Thatcham form Repair Industry Welding Action Group

Crash repair experts Thatcham have taken the initiative once again in proposing the formation of a Repair Industry Welding Action Group (RIWAG) to address key welding related issues in modern vehicle repair. There are already a number of projects currently underway to address isolated elements of best practice, however the formation of this new cross industry steering group is intended to discuss all developments in welding and ensure that approaches and resolutions are aligned and agreed.

The new group will focus on four key areas within welding, namely;

Equipment

Industry test specifications
Independent equipment tests and resultant accreditations
Calibration and maintenance recommendations
Body shop infrastructure needs

Training and Accreditation

New standards beyond current British Standards
Training delivery in line with new materials and equipment
Elements of ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation)

Welding Process

PAS 125 compliant application practices
Vehicle Manufacturer prescribed methods

Materials Knowledge and Understanding

Basic Metallurgy for bodyshops
Advanced alerts and information on new vehicles
Forums to share information

Jason Moseley, Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the BSI Kite Mark Working Group at Thatcham said, “We saw during the recent development of the PAS 125 standard how a ‘joined up’ approach to solving a large issue could be successful. There are a vast number of challenges in welding the modern vehicle and by uniting the industry it is hoped that this new steering group can achieve similar success and begin to resolve and get agreement on some of the challenges that lie ahead.”

The team will be a key feed of information into the over arching Thatcham BSI KiteMark working group. There are some common representatives that will enable synergies across the standards arena. The RIWAG group also plans to embrace other initiatives such as the new Automotive Welding Action Group (AWAG), and invites them to input into the programme and assist in raising standards in line with the Kite Mark programme.

Thatcham have already written to a range of industry contacts inviting them to join the group and the first meeting will take place at Thatcham on the 16th July.