We’re up to speed on the new CE mark fabricated steelwork regulations – are you?

From 1^st July 2014 the regulations surrounding fabricated structural steelwork are changing. It is to become mandatory for all steel fabrications delivered to site to carry the CE mark. 

CE marking demonstrates compliance with the appropriate manufacturing standard for a product. The symbol has been widely used for several years in relation to toys and electrical goods, but this change is new to the construction industry. CE marking provides proof that the product meets working and safety requirements and is essentially ‘fit for purpose’.

The technical part

Under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) new legal obligations have been placed on manufacturers, distributors and importers of construction products used within the EU to CE mark their products where they are covered by either a harmonised standard or European Technical Assessment (ETA). This applies to constituent products (such as steel beams and bolts) and to fabricated elements (such as gantry and walkways) made from CE marked products.

The CPR required CE marking of all construction products from 1^st July 2013 and the ruling for fabricated structural steelwork comes into effect this July.

Choosing the right Steelwork Contractor

To ensure you comply with these new regulations you should only employ contractors who carry the necessary CE mark execution class relevant to the specific project.

In order to be able to CE mark their fabricated structural steelwork contractors must undertake:

• Initial type testing of the product

• Factory Production Control (FPC) which will include implementation of FPC procedures, appointment of a responsible welding coordinator and implementation of a welding quality management system.

• Further testing of samples taken at the factory in accordance with the prescribed test plan.

• Initial inspection of the manufacturing plant

• Initial Inspection of the Factory Production Control (FPC)

• Continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of the FPC which includes an annual audit to the declared execution class. 

• Factory Production Control (FPC) Certificate (issued by a notified body)

• Welding Certificate (issued by a notified body)

• Declaration of Performance (DoP) (Issued by the Steelwork Contractor)

Fabricated Steelwork Contractors must also be assessed by a notified body which will carry out:

Successful structural steelwork fabrication contractors will receive an FPC certificate and a welding certificate, which identifies the execution class that the contractor has achieved. 

An Execution Class of EXC2 will be the appropriate requirement for the majority of buildings constructed in the UK. 

Does your Structural Steelwork Contractor hold the necessary certifications? 

To check, simply ask to see the following documents which they must be able to provide from the 1^st July 2014: 

If you’re looking for a certified steelwork contractor throughout the UK or Ireland contact JWCI Process Engineers in Fole, Staffordshire, England.Call Kerry on 01889 507177 or email enquiries@jwciltd.com to find out more.