Certification of personnel to make non-separable connections – soldererer

Brazer’s Role:

The brazer, responsible for making permanent joints, must possess special qualifications and skills. Knowledge of various brazing techniques and the properties of the materials from which the joined elements are made is crucial. In addition to the precise execution of the brazing process, the brazer is responsible for preparing the joining surfaces, including cleaning and accurate fitting of the components. Controlling the brazing parameters is essential to ensure the durability and safety of the joint.

Requirements and Certification:

The requirements for a brazer’s qualifications are particularly important for applications in pressure equipment, where joints must meet strict safety and durability standards. Therefore, the certification process for brazers in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 13585 standard is essential. It ensures that the personnel performing the brazing are properly trained and competent to work according to the highest quality and safety standards.

Legally required certification under the PED 2014/68/EU directive covers the entities specified therein, e.g., manufacturers of pressure equipment, assemblies, and installations classified in the relevant categories.

The PED directive was implemented into Polish law through the “Regulation of the Minister of Development of 11 July 2016 on the requirements for pressure equipment and pressure equipment assemblies.”

In accordance with the requirements of the PED 2014/68/EU directive (Annex I, point 3.1.2 – Permanent joining): For pressure equipment in categories II, III, and IV, the operating procedures and personnel must be approved by a competent third party chosen by the manufacturer, which may be:

• a notified body;
• a third-party organization recognized by a Member State in accordance with Article 20 of the directive;

NOTE: In addition to the certification of the brazer / brazing operator, it may also be necessary to approve the operating procedures (qualification of brazing technology). Check the details: https://www.coch.pl/zatwierdzanie-procedur-operacyjnych-polaczen-nierozlacznych-ped-2014-68-ue/

Voluntary certification can be carried out for both entities and individuals. It confirms the competence of the brazer in accordance with international standards (PN-EN ISO 13585) by an independent third party.

How to check the pressure category of equipment, assemblies, and installations?

https://www.coch.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Artykul-PED-M.-Gratkowski-ChlodnictwoKlimatyzacja-7_2024.pdf

Regulations Governing Brazer Certification

Our accredited certification program, developed according to best practices, adheres to specific regulations outlined in several documents and standards. These include:

PN-EN ISO 13585 – This standard pertains to hard brazing, detailing the qualification of brazers and operators involved in hard soldering processes. It defines the requirements for knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to effectively and safely perform hard brazing operations.

PN-EN 12799:2003 – This standard covers general principles of brazing technique, along with requirements for materials, tools, and techniques used during brazing. It provides fundamental guidelines for safety and quality in brazered joints.

PN-EN ISO/IEC 17024 – This standard outlines general requirements for bodies certifying individuals. It establishes accreditation criteria for certifying bodies, ensuring that the certification process is conducted in accordance with the highest standards of quality and objectivity.

Additionally, Centralny Ośrodek Chłodnictwa “COCH” in Kraków has extensive experience in training and certification, integral to our certification program. COCH provides high-quality training and professional certification, fully tailored to the needs and requirements of the brazing industry.

Through adherence to these standards and leveraging COCH’s experience, we ensure that our certified brazers possess not only the necessary theoretical knowledge but also practical skills to perform effective and safe hard brazing, meeting the highest standards of quality and safety.

Our Brazer Certification Program PR-04.2

Our brazer certification program PR-04.2, based on the PN-EN ISO 13585 “Brazing — Qualification of brazers and brazing operators” standard, includes the following stages:

1. Verification of Qualifications and Experience (assessment of the submitted application):

   Candidates must meet the requirements for education and experience in the field of brazing, especially in the brazing of steel, copper, and their alloys.

2. Theoretical Examination:

   A written exam tests the candidates’ knowledge of the requirements of the PN-EN ISO 13585 standard and methods for brazing steel and copper (methods designated as 912 according to PN-EN ISO 4063).

3. Practical Examination:

   Candidates perform a practical exam that assesses their skills in the practical application of brazing techniques in accordance with the standard.

4. Assessment and Certification:

   After successfully passing both exams, candidates receive a certificate confirming their competence in brazing in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 13585 standard.

Through this process, we ensure that certified brazers have the appropriate qualifications and skills to perform brazing in a manner consistent with international quality and safety standards.

The following must be attached to the certification application:

• Documents confirming the completion of theoretical and practical training in making permanent joints (appropriate for the requested certification).
• A current medical certificate stating no contraindications to performing work within the requested scope and, if applicable, information about the need for the certifying body to adapt to the special needs of the applicant during the certification process.
• A pBPS / BPS instruction, appropriate for the requested scope of qualification, prepared and approved by the Manufacturer (in the case of personnel approval in accordance with PED 2014/68/EU) or the Employer/Applicant (in the case of voluntary certification), along with the maximum time for making the joint under production conditions (if specified).