Quality Standard in Welding and Human Factor

All the world over in industrialised countries, especially with wide acceptance of ISO 9000 standard, quality is not a matter of doubt or discussion. Cost, delivery period and services are the criteria. But then, in the Indian scenario, how far can be we assume the same. The “high points” of quality standard are a matter of satisfaction & pride. On the other hand, “low, points” can be so low as to arouse a feeling of disgust as well as despair among welding fraternity. One starts wondering why this is so after 50 years of activity, and the presence of the B.I.S. & I.I.W. The answer lies in the inadequate efforts & facilities for education, training & refresher courses. Even today a large part of workforce has not had any formal/systematic training which would normally include a little of theory & basics of welding. For that matter, many have not had the benefit of schooling. Can we deny that quality of output in many shops depends on these persons. How can we blame them? Such a situation is a harsh reality, and it implies that efforts of the professional body have to be directed at grass-ischolar_main levels. The small scale sector needs help and the professional body has to join hands with industry, through the CII, to provide assistance in a planned manner.