Get in touch with us
The European standard EN 1090 ensures the safety and reliability of load-bearing steel and aluminum components. It includes proof of conformity, factory production control, manufacturer certification and CE marking.
A central aspect of EN 1090 is corrosion protection. Depending on the environmental conditions (corrosion protection categories 1 to 3), suitable protective measures such as hot-dip galvanizing, coatings or thermal spraying must be applied.
The manufacturer is responsible for the correct implementation of EN 1090. This includes the establishment of a factory production control system, certification by a notified body and the affixing of the CE marking.
With the expertise of mtv messtechnik, you ensure the implementation of EN 1090 in accordance with the standards and thus guarantee the safety and quality of your steel and aluminum structures.
The European standard EN 1090 regulates the proof of conformity, factory production control, manufacturer certification and CE marking for load-bearing steel and aluminium components placed on the market as construction products.
An important aspect of EN 1090 is corrosion protection. This must be planned, implemented and documented in accordance with the requirements of the standard.
The standard distinguishes three corrosion protection categories:
Depending on the corrosion protection category, appropriate corrosion protection measures must be taken. These may include:
The choice of corrosion protection system depends on various factors, such as the corrosion protection category, the environmental conditions and the requirements of the client. The manufacturer of load-bearing steel and aluminum components is responsible for ensuring that the corrosion protection measures are carried out in accordance with the requirements of EN 1090. To do this, he must set up and document his own factory production control system. He must also obtain certification from a notified body. The CE marking is a sign that a load-bearing steel and aluminum component meets the requirements of EN 1090.
The new European standard EN 1090 has been mandatory since July 2014 and regulates corrosion protection for steel structures. The biggest change concerns coatings, while there is hardly any need for action in hot-dip galvanizing.
New obligations for manufacturers
Manufacturers of load-bearing steel components such as metalworking shops or steel construction companies must now bring products onto the market with the CE mark. This mark documents compliance with relevant guidelines and technical specifications. In addition, manufacturers must set up their own factory production control (FPC) and prove that they have qualified personnel, documented processes and the necessary technical equipment.
Corrosion protection according to EN 1090-2
EN 1090-2 "Part 2: Technical rules for the execution of steel structures" regulates corrosion protection. Manufacturers who label products with the CE mark are also responsible for proper corrosion protection. They must ensure that the work complies with the technical rules. This can be done through their own measures or through evidence from subcontractors such as hot-dip galvanizing or coating companies.
Challenges and outsourcing
In the future, many metal and steel construction companies will not be able to carry out corrosion protection work internally in accordance with EN 1090. This often requires high investments in plant technology and the qualification of employees. It therefore makes sense to outsource this work to qualified and certified specialist companies.
Corrosion protection processes
Hot-dip galvanizing, thermal spraying and coatings are possible for corrosion protection of steel structures. The requirements are specified in Annex F of EN 1090-2. Manufacturers must determine the duration of protection and corrosivity category and, if necessary, specify a preferred method such as hot-dip galvanizing.
Coatings according to EN 1090
Coating work may only be carried out by qualified companies. Proof of qualification can be provided by external monitoring or European-recognized quality seals. These simplify the proof through regular production controls and independent inspections.
Surface preparation and layer thickness measurement
Steel structures that are to be protected by organic coating systems require professional surface preparation in accordance with EN ISO 12944-4 and EN ISO 8501. This can be done by blasting; manual derusting and manual machine derusting are not suitable. Before coating, the surface condition must be checked to ensure that it complies with the standards. The coating itself is carried out in accordance with EN ISO 12944-7.
For a protection period of more than five years with a corrosivity category of C3 or higher, edges must be rounded or chamfered in accordance with EN 12944-3 and protected with a strip-shaped coating. Coated components may only be packaged after the curing time has elapsed.
Routine checks
Proper execution includes routine checks of surface cleanliness and surface roughness before coating, measurement of the layer thickness of each layer and visual inspection in accordance with EN ISO 12944-7. Companies must set up their own factory production control, which is certified by a recognized body. Some quality associations offer certificates that confirm the professional execution of coating work in accordance with EN 1090.
Hot-dip galvanizing according to EN 1090
For hot-dip galvanizing, EN 1090 only leads to minimal changes in Germany, as the DASt guideline 022 has been binding since 2009. This guideline prescribes in-house production control and external monitoring. Hot-dip galvanizing plants that are certified according to this guideline can demonstrate compliance with the technical rules of EN 1090 and thus meet the requirements for corrosion protection.
Conclusion
EN 1090 regulates corrosion protection for steel structures in detail and creates new challenges for steel and metal workers, who are often no longer able to carry out this work themselves. External specialist companies and quality associations for coatings are becoming increasingly established. The requirements for hot-dip galvanizing remain largely unchanged, as the DASt guideline 022, which has been in force since 2009, already meets the EN 1090 requirements.
Self-testing according to DIN EN 1090 is permitted under certain conditions and can be useful to ensure that the requirements of the standard are met. Here are the most important points to consider:
1. Competence and qualification:
2. Quality assurance system:
3. Equipment and procedures:
Self-assessment can be useful in the following cases and offers these advantages:
1. Cost savings:
2. Flexibility and efficiency:
3. Internal quality control:
Need for a FROSIO inspector
A FROSIO inspector (International Committee for Training and Certification of Inspection Personnel) specializes in coatings and corrosion protection and is not mandatory under DIN EN 1090. However, the involvement of a FROSIO inspector may be useful or necessary in the following cases:
Specific requirements for corrosion protection:
External certifications:
Self-testing in accordance with DIN EN 1090 is permitted and makes sense if the necessary requirements are met, in particular the qualification of the inspector and the existence of a certified quality assurance system. A FROSIO inspector does not necessarily have to be commissioned unless specific requirements for corrosion protection or external certifications make this necessary.
For detailed requirements and specific project conditions, please consult DIN EN 1090 and the relevant regulations and guidelines.
Details on surface testing equipment for FROSIO inspectors can be found here
Sources:
DIN EN 1090 is a European standard that defines requirements for the construction of steel and aluminum structures. Self-testing according to this standard requires specific steps to ensure the quality and safety of the structures. Here is a brief guide to self-testing:
Planning:
Documentation:
Material certificates:
Visual inspection:
Visual weld inspection:
Dimensions and tolerances:
Assembly quality:
Functional test:
Self-testing according to DIN EN 1090 requires careful planning, comprehensive material and weld seam testing, as well as precise dimensional control and assembly testing. By following these steps, you can ensure that your designs meet the standard requirements and guarantee high quality and safety.
For complete and detailed instructions and specific requirements of DIN EN 1090, consult the official standard and seek professional advice if necessary.
Justus-von-Liebig-Strasse 17a
50374 Erftstadt (Gymnich), Germany
+49 2235 987170
info@mtv-messtechnik.de