Our Members are audited (if required) on a regular basis for both quality and maintenance of their Factory Production Control (FPC) Systems. Together with that, all of our Members are accredited to either ISO or EN 1090 CE Marking for Structural Steel and are fully insured.
Within the Asssociation, we have experienced assessors in EN1090, ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001. and in association wish EISL Engineering Inspection Services (weld testing) and access to two International Welding Engineers, we offer to Engineers, Developers, Clients etc…. a monitoring and inspection service, giving you peace of mind that your Fabricator is working to a high standard and in compliance.
Have you a potential steel project that requires pricing or help with design? We can advise on the right Fabricator for the job.If you would like to avail of this service or have any queries on our Members qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We’ve heard things like this before and it’ll all go away just like the other ones did”Unlike many previous standards, for example the ISO 9001, CE Marking is a legal requirement for designated products. Since 2014 Local Authorities and NBCO have the power to stop a business from trading and withdraw any products until the company has shown that it complies with the Regulations.
In addition, customers’ insurance will be invalid if non CE Marked components have been used.This will be costly for businesses that are discovered not to be complying, as they are unable to trade whilst they try to achieve CE Marking and will have to carry the cost of the product recalls and fines. In serious cases, Directors may also face imprisonment.
The consequences of these and perhaps other misunderstandings relating to the Directive will be dire for any businesses concerned and time is running out fast. Don’t bury your head in the sand: to get the facts and some good advice.
This is rather like believing that if someone builds a house using CE Marked bricks, the house must automatically be safe; obviously nothing could be further from the truth!
Under the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) not only do the components need to be CE Marked, but so does the finished assembly.
This requirement also applies to kits, which are defined as “a construction product placed on the market by a single manufacturer as a set of at least two separate components that need to be put together to be incorporated in the construction works”. The consequences of these and perhaps other misunderstanding relating to the Directive will be dire for any business concerned and time is running out fast.
Whilst it’s perfectly true that genuinely “one off” products don’t require CE Marking, there is a huge amount of confusion between what is legitimately a ‘one-off’ product and what is actually a ‘bespoke’ product, which will require CE marking.
An example of this is where a manufacturer is producing individually designed and manufactured staircases; even though each one may be unique, this is still considered to be series production of staircases which will require CE Marking.
Without appropriate CE Marking, companies will in effect be trading illegally after 1st July and their Insurers will obviate liability. In serious cases Directors may also face imprisonment.
Even once these hurdles have been overcome, failing to achieve certification first time will not only bring the additional cost of a re-test, there would also be the delay waiting for a new assessment date (assessors are already becoming heavily booked) during which time, of course, the business would be prohibited from supplying the affected products.
In theory, yes it is possible to tackle CE marking in-house, but for most small businesses this is simply not a practical proposition.
Does anyone in the business have sufficient background / experience in compliance? Even more critically, does anyone in the business have the necessary time to:
• Study, understand and apply the various standards (two parts of EN 1090, up to five parts of EN 3834.
• Devise and install the required Factory Production Control and Welding Quality Management systems?
Copyright © 2024 - All rights reserved. Made with 💖 by Irish Steel
Hello everyone,
I’d like to begin this letter by expressing my immense pride and privilege in being the inaugural President of Irish Steel. Our organisation is dedicated to aiding SMEs in the metalwork fabrication and manufacturing industry across Ireland, aiming to fortify and advance their businesses. We are committed to supporting our members in enhancing their business performance and competitive edge by fostering connections for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences.
The term “Knowledge sharing” may seem abstract, but in the context of Irish Steel, it translates to empowering industry professionals to achieve success! Our focus is on aiding industry members in becoming more professional, profitable, connected, and organised.
My initial encounter with the benefits Irish Steel offers was in 2016 when I joined and was added by Pat to the WhatsApp group he established to connect fabricators nationwide. Shortly after joining, while on a job in Cork, we faced a shortage of 16 special bolts. Despite efforts, no supplier could fulfil our need. I reached out through the WhatsApp group, and remarkably, within hours, a fellow member whom I'd never met before drove over a hundred miles to assist me. This experience truly showcased the incredible potential of connecting individuals who share similar day-to-day challenges.
Such instances are a daily occurrence at Irish Steel, where the team actively provides practical support to its members.
The organisation experienced challenges during the Covid lockdowns, which impacted many people and businesses. However, Irish Steel has now reinvigorated itself, moving past the dark days of Covid. The Association is investing heavily, emerging stronger, more focused, and better than ever. I am honoured to be part of this team, which organised the first-ever awards ceremony tailored for the metalworking industry in Ireland. It was extraordinary to witness so many like-minded individuals gathered, celebrating achievements, and fostering business relationships. I eagerly anticipate the 2024 Irish Steel Awards Dinner & Gala Night.
Earlier, I mentioned the power of connections. Being allied with this team, benefiting from their knowledge, experience, and network, is something that industry members should earnestly consider.
Irish Steel is managed by industry veterans who have established a vast network of members, both domestically and internationally. They have also convened a cadre of technical and business expert consultants aligned with Irish Steel to serve our members. This team, proficient in steel fabrication, manufacturing, and various aspects of running successful manufacturing and contracting businesses, is dedicated to helping members reduce waste, avoid errors, prevent financial losses, build resilience, stimulate growth, innovate, ensure safety, comply with legal requirements, boost profits, diversify, innovate, and scale – the list is extensive.
Kind regards,
Fergus Naughton
2024 President of Irish Steel
