BS EN 1090: How Standards Set Out the Way We Work

1. Introduction

In metal fabrication, structure and consistency are essential. Every joint, weld, and section needs to perform reliably, often in demanding environments. Over time, the industry has developed a series of standards that define how this work should be done — not to restrict creativity, but to ensure that safety, quality, and performance are built into every stage of the process.

For our team, these standards guide the way we plan, fabricate, and check our work. They provide a common language between designers, fabricators, and inspectors. Among the most significant are the BS EN 1090 standards, which set out how structural steel and aluminium components are produced and verified.

2. What Are EN 1090 Standards?

The BS EN 1090 series was introduced to create a consistent approach to the fabrication of metal structures across Europe. It ensures that materials and workmanship meet defined levels of reliability and that products can carry the CE mark for the EU and more recently the  UKCA mark for the UK.

Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4)

Each project is assigned an Execution Class (EXC), which defines the required level of quality control and documentation. The class depends on how complex the structure is and the consequences of potential failure.

At Tadweld, most of our work falls within EXC2, which represents the level of control expected for most commercial and structural projects. However, we are certified and manufacture to the higher level of EXC3, guaranteeing clients top quality workmanship.

3. How These Standards Shape Our Work

The requirements set out in EN 1090-2 and EN 1090-3 influence every part of our process — from design to fabrication and inspection. Rather than being a checklist, they form a framework that ensures consistency and traceability.

Examples of What This Means in Practice

• Factory Production Control (FPC): A documented system used to monitor all materials and processes
• Weld Inspection: The standards denote the percentage of welds that require inspecting and the type of inspection required
• Welding Coordination: Work and processes are overseen by qualified welding coordinators to ensure procedures meet the required standard.
• Traceability: Every piece of material is marked and recorded from delivery to installation.
• Testing and Inspection: Welds and dimensions are inspected at defined stages to confirm compliance before final approval.

This approach helps create a predictable and transparent workflow, where each stage builds on the previous one with clear evidence of compliance.

Why Working to Standards Matters to Our Clients

For anyone commissioning fabrication work, standards provide reassurance that materials, processes, and inspection routines follow recognised technical requirements.

Some of the key outcomes are:

• Consistency: Every component is produced using the same approved methods and tolerances.
• Safety: Structural integrity is verified through testing and documented checks. 
• Legal: As a project manager or builder, you have a legal obligation to ensure your steelwork fabricator is qualified to correct execution class
• Transparency: Clients and inspectors can trace materials and processes through clear records.
• Market Access: Products can carry the CE or UKCA mark, confirming compliance for use in European and UK construction.

In practice, this means a shared understanding between fabricator, designer, and client — all referring to the same technical language and expectations. Standards like EN 1090 provide the foundation, making collaboration smoother and outcomes more reliable.

Conclusion

Working to recognised standards defines how we approach every project. It gives structure to the way we plan, build, and verify our work, ensuring that each component meets a level of quality that can be demonstrated and trusted.

These frameworks provide the foundation for safe, consistent, and accountable fabrication. They also make collaboration easier, as everyone involved in a project can refer to the same shared expectations.

Our goal is to continue refining our processes, learning from each project, and maintaining the same attention to detail that these standards represent.