Don't miss the boat – the transition period ends in 2012
Don't miss the boat – the transition period ends in 2012
TÜV SÜD has been appointed an Inspection and Certification Body for construction products covered by the European standard EN 1090-1. This new status now allows the international service provider to supply certification to manufacturers of steel and aluminium structures in the field of construction supervision. This certification will become mandatory from 1 July 2012.
Within the scope of implementation of the European Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC as German law in the form of the German Construction Products Act, the previously applicable national standards DIN 18800-7 (steel structures) and DIN V 4113-3 (aluminium structures) have been or will be replaced by the new series of standards DIN EN 1090, Parts 1 to 3. After the transition period expires on 1 July 2012, all load-bearing steel or aluminium structures placed on the market in the European Union must bear CE marks and comply with the regulations of EN 1090-1.
Don't miss the boat
"Replacement of previously applicable national standards in the metal construction industry by harmonised European standards has Europeanised the metal construction sector", says Michael Dey, director of TÜV SÜD's Inspection and Certification Body operations. "We are already receiving numerous enquiries from potential customers in Germany and Europe who are interested in EN 1090-1 certification for their businesses." However, Dey notes that many metal construction companies, particularly smaller-scale firms, have not yet considered the consequences of the new standards. Dey therefore has some urgent advice for these companies: "Companies should inform themselves well in advance about the new standards to ensure they do not miss the boat and jeopardize their competitive edge."
Manufacturers of load-bearing steel and aluminium structures for construction supervision must furnish proof of a functioning Factory Production Control (FPC) system in order to place their products on the market. FPC certification comprises an initial inspection and regular surveillance inspections by a recognised body. In addition to documentary evidence, the required scope of proof includes audits performed at production sites in which auditors may interview welding supervisors, conduct inspections of plant facilities and examine staff qualifications. A positive audit results in FPC certification.
TÜV SÜD certification allows manufacturers to issue conformity declarations for their construction products within the scope of EN 1090-1 and affix CE markings to the products. "Certified companies not only fulfil requirements under public law", explains Michael Dey. "Given TÜV SÜD's high public profile and reputation, certification also definitely sends out positive signals to potential clients."
Contact: TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH, Michael Dey, Westendstrasse 199, 80686 Munich, tel.: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 – 11 70, fax: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 – 22 62, mobile: +49 (0) 151 / 27 74 57 84, e-mail: michael.dey@tuev-sued.de, Internet: www.tuev-sued.de/is
Contact: Dr. Thomas Oberst