BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

14717:2005

Welding and allied

processes —
Environmental check
list

The European Standard EN 14717:2005 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 13.020.01; 25.160.01

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
BS EN 14717:2005

National foreword

This British Standard is the official English language version of

EN 14717:2005.
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published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
Strategy Committee on pages 2 to 15 and a back cover.
28 April 2005
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© BSI 28 April 2005

ISBN 0 580 45981 0

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 14717
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2005

ICS 13.020.01; 25.160.01

English version

Welding and allied processes - Environmental check list

Soudage et techniques connexes - Liste de vérification Schweißen und verwandte Prozesse - Umweltcheckliste
relative à l'environnement

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 15 March 2005.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2005 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 14717:2005: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 14717:2005 (E)

Contents

Page
Foreword ..........................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ...................................................................................................................................................5
2 Normative references .........................................................................................................................5
3 Terms and definitions.........................................................................................................................5
4 Procedures ..........................................................................................................................................6
5 Check lists of possible environmental aspects................................................................................7
Annex A (informative) Assessment and recommended actions...............................................................10
Annex B (informative) Requirements ..........................................................................................................14
Bibliography...................................................................................................................................................15

2
 EN 14717:2005 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 14717:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 121 “Welding”, the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2005, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by October 2005.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and United Kingdom.

3
EN 14717:2005 (E)

Introduction
Protection of the environment is a key political issue in Europe and elsewhere. Protection of the environment
is taken in a very broad sense. What is meant is the total life cycle aspects of, e.g. a product on the
environment, including expenditure of energy and during all phases from mining of raw materials, fabrication,
packaging, distribution, use, scrapping, recycling of materials, etc. However, assessment of all aspects of the
welded product or structure during its entire lifetime cycle is beyond the scope of the present document. The
document is limited to aspects directly related to welding fabrication.

The design of the fabricated structures puts a lower limit on the expenditure of energy during joint preparation
and welding, on the consumption of consumables and consequently on emissions of fumes and gases during
welding, etc. but the design phase is not covered by the document.

Welding fabrication has many environmental aspects. This document provides for a checklist, which may be
used for identification of environmental aspects during welding fabrication.

Provisions have to be restricted to a general guidance. Limit values are specified in national laws.

Some of the environmental aspects also have an implication for occupational health and safety, but the check
list in this document is incomplete for this use.

4
 EN 14717:2005 (E)

1 Scope
This document provides check lists for the assessment of the environmental aspects of welding fabrication of
metallic materials including site and repair work. Informative annexes indicate recommended actions for
avoiding and reducing the possible environmental impacts outside the workshop.

2 Normative references

Not applicable.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
welding fabrication
welding fabrication includes (for the purpose of this document) the following activities and associated
processes:

− joint preparation including thermal cutting and grinding;

− surface preparation including sand blasting, shot blasting, shot peening, chemical pickling and
cleaning;

− welding, including grinding and back gouging;

− soldering and brazing;

− thermal spraying;

− preheating and heat treatments;

− flame straightening and mechanical straightening;

− inspection and testing of welds and thermal sprayed surfaces.

3.2
disposal
collection, sorting, transport and treatment of waste as well as its storage and tipping above or under ground,
the transformation operations necessary for its re-use, recovery or recycling [Directive 75/442/EEC]

3.3
environment
surroundings in which an organization operates, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora, fauna,
humans and their interrelation [EN ISO 14001:2004]

3.4
environmental aspect
element of an organization's activities or products or services that can interact with the environment
[EN ISO 14001:2004]

5
EN 14717:2005 (E)

3.5
environmental impact
any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an
organization's environmental aspects [EN ISO 14001:2004]

4 Procedures
Requirements for the protection of the environment during welding fabrication can originate from a number of
sources such as:

– legal requirements, often at the national level;

– commercial requirements (customer requirements);

– economical requirements, e.g. related to insurance.

Annex B provides further comments on the possible requirements.

Absolute limits, e.g. emissions, can apply but protection of the environment is, as a general rule, a continuous
process for which gradual improvements are aimed.

The check lists in the document can be used as a tool for determination of possible problem areas. In general
this applies to the following situations:

– when planning a fabrication, the application of new methods of fabrication or new equipment;

– for identification of procedures for monitoring or checks of actual environmental aspects;

– for specification of procedures for handling, storage and disposal of environmentally harmful substances.

All check lists state possible environmental aspects. Many aspects can be identified during the planning stage
as having no environmental impact. Others can be shown to be of no significance by monitoring or checking
the production processes. A few can result in further action to comply with the requirements. Annex A
provides some general guidance for assessment and possible actions.

6
 EN 14717:2005 (E)

5 Check lists of possible environmental aspects

Table 1 — Common to welding fabrication

Common to welding fabrication
Consumables Check for:
- Disposal of containers, packaging material, etc.;
- Disposal of used consumables and waste materials.
Equipment Check for:
- Energy and fuel efficiency;
- Generation of physical aspects, e.g. noise, heat and
radiation;
- Requirements for spare parts and consumables for
maintenance;
- Procedures for disposal of the equipment.
Work operation Check for:
- Disposal of scrap;
- Emission of fumes, gases and aerosols;
- Energy and fuel consumption;
- Fire hazards and explosion risks whenever there is a
risk of ignition;
- Generation of physical aspects, e.g. heat, light,
noise, radiation.
NOTE Several of the aspects listed above have a limited range of influence. It
depends on the circumstances whether they represent an environmental aspect or not.
Noise may e.g. not represent an environmental aspect when working in a large workshop
but may be a serious problem when working on site or performing repair work in
residential areas.

7
EN 14717:2005 (E)

Table 2 — Joint and surface preparation, weld dressing, surface treatment and cleaning
Joint and surface preparation, weld dressing, surface treatment and
cleaning

Cleaning, pickling Check for:

and other chemical - Disposal of cleaning agents and other chemicals;
treatment − Vapours;
− Leakage of consumables, cleaning agents, etc. from
storage vessels representing a risk of contamination
of soil, drains, watercourses or groundwater;
− Emission of hazardous substances in the air.
Grinding and Check for:
gouging − Disposal of dust, used grinding wheels and other
tools for grinding;
− Dust explosions;
− a
Emission of dust;
− Noise.
Sandblasting, shot Check for:
blasting, shot − Disposal of dust and used sand/shot;
peening, etc. − Emission of dust; a
− Noise.
Thermal cutting Check for:
− Disposal of scrap, slag or mud;
− Emission of UV-/IR-radiation;
− Emission of dust; a
− Noise;
− Use of coolants;
− Emission of hazardous gases, e.g. nitrogen oxide (if
relevant).
a Un-controlled emission of dust (not least when working on site) may represent a risk of
contamination of soil, drains, watercourses or groundwater, e.g. by heavy metals.

Table 3 — Welding, brazing and soldering

Welding, brazing and soldering
Welding, brazing Check for:
and soldering − Disposal of non-permanent backing;
− Disposal of slag, fluxes and powders;
− Emission of UV-/IR-radiation;
−
Emission of fume, dust and gases; a
− Noise;
− Use of coolants.
a Un-controlled emission of dust (not least when working on site) may represent a risk of
contamination of soil, drains, watercourses or groundwater, e.g. by heavy metals.

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 EN 14717:2005 (E)

Table 4 — Thermal spraying

Thermal spraying
Thermal spraying Check for:
− Emission of fume and dust;
− Disposal of dust;
− Noise;
− Pollution of water curtain;
− Radiation (arc processes).

Table 5 — Pre- and post heating and post weld heat treatment
Pre- and post heating and post weld heat treatment
Pre- and post heating and post Check for:
weld heat treatment − Disposal of insulating materials and other materials (in
particular for temporary ovens);
− Use of coolants.
− Energy consumption (e.g. efficiency of insulation).

Table 6 — Inspection and testing

Inspection and testing
Inspection and testing Check for:
− Disposal of chemicals used for development of
radiographs;
− Disposal of radiographs after use;
− Ionising radiation;
− Use and disposal of fluids and powders used for
magnetic particle testing;
− Use and disposal of penetrant and cleaning materials;
− Cleaning/disposal of UT couplants.

Table 7 — Destructive testing

Destructive testing
Destructive testing Check for:
− Use and disposal of chemicals used for preparation of
test pieces;
− Disposal of scrap and test pieces after use;
− Environmental aspects related to sampling and
preparation of test pieces. Table 2 may be used as a
check list.

9
EN 14717:2005 (E)

Annex A
(informative)

Assessment and recommended actions

The table below gives some indications of the assessment of the environmental aspects and some suggestions
for actions in case any adverse environmental impact has been identified.

Table A.1 — Assessment and recommended actions

Environmental Suggested assessment Recommended actions when adverse
aspect environmental impact has been identified

Chemicals Development of radiographs includes the use Used chemicals should be neutralised before
used for of potentially harmful chemicals. disposal or special arrangements for disposal
development of should be established. Used fixing baths hold
radiographs silver, which can be recycled.

Use digital radiography, whenever possible.

Cleaning Cleaning fluids can include elements harmful Some fluids can be cleaned by filtration or
agents to the environment. The environmental distillation and re-used.
effects should be assessed for all cleaning
agents, which evaporate significantly during Substitute other cleaning agents by water
use or storage. based cleaning fluids, if possible.

Water based cleaning fluids are usually less Other fluids have to be disposed, e.g. by
harmful than other cleaning agents. burning (organic fluids).

Cleaning fluids should preferably be limited to

non-cyclic hydrocarbon, aqueous cleaning
agents or equivalent non-halogenated or
halogen-free organic degreasing agents.

Coolants Some welding power sources, laser beam Recycling of coolants and use of cooling
sources and other equipment incorporate a towers may diminish waste. Use of waste
cooling system. Some systems use direct heat for heating purposes e.g. room heating
water-cooling. Other systems include a might also be a possibility.
refrigerating unit and use either water or the
ambient air for secondary cooling. Check Check the efficiency of waste water treatment
systems for leaks. Check for environmental (if needed).
consequences of emission of heat to
surroundings. Check for use of cooling water.

10
 EN 14717:2005 (E)

Table A.1 (continued)

Environmental Suggested assessment Recommended actions when adverse

aspect environmental impact has been identified

Energy The total amount of joint preparation and Efficient process control is important in order
consumption welding and the corresponding expenditure of to avoid unnecessary expenditure of energy
energy are determined largely by the design during repair and rework. Waste of
of the fabricated structures. However, consumables and raw materials is reduced at
ineffective work planning, repair work and the same time.
ineffective process control can result in
augmented energy consumption. Check energy consumption of ventilation
system.

Check energy consumption of manipulators,

fixtures and other auxiliary equipment.

Equipment The disposal of equipment should be planned Materials and parts of equipment should be
in order to minimize environmental effects. recycled whenever possible.

Special arrangements for disposal of

remaining parts of equipment in garbage
dumps can be required.

Disposal of radioactive isotopes used for

radiography represents a special problem,
usually regulated by national law.

Explosions Explosions are usually caused by one of the Perform regular checks of hoses, gas
following: installations, etc.

− Leakage of fuel gas or acetylene Avoid cutting and repair welding on vessels
resulting in an explosive concentration holding remains of oil, gasoline, etc.
especially in confined spaces.
Regular cleaning of the workplace and
− Repair welding on storage vessels equipment. Enclosure of equipment to
holding or having held an inflammable prevent dust deposit.
medium.

− Dispersing of deposited dust.

However, special techniques have been

developed e.g. for hot tapping of gas
pipelines.

See also fire hazards.

Fire hazards Fire hazards can be caused by the heat from Combustible items close to the workplace
flames, sparks, hot spatter or hot materials. should be removed whenever possible or at
least shielded properly. Fire extinguishers
Fire hazards are, in particular, a problem should be readily at hand.
when working on site, e.g. for repair work.
Keep the welding site under regular
Fire can develop very slowly and can surveillance during off-hours.
sometimes be observed until several hours
after ignition.

11
EN 14717:2005 (E)

Table A.1 (continued)

Environmental Suggested assessment Recommended actions when adverse

aspect environmental impact has been identified

Fire hazards An unusual but potentially very dangerous Perform regular checks of hoses, oxygen
due to oxygen fire hazard is due to oxygen enrichment. If a installations, etc.
enrichment leak e.g. in an oxygen hose raises the
oxygen concentration in a confined space,
any fire can develop rapidly and violently.

Fumes and Fumes and gases can be removed by

gases ventilation from the workplace into the
environment unless effective filters are Use more efficient filters.
included in the flow. Check effectiveness of
ventilation system and in particular of the Fumes and gases emission can be reduced
filters. by choosing lower polluting processes and
with appropriate process control.
The nature of the emissions depends on the
welding procedure. Control involves Check the function of filters, automatic
determination of the nature of possible switch-off/ alert in case limit values are
emissions and subsequent determination of exceeded, etc.
the amount of emission of each particular
substance. Metallic oxides are a very
common emission.

Gases are usually not removed by filters.

However, many protective gases are a
normal constituent of the atmosphere and as
such not harmful. This is the case for argon,
nitrogen and oxygen. Helium is not harmful
but is drawn from a limited resource. CO2 is
not directly harmful but can have an effect as
a green house gas. The emission of other
gases such as NO should be kept as low as
possible. Ozone can also occur but is usually
neutralised within a short distance from the
welding workplace. Other possible gaseous
decomposition products like xylene, ethanol,
butanol, methanol, isopropylalcohol,
formaldehyde, phenol etc. have to be
analysed if they are supposed to be emitted
in relevant quantity that might harm the
environment.

Insulating Insulating materials often consist of mineral Special arrangements for disposal in garbage
materials (in or glass wool. Older equipment may also dumps may be required. a
particular for include asbestos as an insulation. Materials
temporary used for insulation during preheating or for
ovens) temporary ovens are often disposed after
heat treatment or preheating. The materials
are not biodegradable and can rarely be
recycled.

12
 EN 14717:2005 (E)

Table A.1 (concluded)

Environmental Suggested assessment Recommended actions when adverse

aspect environmental impact has been identified

Ionising The radiation from X-ray sources and Minimised the harmful effects by effective
radiation radioactive isotopes is harmful to the screening.
environment. Distance is important and the
problems are usually most pronounced when
working on site in build-up areas.

Light Emission of non-ionising radiation usually has Use effective light screen when welding on
a minimal impact on the more distant site and for repair welding.
environment. However, emission of light from
arc welding can be a problem for welding on Safety devices should be installed which
site and repair welding in build-up areas. prevent collimated, unfocussed beams to be
Laser beams can present a more serious directed towards areas outside the laser
threat if going astray, e.g. due to reflections. beam cell.
High power focussed laser beams easily
penetrate simple screens used for arc
welding. However, the main danger is
collimated but unfocussed beams, which can
damage the eyes. The safe distance for
powerful collimated, unfocussed YAG laser
beams is of the order several kilometres.

Magnetic Fluid and powders for magnetic particle Use biodegradable and water soluble fluids,
particle testing testing can represent an environmental whenever possible.
aspect due to hydrocarbons.
Use adequate procedures for disposal.

Noise Noise may be difficult to attenuate. However, Check emission of noise from ventilation
distance is essential for the environmental systems.
impact and problems are usually limited to
work on site and to workplaces close to Special arrangements may be needed when
residential areas. working in or close to residential areas.

Radiographs Radiographs hold silver which may be re- Silver can be recycled. Use digital
after use cycled. radiography, whenever possible.

Scrap Metal materials can hold alloy elements Scrap from different materials groups should
which can be harmful to the environment. be kept apart and free of contamination in
order to facilitate re-cycling. Check layout of
parts in plates, etc. in order to nest as close
as possible and minimise the amount of
scrap.

Slag and mud Slag and mud can include chemical elements Re-cycling of slag and mud is not common.
harmful to the environment such as heavy Special arrangements for disposal in garbage
metals. dumps can be required. Mud can
occasionally be used for other purposes,
depending on the chemical composition.
a
Asbestos is harmful to health and disposal is in many countries regulated by national law.

13
EN 14717:2005 (E)

Annex B
(informative)

Requirements

Requirements for the control of environmental impacts and the corresponding limit values for emissions
depend on many factors and cannot be standardised. The following table provides comments on the various
categories of requirements. The requirements can be legal in which case a limit value is specified or there can
be a requirement for continual improvement as in EN ISO 14001.

Table B.1 — Category of requirements

Category of requirements Comments

Regulations Regulations are specified nationally and can depend on the location of the
welding operations. The regulations usually specify limits for emissions and
conditions for disposal of waste.

Commercial Company management can have formulated an environmental policy, e.g.

based on the requirements in EN ISO 14001.

Customers may also require a formalised system (even certified) for

environmental management, e.g. by reference to EN ISO 14001.

Implementation of a strict environmental policy can make the company

more attractive to new employees.

Good relations with the local community can, in certain cases, require a
reduction of one or more of the environmental impacts.

Economical Efficient quality control is an efficient means for reduction of many

environmental impacts - and also for reduction of costs.

The costs related to disposal of waste, etc. might make it attractive to

reduce the environmental impacts.

Requirements for the control of the environmental impacts can be of

importance for insurance conditions.

Occupational health and safety Many environmental impacts also influence the occupational health and
safety for the personnel involved in welding and vice versa. Legal or some
other requirement can make it necessary to reduce one or more
environmental impact in order to comply with the requirement to
occupational health and safety.

It should be noted, however, that the occupational health and safety is

influenced by additional factors, which do not have any environmental
impact. Some environmental impacts do not have any direct influence on
the occupational health and safety. The check lists in this document can
give some guidance but they are inadequate as check lists as regards
impacts on the occupational health and safety

14
 EN 14717:2005 (E)

Bibliography

Directive 75/442/EEC, Waste

EN ISO 14001:2004, Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use (ISO
14001:2004).

15
BS EN
14717:2005
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