1. BS EN 1090 certification
Structural steel components must be made under a certified Factory Production Control system to BS EN 1090-1 and carry UKCA (or CE) marking. Ask for the certificate and check it is current.
2. The right execution class
Certificates state the highest execution class (EXC1-EXC4) the fabricator can work to. Most buildings need EXC2. Make sure the fabricator's certificate covers your project's class.
3. Qualified welders
Welders should be qualified to BS EN ISO 9606-1, with welding procedures to suit the work.
4. Who actually makes the steel?
Some companies subcontract fabrication. That is not wrong in itself, but ask where the steel will be made and who is responsible for quality.
5. Insurance
Check public and employer's liability insurance, and product liability for supply-only work.
6. Health and safety
SSIP membership (for example Constructionline or CHAS) shows that health and safety has been independently assessed. Ask for risk assessments and method statements for installation.
7. Drawings and approval
Good fabricators produce fabrication drawings for approval before cutting steel, and check the engineer's design for anything missing.
8. A clear quotation
A good quote lists what is included and excluded: finishes, connections, delivery, installation, padstones, fire protection and access. See our guide to comparing steel quotes.
9. Realistic lead times
Ask for a programme from order to delivery and what could change it.
10. References
Ask for recent work similar to yours, and speak to the builder or client if you can.
How we measure up: see our accreditations and how we work.