Who needs an EN 1090 certificate?
Components of metal structures are construction products. For every product placed on the market or built into a structure, a conformity assessment procedure must be carried out. The product must have a declaration of performance confirming conformity with the requirements in the technical specifications. A conformity assessment system 2+ applies to metal components: the manufacturer introduces internal factory production control and determines the product type, while the notified body certifies the factory production control and maintains regular surveillance.
What must the manufacturer meet?
- a system of written procedures for production control and for the components,
- defined responsibilities, authorities and relationships among staff,
- review of technical documentation and conformity of incoming materials,
- initial type testing and evaluation,
- final inspection, independent of production management, with documented results,
- a qualified welding coordinator to EN ISO 14731 (the level depends on the material and execution class),
- certified welders or operators, qualified welding procedures and NDT personnel certified to EN ISO 9712,
- traceability of the materials used and of the processes carried out.
For welding work, EN 1090-2 and EN 1090-3 require conformity with the relevant part of EN ISO 3834. See ISO 3834 certification.
How does EN 1090 certification work?
- Request for quotation. the manufacturer fills in a form, on the basis of which we prepare a quotation with an order form. At the client’s request we can also make an informative visit.
- Order and assessment programme. after receiving the order we send the programme of the initial assessment and the names of the assessors. The client can object within three days.
- Initial assessment. review of production processes, the line, capacity, factory control, subcontractors, inspection and testing capability, and the quality management system; a professional interview with the person responsible for FPC and the welding coordinator.
- Closing meeting and report. you correct any nonconformities within the agreed time, which is no longer than six months. You can comment on the report within eight days.
- Certificate. if the report is positive we issue the certificate and conclude an agreement on maintaining certification and using the certificate.
How often is surveillance after the certificate is issued?
The certificate is valid for one year and is maintained through regular surveillance at the plant or a document review. The first surveillance visit is after one year. If there are no significant changes, the intervals between FPC reviews after the initial assessment are as follows:
| Execution class | Intervals between reviews after the initial assessment (years) | The cycle repeats after |
|---|---|---|
| EXC1 and EXC2 | 1, 2, 3, 3 | 9 years |
| EXC3 and EXC4 | 1, 1, 2, 3, 3 | 10 years |