The WMA has established a highly credible reputation leading to its recognition by Government, the British Standards Institution (BSI), The Welding Institute (TWI) and a multitude of international associations and organisations including the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the Liaison Group of European Mechanical, Electrical and Metal Working Industries (ORGALIME). WMA is the consultative body for the UK welding industry and has been for many years a member of the European Welding Association through which it has access to the Commission of the European Union.

As a result of these relationships the WMA is proactive and authoritative. It is able to keep its members informed of all matters relevant to the industry and is ideally equipped to influence vital decision making at the highest levels. This includes the particularly important sphere of standards. Members can, through their Product Sections and associated technical committees, exert influence on standards by representation on BSI and the European standards bodies, CENELEC and CEN as well as through involvement in the ISO.

The WMA is also particularly active in the spheres of health and safety, product liability, quality assurance and certification, producing publications to inform its members on matters of relevance. In 1995 it issued an up-to-date publication The Arc Welder at Work which is a guide to safe practices to be read in conjunction with more detailed information available from manufacturers and suppliers of welding products. More recent publications include Guidance on CE Marking which provides information on the new regulations for arc welding and plasma cutting equipment.

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