The new European standard EN 17931:2026 (Gas welding equipment — Manual gas equipment for welding, heating and cutting — Periodic inspection)
EWA, the European Welding Association provided a significant contribution to the publication of an important standard whose primary goal is the safety of users and their working environment:
The new European standard EN 17931:2026 (Gas welding equipment — Manual gas equipment for welding, heating and cutting — Periodic inspection) has been recently published.
- What it requires: It mandates regular visual, leak, and functional tests on all manual oxy-fuel equipment downstream from the cylinder valve—including regulators, hoses, safety valves, and torches.
- European uniformity: It replaces all old, separate national rules. It creates one single, harmonized checklist valid for every country in Europe.
- Better user protection: In substance, where correctly applied, it provides better protection for users and their working environment. It reduces the risk of gas leaks, flashbacks, and fires, ensuring that workers use safer tools.
The EN 17931:2026 standard is crucial for a wide range of professionals and organizations, including:
- Welding Professionals: Welders and technicians who use manual gas equipment for welding, heating, and cutting will benefit from the safety and efficiency guidelines provided.
- Safety Inspectors: Professionals responsible for ensuring workplace safety can use this standard to conduct thorough inspections and assessments of gas welding equipment.
- Manufacturers: Companies that produce gas welding equipment can use this standard to design products that meet the highest safety and performance criteria.
- Training Institutions: Educational organizations that offer welding courses can incorporate this standard into their curriculum to teach best practices in equipment inspection and maintenance.