not know your WeldQ ID, or you have any other enquiries, please contact qnc@weldaustralia.com.au.
Australian Welding: March 2020 52 Weld Australia’s Innovative, Expert
Engineering and Advisory Services By taking advantage of Weld Australia’s engineering and advisory services, you have access to the peak industry body in Australia’s welding industry. Your commercial enterprise can access expert advice services, delivered by highly qualified welding engineers and materials specialists. Each member of the Weld Australia advisory team is an International Welding Engineer (IWE). This qualification, issued by the International Institute of Welding, is the highest postgraduate professional welding qualification available. Our consulting services can help you substantially increase the operational life of your plant and equipment, and reduce your maintenance and repair overheads. Our Areas of Expertise • • • • • • • •
Design and qualification of welded connections Review of structural and pressure vessel designs Drafting and review of design specifications Evaluation of materials and facilities Analysis and resolution of complex welding problems Design, development and project management of fabrication solutions Optimisation of maintenance for risk mitigation Comprehensive failure investigations and engineering critical assessments
Resources
• • • • • • • •
Advising of safety practices as they pertain to welding, cutting and joining Expert evidence and witnessing services Comprehensive failure investigations Inspection and testing services Welding quality management to ISO 3834 Pipeline in-service welding, repairs and hot tapping Specialised welding and associated technologies (laser, ultrasonic peening and underwater welding) R&D and application of technology
Infrastructure
Power Generation
Securing the future of Australia’s welding industry Manufacturing
Defence
+61 2 8748 0100 | office@weldaustralia.com.au | www.welaustralia.com.au | Building 3, Level 3, 20 Bridge Street, Pymble, NSW 2073