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.

Major Project for Ecolab by JWCI Ltd

JWCI ltd are pleased to have been awarded the contract for a major restructure and refit at the Northwich Cheshire site for the global leader in the hygiene industry, Ecolab.This prestigious contract was awarded to JWCI after the world’s largest sustainability services company, Nalco merged with hygiene giant Ecolab.  

The merger means Ecolab now have over 41,000 employees in more than 170 countries. Founded in 1923 the merger brings together two highly complimentary industries to provide global sustainability services and hygiene solutions across the food, beverage, hygiene and medical industries.

The joining of the two businesses saw the Ecolab manufacturing facility at Cheadle Hulme being relocated to join the larger Ecolab/Nalco site at Northwich in Cheshire. 

JWCI have worked on projects for Ecolab previously and proved to be highly competent in their professional manner and expertise both on site and in the design and manufacture stages. 

Rob Pettener from Ecolab UK said “JWCI proved to be a reliable and flexible contractor to EcoLab. JWCI are well known and respected within the industry and have clearly demonstrated a track record to deliver on large and complex installation projects.”

Phase one of this large project was undertaken by JWCI in partnership with Ecolab’s onsite team and  proved such a success that JWCI became solely responsible for Phase two.

Phase one of the contract, which began in December 2012 included supply and installation of pipe work, removal and installation of tanks and mixing vessels plus supply, fabrication and installation of new tailored pipework and mezzanine floor supports. The later phase involved the strip out of the new site which included provision and management of crane lifts and providing all required health and safety documentation surrounding this. JWCI provide a full design, manufacture, installation and maintenance service to their customers and this streamlined ‘one supplier’ approach means greater peace of mind for the client. 

The larger second phase, a complete strip out and replacement project, included decommissioning of existing mixer tanks and pipework plus installing new steam lines, steam traps, valves and instrumentation. New gantries and pipework were fabricated and installed by JWCI’s highly experienced on-site team.

JWCI work to the highest safety standards and are compliant to all current British health and Safety guidelines and best practice schemes. JWCI are proud to be ISO 9001 registered and SafeContractor accredited. They are also CHAS approved and registered with Constructionline to provide the highest standards whilst on-site. 

JWCI’s expertise in providing bespoke solutions tailored to their customers exact requirements meant that Ecolab could streamline their processes and improve efficiency and be assured of excellent workmanship. This coupled with the high level of customer service provided by JWCI meant a winning combination.