What is EN 1090?
EN 1090 is an important standard for the European construction industry and is becoming increasingly relevant for those involved in design, manufacture, assembly, or installation of steel or aluminum structures. It is a legal requirement that all structural components in the European Union meet this standard. EN 1090 defines requirements and processes to ensure structural components are designed, manufactured, and installed correctly and safely.
The European standard EN 1090 includes conformity assessment of steel and aluminum components used in steel and concrete complete structures, applied to serial and one-off developments. Standard EN 1090-1 from July 1, 2012, defines the mandatory application of the CE mark to the product, products that do not have the CE mark cannot be placed on the internal market of the member countries of the European Union.
Starting from 01.07.2014, mandatory CE marking is introduced for manufacturers of structures and components in the European Union according to Building Regulation 305/2011.
EN 1090 Factory Production Control (FPC)
According to the requirements of EN 1090, the introduction of Factory Production Control (FPC) is a prerequisite, the production control system must cover everything that concerns the conformity of products, including personnel, equipment, the design process, survey procedures for checking and registering compliance with component specifications, test plans, product evaluation, non-conformity procedures.
The manufacturer must prove that the FPC complies with the requirements specified in paragraph 6.3 of EN 1090-1. An FPC system should cover all processes, production lines, divisions or departments including external or operated subcontractors.
If the FPC is part of a system that is certified according to EN ISO 9001 or EN ISO 3834 and the notified structure has determined that the system meets the requirements of EN 1090-1, then the notified structure can recognize any of these standards.
In cases where the manufacturer performs tests in his laboratory or in the laboratories of subcontractors, the test equipment and evaluation methods (laboratories) must necessarily be included in the FPC.
Parts of EN 1090 Standard Series
The EN 1090 standard consists of the following parts:
- EN 1090-1:2009+A1:2011 Manufacture of steel and aluminum structures. Part 1. Requirements for conformity assessment of load-bearing steel structures
- EN 1090-2:2018 Manufacture of steel and aluminum structures. Part 2. Technical requirements for steel structures
- EN 1090-3:2008 Manufacture of steel and aluminum structures. Part 3. Technical requirements for aluminum structures
- EN 1090-4:2018 Manufacture of steel and aluminum structures. Part 4. Technical requirements for cold-formed steel elements and cold-formed structures for roofs, ceilings, floors and walls.
- EN 1090-5-2017 Manufacture of steel and aluminum structures. Part 5. Technical requirements for cold-formed aluminum elements and cold-formed structures for roofs, ceilings, floors and walls
Advantages of certification according to EN 1090
The implementation of EN 1090 is becoming increasingly important in the construction sector. The certification has several advantages for those who adhere to it. Firstly, companies who are certified according to EN 1090 have access to a broader range of clients and projects, as complying with the regulation proves that they are professional and reliable businesses.
Furthermore, having the certification gives them credibility and trustworthiness among their potential clients. In addition to this, applying for EN 1090 means that companies must meet high safety standards.
This ensures that structures created by these businesses will be able to withstand external environmental factors such as wind loads or seismic events, thus providing more security for those who use them.
In summary, EN 1090 Plant Certification helps to:
- Expand the sales market to the EU countries;
- Be confident in the compliance of their products with the requirements of regulations and standards;
- Be confident in the demand for your aluminum and steel structures in the European markets;
- Take advantage of cooperation with us in terms of the expert experience of our employees on any issues related to certification and standardization.
Scope of EN 1090 Plant Certification?
For organizations, manufacturers of metal structures, interested in how to improve the quality of their products and services, to meet the expectations and requirements of their customers.
The cost of certification EN 1090 and how to order certification?
The cost of certification for compliance with EN 1090 is individual, and depends on many factors, such as the number of employees, production sites, production processes (services), field of activity, etc.
To receive the individual cost of the work, you need to fill out the application to the certification body. Based on your application and required certification scope, the auditing body will provide the quote for EN1090 plant certification.
How to understand that your company needs a certificate?
- You have clear customer requirements;
- You plan to participate in tenders for the production of products and services;
- You want to improve the level of qualification of your personnel and document the possibility of manufacturing quality products with confirmation of certificates issued by a Third Independent Party
Required documents for certification
- Welder Certificates
- Welding Process Evaluation Protocol
- Documentation according to EN 1090, ISO 3834
- Completed applications.
What is included in the certification process for compliance with the requirements of EN 1090?
The European standard EN 1090 is the requirement for all companies that manufacture steel and aluminium components used in construction. The certification process required to comply with this standard is complex and involves a range of steps.
The process starts with an initial audit to determine if the company meets all of the necessary requirements, including having a competent personnel team, suitable machinery and processes, as well as appropriate quality management systems in place.
Once these elements have been confirmed, there will be regular follow-up audits conducted by external auditors to ensure continued compliance. In addition to these audits, companies must also provide evidence of their traceability system which can include testing activities on raw materials and finished products.
The final step in achieving certification is submission of documents verifying that all requirements have been met such as proof of CE Marking for products or evidence of training records for personnel members.
Stages of the certification process for EN 1090
The main stages of the certification process for EN 1090:
- Filling in the application for certification by the Customer.
- Analysis of the application for certification.
- Confirmation of the class of performance of products, signing a contract with the client.;
- Preliminary assessment to prepare the client for certification (study of standards, creation of a working group on certification, determination of requirements for personnel qualifications in accordance with the class of manufacture, filling and adjustment of project documentation, determination of the welding flow chart and welding elements to be evaluated, adaptation of technical documentation and documentation of the management system in accordance with applicable standards).
- Review of the entire process of certification of the welding process, welders, etc.
- Preliminary audit of standard sample documentation, quality guidelines, technical documentation, personnel qualifications, preparation for a visit to the production site for production control/
- Conducting production control at the site, closing reports of non-compliance;
- Presentation of certificates of conformity of production control with the requirements of EN 1090 (NB1697 or NB1035).
- Conducting periodic supervisory audits in accordance with EN 1090 requirements.
