Manufacturers hear how convergence could be beneficial
Aerospace quality managers are examining whether a merging of quality and environmental standards in manufacturing is not only feasible, but also desirable.
At the latest meeting of the International Aerospace Quality Group (IACQ), an influential quality improvement and cost reduction forum representing 65 major aerospace and defence businesses, delegates heard how a potential convergence of current standards is being investigated by around 40 member businesses including Airbus and Boeing.
Jean-Michel Bardot from EADS, who heads an ad hoc environmental grouping, explained that because many IAQG members observed EN 9100 certification standards in addition to conforming with other certification schemes (such as the environmental ISO 14001 and health and safety OHSAS 18001 standards), the group wanted to investigate conditions under which a joint certification system could bring added value.
Options considered could include establishing a "watchdog" to monitor and lobby on emerging regulations to establish common industry positions or, alternatively, establishing industry consensus on common actionable requirements ahead of implementation.
Another area for action could be hazardous substances. "Whenever this issue is deemed not [to] belong to a competitive area, could we develop common technical answers to the obsolescence issues raised by new environmental regulations?" Bardot asked, adding that this would require closer collaboration with engineering.
The ad hoc working group will now consider if there is consensus to commit further resources, before presenting its findings to the April IAQG council meeting in Melbourne, which could approve further development.
IAQG president and EADS head of quality, Bill Black, said: "I'm slightly nervous that the IAQG could be duplicating the work of a lot of environmental bodies. It is true, however, that the number of environmental regulations banning hazardous substances is proliferating and, if we do nothing, it will cost us OEMs and suppliers. However, what we don't want to do is set up a new Greenpeace organisation. We need to stay focused."
Source: Flight International
