What you need to do following Brexit?
The government made changes to the Construction Products Regulation in March 2019. It made further changes to take into account the effect of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol. The changes to the legislation came into effect on 1 January 2021.
These changes apply in England, Wales and Scotland only. The regime in Northern Ireland will match the EU requirements for construction products.
Businesses are being encouraged to fully implementation the new UK regime and UK mark. To allow businesses time to adjust some CE marked goods that meet EU requirements, may continue to be placed on the GB market.
Businesses should ensure they are compliant with the new legislation when this adjustment period comes to an end on 1 January 2022.
What you need to do?
From the 1st January 2021 harmonized European standards and UK designated standards will be identical. Product manufacturers, contractors and fabricators should demonstrate compliance with the new Construction Product Regulation (2021) which will require accreditation to the UK designated standard BS EN 1090-1: 2009 + A1:2011.
ISO 9001 accreditation
If your business is already certified to ISO 9001 and you have been audited by a UKAS accredited body then your processes will already show an element of compliance with the requirements of BS 1090.
Its important to note that you do not need to be certified to ISO 9001 to achieve BS 1090 certification. However, you will need to demonstrate to an approved Notifying Body that you have a suitable Quality Management System that complies with the Standard.
Processes, procedures and documents you will require include:-
- A process setting out your manufacturing approach
- Traceability of goods and materials
- Storage of equipment and materials
- Approval of contractors and suppliers
- Keeping of product manufacturing records
- Staff training and competency
- Quality control and testing of product
- Document control
- Audit arrangements
Your Quality Management System will need to control every stage of the product manufacturing process from the initial enquiry stage to final inspection, testing and CE Marking.
You will need a Factory Production Control (FPC) system that will confirm your equipment is maintenance and suitably calibrated.
You will need a train someone to take the important role of 'Responsible Welding Coordinator' (RWC).