CE We have it covered
A CE Mark became mandatory for all fabricated structural steel work on 1 st July 2014. This is a declaration from the manufacture that their products meet the requirements of a harmonised technical specification. Contractors and Builders should also ensure that all fabricated structural steel work delivered to their sites after July 1 st 2014 bear a CE mark. Joseph Percival & Co was awarded the certification for Execution Class 1 and 2 on the 2nd September 2015 , this shows that Joseph Percival & Company has the Factory Production Control System and the welding Certification For Execution Class 1 and Execution Class 2. We also have an in house Responsible Welding Co-Ordinator so no time is lost waiting for your projects to be completed.
If you are involved in the manufacture of structural steelwork products, then you are likely to be aware that as of 01 July 2014 the choice is simple; no certification, no business! The Construction Products Directive (CPD) of 1989 was conceived in order to provide a common framework across the whole of the European Union to ensure the integrity of buildings and construction works. Because fabricated steel components are deemed “safety critical”, if you are involved in the manufacture or supply of these products then under the CPD it is now a legal requirement for you to adhere to the stringent requirements of BS EN 1090. You must also ensure that your products are appropriately CE marked.
Introducing BS EN 1090 and its constituent parts
BS EN 1090 (Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures – Technical requirements for steel structures) is the harmonised European standard covering fabricated structural steelwork. It comprises three parts:
- EN 1090-1: CE Marking- details the requirements for assessing and verifying product or service conformity
- EN 1090-2: Details the technical requirements in the manufacture and assembly of steel structures
- EN 1090-3: Details the technical requirements in the manufacture and assembly
Who does BS EN 1090 affect directly?
The standard affects all companies who manufacture and sell steel and aluminium structures and structural products within the EU. The standard will be relevant to a number of disciplines within an organisation including;
- Civil engineers
- Construction engineers
- Directors, general and site managers
- Quality assurance and quality control personnel
- Procurement personnel
- Inspection and non-destructive testing personnel
Traceability, compliance and verification throughout the manufacturing process
The requirements of BS EN 1090 ensure that appropriate controls are in place at every stage of the manufacturing process. The standard embraces all processes from the procurement of raw materials through to final inspection and testing. Verification of compliance will include such areas as;
- Material certification of analysis, testing and storage
- Staff training, testing and qualification
- Equipment calibration
- Consumable certification and control
- Quality control and testing of product
- Control of records and documents, including control off issue
- Product identification and marking
- Internal audit
- Control of non conforming product
What is an Execution Class?
BS EN 1090 sets out four Execution Classes (EXC’s), as given below. These classes are based on the end use of the structure and how critical it would be if it failed:
- EXC1 – e.g. Agricultural buildings
- EXC2 – e.g. Residential or Commercial structures
- EXC3 – e.g. Bridges or Stadia
- EXC4 – e.g. Special structures (long-span bridges, frames for structures within the nuclear sector and structures within seismic active areas) etc.
(please note that in the case of EXC2, 3 and 4 all welding activities must be controlled by a Responsible Welding Coordinator). For EXC 3 and 4 there must also be verified welding procedures.
