In the world of precision and safety in steel structures, quality is paramount. In this section, we will focus on three key standards: PN-EN ISO 3834-2, ISO 9001:2015 and EN 1090-1.
They define standards for quality management, welding processes and production control, enabling steel manufacturers to operate effectively, build trust and ensure compliance with regulations. Understanding their importance is essential for anyone working in the steel industry.
ISO 9001 : 2015
ISO 9001:2015 is not a certificate for the product or service itself, but for a system that guarantees repeatability and improvement of processes within the company. Certification for compliance with this standard means that the organisation has implemented and maintains a system that helps it to:
- Focus on the customer: The standard places great emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs and expectations, as well as continuously monitoring customer satisfaction.
- Implement a process approach: Management is based on identifying, understanding and managing interrelated processes, leading to more effective operations.
- Demonstrate leadership: Top management’s responsibility for the quality management system is crucial. Leaders must be actively involved in its implementation and improvement.
- Make decisions based on facts: Business decisions should be based on data analysis and reliable information, not assumptions.
- Continuously improve: The organisation is committed to continuously improving its processes and products/services to remain competitive and increase customer satisfaction.
- Manage risk: The 2015 version placed greater emphasis on risk-based thinking, which means proactively identifying potential threats and opportunities and planning preventive actions.
PN-EN ISO 3834-2:2021-09
This certificate confirms that the organisation that holds it meets the highest standards of quality management in welding processes. The PN-EN ISO 3834-2 standard focuses on quality control and assurance during all stages of welding – from design, through material selection, welding processes and personnel qualifications, to testing and final inspection.
EN 1090-1:2009 +A1:2011
This standard, together with its subsequent parts (EN 1090-2 for steel structures and EN 1090-3 for aluminium structures), forms the basis for the CE marking of metal structures. CE marking is mandatory for construction products placed on the market in the European Economic Area (EEA) and indicates that the product meets the essential health and safety requirements.
The main task of EN 1090-1 is to specify the requirements for factory production control (FPC). This means that the manufacturer must implement a system that ensures the consistent quality of the structures produced, from the acceptance of materials, through production processes (such as cutting, forming, welding), to final inspection and dispatch.