What is BS EN 1090?
BS EN 1090 is the standard for the execution (fabrication and erection) of steel and aluminium structures. Part 1 sets out how structural components are assessed and marked; Part 2 sets the technical requirements for steel structures - materials, cutting, welding, bolting, tolerances and inspection.
Factory Production Control (FPC)
To mark structural steel components, a fabricator must operate a Factory Production Control system certified by an independent approved body. FPC covers material traceability, welding procedures and welder qualification, inspection and testing, and the competence of the people responsible for welding coordination.
UKCA marking
In Great Britain, structural steel components made to BS EN 1090-1 are UKCA marked, with a Declaration of Performance. This gives main contractors, engineers and building control confidence that the steel has been made under a certified, audited system.
Execution classes
The structural engineer specifies an execution class from EXC1 (least onerous) to EXC4 (most onerous) based on the consequences of failure and the type of loading. Most building structures fall into EXC2. A fabricator's certificate states the highest execution class it is approved for.
Questions to ask a fabricator
- Are you BS EN 1090-1 certified, and for which execution class?
- Can you provide a Declaration of Performance and material certificates?
- Who is your responsible welding coordinator?
- Are your welders qualified to the relevant standards?
Pro Steel Solutions operates BS EN 1090-1 Factory Production Control at our workshop in Ash, Sevenoaks, and UKCA marks our structural steel. See our accreditations.