DECEMBER 2019 | 37
Skills
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
DHF LAUNCHES
CSCS CARD
PARTNER SCHEME
Tamworth-based trade association, DHF
(Door & Hardware Federation), has, this
week, launched its CSCS-approved card
partner scheme in collaboration with the
Automatic Door Suppliers Association
(ADSA). The DHF CSCS card provision is
for those who work with industrial doors,
domestic garage doors, automated gates &
traffic barriers and metal or timber doors.
“Whilst not a legislative require-
will cause welding defects and result
in a poor weld.
3. Keep electrodes dry; wet electrodes
can result in porous, weak finished
welds.
4. During set up, set the amperage on
the welding machine to match what is
required by the electrode being used.
If stick welding for the first time, set
the amperage exactly in the middle
of the range suggested for the elec-
trode.
5. If using DC machine, set the polarity
according to the requirements of the
electrode being used.
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), com-
monly known as TIG (or tungsten inert
gas) welding, is a versatile welding process
for joining metal. Both AC and DC power
sources can be used in TIG welding; which
is chosen will depend on the type and
thickness of the metal to be welded.
A TIG torch is an electrode holder that
supplies welding current to the tungsten
electrode and an inert shield gas to the
arc zone. A collet-like clamping device
allows adjustment so that the right length
of electrode extends beyond the shielding
gas cup.
TIG welding uses a non-consumable
tungsten electrode and has an extreme-
ly high melting point which means that
TIG electrodes can heat other metals to
their melting points without themselves
melting.
Argon and helium are the main shield-
ing gases used in TIG welding. In some
applications, however, a mixture of the
two gases can prove advantageous. On
occasion, hydrogen is mixed with argon or
helium for special applications.
it pays to take welding
‘ and
fabrication
seriously ’
TIG welding tips
1. A foot pedal allows the user to adjust
the amperage of the machine without
having to manually turn the amperage
knob and is highly recommended.
2. Torch position is important in TIG
welding. The ideal position is 90°.
However, the weld pool will be
blocked from view by the torch. Angle
the torch 15° to see the weld pool
while maintaining great results.
3. Some TIG welding requires the use of
a filler metal in the form of a filler rod
when there is insufficient metal pres-
ent to complete a strong joint.
4. Torches may be air- or water-cooled.
5. GTAW is most commonly used to weld
thin sections of stainless steel and
non-ferrous metals such as aluminium,
magnesium, and copper alloys.
www.esab.com
ment, CSCS cards are supported by the
government and provide proof that
individuals working on construction
sites have the appropriate training and
qualifications for the job that they are
doing,” explains DHF’s Commercial
Manager, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens.
“By ensuring that the workforce is
appropriately qualified or experienced,
the card plays a vital role in improving
standards and safety on UK construc-
tion sites. Indeed, the majority of
principal contractors and major house
builders require construction workers
on their sites to hold a valid card.”
As part of the scheme, and in addi-
tion to any criteria set by CSCS such as
a relevant NVQ for the Skilled Worker
card, DHF is asking that anyone who
is applying for a card has evidence of
CPD (continued professional develop-
ment). This will usually be in the form
of a valid DHF training course certifi-
cate.
“Each card is specific to the require-
ment,” continues Patricia. “In addition
to the Blue Skilled Worker card, there
are several other cards available, check
the DHF website for further informa-
tion.”
The launch of the CSCS card partner
scheme is a further ‘feather in the cap’
for the pro-active federation who, in
July of this year, announced that it is
the very first UK organisation to offer
an official theory-based ABBE-qualifica-
tion for three of the industries it serves,
approved and regulated by Ofqual,
the Government Office of Examination
card plays
‘ a the
vital role in
improving standards
and safety on UK
constrction sites’
’
Regulation. The move was described as
‘ground-breaking’. The launch of CSCS
cards is further endorsement of DHF’s
drive for safety and best practice.
Gordon Jenkins, Director of Op-
erations at CSCS comments: “CSCS
is pleased to see the collaboration
between DHF and ADSA in the issuing
of cards for the Doors sector. This col-
laboration demonstrates DHF’s commit-
ment to meeting the requirements of
the CLC and ensuring that construction
site workers are appropriately quali-
fied. In the process, we are all playing
our part in improving standards and
safety on UK construction sites. CSCS
looks forward to a long and productive
relationship between our three organi-
sations.”
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