On November 24, 2011, the WEG unit in SĂŁo Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, received certification to repair, overhaul and recover electric motors and generators used in explosive atmospheres (Ex). This is the first Service Center of the company to receive certification in accordance with the ABTN NBR IEC 60079-19 standard and the requirements of the international certification system "Ex" of the IEC (IECEx System). Now, the unit is prepared to meet the growing demand for maintenance in companies that operate in explosive environments set in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and food and oil sectors, among others.
The work towards certification began in November 2010 with the creation of a multi-functional group, comprising the areas of Sales, Services, Engineering, Purchasing, Industrial Engineering, Technical Assistance, Quality, Certifications and Quality Management System. Each department at WEG was responsible for assessing how the system implemented at the company already met the regulatory requirements and, from there, suggest adjustments. In August this year, the team from SĂŁo Bernardo do Campo held training and reviewed and standardized the documentation. In November, the certification entity Bureau Veritas Certification (BVC) audited and attested to the conformity.
The Ex-certification is considered a milestone in the development of quality, management, security and compliance in the service sector for Explosive Atmospheres. Until January 2013, when it becomes mandatory, according to Inmetro Decree 179, certification is voluntary. However, the market is signaling a preference for accredited workshops as a guarantee of reliable and secure services performed by qualified professionals and with standard procedures.
WEG develops other projects to ensure quality and safety in explosive atmosphere environments. In 2010, the company received the first international certificate of conformity for equipment for explosive atmospheres produced in Brazil. Earlier, in 2009, WEG provided training to prepare its service network in meeting the criteria of standardization. In early 2010, its first retailer received the certification. Today, there are six accredited Service Centers, plus the center in SĂŁo Bernardo do Campo. In all, there are 16 certified service centers in Brazil.
