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.