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ESAB spearheads, implements new ISO standard

Florence, S.C.-based ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, a manufacturer of fully integrated cutting systems, has implemented the new European EN ISO standard 17916 for the safety of thermal cutting machines. The company reports that it spearheaded the initiative to establish the new standard, which provides enhanced worker safety, and is the first and only cutting systems manufacturer to currently stand in full compliance.

The new standard mandates that OEMs conduct their own evaluation and testing for the safety of their thermal cutting machines. The standard defines the potential risks to cutting systems operators and the measures to counter them.

Going forward, all cutting systems manufactured at the company’s Karben, Germany, facility will meet the new EN ISO safety requirements, which are scheduled to go into effect industrywide in late 2014.