ASK THE EXPERT
EXPERT ASK THE
WW: What is BS-EN 1090-1-2009 and how will it affect the metal fabrication industry?
KS: EN 1090-1-2009 is a new revision and compulsory standard that will affect all European manufacturers of steel and aluminium structures and components for the construction industry, with effect from 1 July 2014. It comes in three parts:
Part 1: Requirements for conformity assessment of structural components Part 2: Technical requirements for steel structures Part 3: Technical requirements for aluminium structures.
A new execution class (EXC) system is also being introduced to help categorise construction projects involving the use of steel and aluminium structural components from EXC1 (least onerous) to EXC4 (most critical). A significant consequence of the new standard and the introduction of EXC is that manufacturers must appoint at least one welding coordinator (IWC) or responsible welding coordinator (RWC). This individual will oversee the management of aspects of the manufacturing process which include welding activity. As part of this role, he will ensure the qualification of welding procedures within the business and be responsible for inspection and testing before, during and after welding. He will also need to work in accordance with the specified Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and adhere to relevant ISO guidance.
WW: Why is the standard being introduced?
KS: Welding is a complex process involving several key variables that jointly determine the quality of a weld. When it comes to the
Kevin Sherry, welding applications specialist at Air Products, offers some advice on how to prepare for the new European standard revision, EN 1090-1-2009.
manufacture of load-bearing steel and aluminium structures for use in the construction industry, a faulty weld could pose a risk to people and the environment, so it is especially important that weld quality is good. The new quality standard – EN 1090-1-2009 – will help to ensure that certain quality standards are met when producing these structures.
WW: How exactly will the new standard affect metal fabricators of steel components for the construction industry, where welding work is regularly carried out?
KS: One of the main changes will be the new requirement to appoint a Welding Coordinator to ensure that welding processes and procedures at the site meet the necessary qualification criteria and that weld quality is satisfactory. RWC-B training could help fabricators to ensure compliance with EN 1090-1-2009 for steel styles S235 and/or S355, and a maximum material thickness of 25mm. Once trained, the welding coordinator will need to draw up the required Welding Procedures Specification. To assist in this area, Air Products can provide support in the form of a calibrated welding data monitoring system to record all essential welding variables and other data while welding tests are performed.
WW: Why haven’t some fabricators heard about the new standard before?
KS: This isn’t altogether surprising. Air Products conducted a survey at Techni-Show in Utrecht earlier this year and found that 55 per cent of those questioned were not familiar with the new compulsory requirement. Of those who were aware of EN 1090-1- 2009, 26 per cent did not know when it would be coming into effect. ■
FURTHER INFORMATION
To find out more about Air Products’ welding experts, visit
www.airproducts.co.uk/expert
For a fuller version of this ‘Ask the Expert’ column as well as past columns, please visit
www.airproducts.co.uk/weldingexpert
If you would like to Ask the Expert a specific question to be answered in the next issue of AWD’s Welding World, please email
expert@airproducts.com
Left: Kevin Sherry, welding applications specialist at Air Products
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