CE Marking

Construction Product Regulations

CE marking for steel structures and components has become mandatory in the UK, under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It is now a criminal offence to supply a steel structure or steel components without a CE mark.

To apply the CE mark, manufacturers, contractors and fabricators will need to demonstrate compliance with BS EN 1090-1 Part 1: Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures and part 2 (for steel structures) or part 3 (for aluminium structures).

BS EN 1090-1: Requirements for conformity assessment of structural components explains that, since all structural steel is seen as safety critical, manufacturers must document and implement  a Factory Production Control (FPC) system and have the system certified by a Notified Body.

BS EN 1090-2: Technical requirements for steel structures, outlines what is required to ensure steel structures meet adequate levels of mechanical resistance, stability, serviceability and durability.

BS EN 1090-3: Technical requirements for aluminium structures, outlines what is required to ensure aluminium structures meet adequate levels of mechanical resistance, stability, serviceability and durability.

The standard sets out four Execution Classes (EXCs):EXC1 – e.g. Agricultural buildings

EXC2 – e.g. Residential or Commercial structures

EXC3 – e.g Bridges

EXC4 – e.g.Special structures (long-span bridges etc)

For EXC 2,3 & 4, all welding must be controlled by a Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC), with proven competence, in accordance with the requirements of EN 14731 and the relevant part of EN ISO 3834. Manufacturers must supply a certificate that specifically states that the RWC is trained to these standards as proof of compliance.

For Structural Steelwork Contractors to demonstrate their CE Marking capability the Construction Product Regulations (CPR) require the folloiwng 3 key documents:-

• Factory Production Control Certificate issued by a Notified Body
• Welding Certificate issued by a Notified Body.
• Declaration of Performance – Issued by Steelwork Contractor

How can Guthrie & Craig assist:

• GAP Analysis
• Development of Factory Production Control System including all required procedures and supporting documentation
• Development of Welding Quality Management System
• Support with Weld Procedures
• On site support and assistance
• Sourcing of Responsible Welding Co-ordinator
• Full Process Audits of Factory Production Control System and Welding Quality Managament System
• Attendance at External Assessments
• On-going Support & Development