EN 1090

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 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 EN 1090. You must also ensure that your products are appropriately CE marked.

Introducing EN 1090 and its constituent parts

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 of aluminium structures.

The standard affects all companies who manufacture and sell steel and aluminium structures and structural products within the EU.

Who Does EN 1090 Affect Directly?

The standard will be relevant to several 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

Having ISO 9001 certification in place will help ease the pain. It is important to note that your products will not achieve a CE Mark unless you can prove that they have been manufactured under a robust Factory Production Control (FPC) system which meets the requirements of ISO 9001 or a similar quality management system.

What is an Execution Class?

EN 1090 sets out four Execution Classes (EXCs), 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, nuclear sector structures, seismic active areas)

Note: For 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.

Steps to Successful Certification

To gain certification and be awarded a CE Mark:

• Initial type-testing of your products
• Factory Production Control including FPC procedures, RWC appointment, and WQMS implementation
• Assessment by a Notified Body (initial inspection, FPC inspection, continuous surveillance)

The Notified Body will then issue an FPC certificate and Welding Certificate identifying the Execution Class achieved.