1. Background to CE Marking2. Implications for Fabricators3. What products does it cover?4. How do I implement it?5. What about specifiers?6. What about galvanizing?

1. Background to CE Marking

Objective:

To promote common standardsacross Europe in order tomake trade easier.

Phased introduction started 198821 directives requiring CE marking3 directives not requiring it.Requirements vary between directives

To ensure items being sold are:well designed, and safe.

Toys and electronics are well knownTo be CE marked

Construction Products Directive

•Removing technical barriers to trade•Replacing national standards

with harmonised EU standards.

Being replaced with the Construction Products Regulations

7 Main requirements…

• Mechanical resistance and stability• Safety in case of fire• Hygiene, health and environment• Safety in use• Protection against noise• Energy economy and heat

retention• Sustainable use of natural

resources

2. Implications for Fabricator

•Who is affected?•What does it mean?•What do I do?•What deadline?•Consequences of not doing it?

There are 428 standards that cover Construction Products.

The main one that covers structural steel is BS EN 1090.

We will use that as a example from here, but be aware there are many others, and they also cover construction products, some of them steel.

Other standards:

•EN 13241-1: 2003 Industrial Doors and gates(CE marking required from 1/1/2013)

•EN 13659:2004 Shutters and security Grilles

•EN12209 A lock for a gate.

BS EN 1090 :Execution of steel and aluminium structures

Part 1 :Requirements for conformity in assessment of structural components

(the system)

Part 2 :Technical requirements for steel structures (the detail)

When?

CE marking is mandatory from 1st July 2014.The law in the UK requiring it was passed in early 2011.

Non-compliance is a criminal offence

Consequences?

Non-compliance is a criminal offence

“Policed” by Trading Standards.

But will become a requirement by your customersand this is the real “policing”.

Covers all fabricated steelwork from purlins to portals, from bridges to frames. All steel into the “built environment”.

Covers components made from:Hot rolled steel, Cold-formed steel, Flat products (plates, sheet and strip), Bars, castings and forgings.

Applies to:•Series production (purlins, sheets, decking etc)•Bespoke structures•Components made from kits of parts

3. What products does it cover?

What products does CE Marking apply to?

Construction Products – “any product or kit which is produced and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works.”

Article 2 definition 1 of regulation No EU-305/2011

Construction Works – “any buildings and civil engineering works.”

Article 2 definition 3 of regulation No EU-305/2011

What does that practically mean?

•Steel frame (columns, rafters, bracers etc)•Lintols, beams, frames, ties•Stairs, handrails, fire escapes, doors•Culverts, bridges, walkways•Water works access systems•Roads and highways systems

Constructor responsibilityManufacturer’s declaration of conformityWarranty that product meets the specification

Safety critical productsMust have suitable Factory Production Control (FPC)FPC needs to be certified by a Notified BodyLinked to Execution Classes

Welding is a special processReliance on the “system” and the “personnel”Competent welders and inspectors requiredCompetent welding coordinator

4 How do I implement it?

How do I implement this?

1. Know the requirements of the standards applicable to your products.

2. Use the specified test methods to ensure conformity with those requirements.

3. Implement a system for controlling regular production.4. Mark the products in the specified way using a suitable

classification and designation system.

Factory Production Control.

ISO 9001 is a form of control, and probablyCovers most of what is required.Do you have traceability of materials?Of processes? Of qualifications of welders?

Notified Body

Similar to the body who audits your ISO9001 quality system.Independent, authorised by EU, audits your systems.

Examples:

•SCCS•BSI•TWI•BM Trada•SGS

Execution Class

One level of control is not suitable for every application.

The degree of control in welding components for nuclearIndustry is not the same as for a fence!

Execution classes divide these levels of consequences of failure into several categories.

There are four execution classesDetermined in a similar way to risk assessment.

1. Simple structure, low consequence2. Medium structure, moderate consequence3. More complex, higher risk4. Most complex, highest risk.

Examples

1. Small fire escape, gates, handrail2. Farm Building structure3. Office Building, factory4. Nuclear Power, Oil & Gas.

Execution Class determined by these factors:

•Consequence Class•Service category•Production Category

Setting the execution class is the designer’sresponsibility

Welding Coordinator

Welding is a critical process.Coordination of materials, processes, peopleQualifications? Standards? DocumentedProcesses?

Implementation example…

Structural steel fabricatorPlanning to fabricate for a factory buildingHas the contract in hand, and is planning the execution.

Steel grade: S235Standard: EN10025-2,3,4,5; EN10149 - 2, 3; Designed Engineer

5. What about Specifiers?

The specifier or designer of steel products covered by the regulations must state the standard to be worked to and the execution class.

Some designers are unaware of their responsibility in this respect.

Consequence Class: CC2Service Category: SC1Production Category: PC1= Execution Class EXC2

Joe Bloggs Fabrications Ltd1 Doric Place, Abedeen

Structural Steel components for portal frame building in Ellon, ref XY4567.

Execution Class 2BS EN 1090-1 2009

2272Structural Steel components and kits for use in building and civil engineering works

6. What about galvanizing?

What happened?

Galvanizing can have an impact on structural integrity.

Part of a process not under the control of the fabricator

Fabricator needs some assurance that integrity has not been compromised.

Prior communication is key!

Discuss the plan of action with the galvanizer.

Swap drawings where appropriate

Changing a drawing is a low cost activity compared to changing steelwork between fabrication and galvanizing.

Galvanizers Association with British Constructional Steelwork Association have developed a course for post galvanizing inspection.

Qualified inspectorsGood information Test certs, material descriptions, drawings

Typical Info to consider for galvanized steel.

•Steel composition•Identification of significant surfaces•Flame, laser or plasma cut surfaces•Vent and drainage holes adequate•Coating thickness requirements•Passivation or painting requirements after galv.

What should you expect from the galvanizer?

•Qualified inspector available.•Inspection of the material pre and post galvanizing.•Zinc melt must conform to ISO1461, and be proven to conform.•A Quality Management System conforming to ISO9001:2008•A system of material traceability.•A record keeping system that preserves info for TEN years.

Cold Comfort….

Construction Products – all of them. 1 July 2013

What now? Who can help?

Some local Councils have made grants to businesses to help them get compliant.

There are several consultants that assist companies get compliant.We have contact details of these. (handout available)

References and other sources of infohttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1991/1620/contents/made

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/construction/files/guidance-papers/gp-d_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/single-market-goods/documents/index_en.htm

http://www.steelconstruction.info

http://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/?eID=dam_frontend_push&docID=1443&filename=CPR_Version_2_draft_13.pdf

LinkedIn = group on CE marking of fabricated steelwork