Towards a “license” for bonding operators: the Unichim initiative supported by Acimall

03/12/2025

Just a few clicks to take part in an important Unichim initiative.

Acimall supports the initiative of the “Wood Adhesives” working group of UNICHIM (UNI/CT 401/GL 06), based on the international standard “UNI EN ISO 21368:2023 Adhesives – Guidelines for the fabrication of bonded structures and reporting procedures suitable for risk assessment of such structures”, which is evaluating the possibility of certifying the competence of bonding operators in the non-structural wood and furniture industry, with the ultimate goal of reducing related risks and increasing the safety of these types of products.

According to the organizers, this would allow each bonding operator to obtain a certificate (“license”) demonstrating their skills; and would allow the company employing such operator in the production process to voluntarily certify the quality of the manufacturing procedures of the assembled product (with the opportunity to obtain an additional “voluntary quality mark”).

THE PROPOSAL

The proposal would include a theoretical–practical exam, with a certification that can be issued based on different competence levels (e.g., basic competence level and specific competence level) and would be issued by a sector certification body after passing a theoretical and practical exam; a training course with admission to the exam that may occur through simple registration or after participating in a voluntary training course organized ad hoc by an entity representing the specific sector (e.g., a hybrid course: remote for the theoretical part (about 70 percent) and in person for the practical part (about 30 percent). Furthermore, a validity and renewal of the certification is being evaluated: the certification would have a limited validity (e.g., 5 years). Its maintenance and renewal would be subject to carrying out sector-related work activities, training and/or refresher courses, and passing a practical test before expiry.

Your participation in this survey will provide objective data to assess the actual interest and availability of the market to support an initiative of this kind.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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