Steelwork Contractor Responsibilities
In order to be able to CE mark the fabricated structural steelwork that they produce, steelwork contractors are required to declare performance to the system 2+ level of assessment.
This requires them to undertake:
- Initial type-testing of the product
- Factory Production Control (FPC), which will include:
- Implementation of FPC system procedures
- Appointment of a responsible welding coordinator (RWC)
- Implementation of welding quality management system (WQMS) procedures
- Further testing of samples taken at the factory in accordance with the prescribed test plan
They must also be assessed by the notified body that will carry out:
- Initial inspection of the manufacturing plant
- Initial inspection of the FPC
- Continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of the FPC, which will typically include:
- An annual audit to ensure continued competence to the declared Execution Class (Table B.3 of BS EN 1090-1 sets out minimum levels for routine surveillance intervals).
The notified body will then issue an FPC certificate and welding certificate identifying the Execution Class that the steelwork contractor has achieved.
