What an assessor wants to see against BS EN 1090 Factory Production Control, and the mistake that gets firms bounced, for every criterion in the check above. Readiness only. The assessor makes the call, never us.
1
FPC management system
Do you have a documented Factory Production Control system to BS EN 1090-1 that the shop floor actually follows day to day, with document control, internal audits and management review?
What good looks like: An FPC manual in daily use, controlled documents, internal audits run, and a management review that acts on findings.
Watch out: A manual written for the audit that nobody on the shop floor follows, no version control, or no evidence the system operates between audits.
2
Execution class determined
Have you recorded the execution class (EXC) you work to, justified from consequence class, service category and production category?
What good looks like: A recorded EXC determination (CC by SC by PC) that matches the work you actually fabricate.
Watch out: Claiming a class with no basis recorded, or applying a class that is too low for the structures you make.
3
Welding coordination
Do you have a named Responsible Welding Coordinator (EN ISO 14731) whose qualification level suits your execution class, with the authority to stop non-conforming welding?
What good looks like: A named RWC at the right level (IWS for EXC2, IWT or IWE for EXC3/EXC4), with defined responsibilities and authority to stop non-conforming welding.
Watch out: No RWC named, or one whose qualification is too low for the execution class you work to.
4
Welding quality system (EN ISO 3834)
Do you operate a welding quality system at the EN ISO 3834 level your execution class requires?
What good looks like: EN ISO 3834-3 for EXC2, or EN ISO 3834-2 for EXC3/EXC4, applied across all your welding.
Watch out: No documented welding quality system, or operating at a lower level than your execution class demands.
5
Qualified welding procedures (WPS/WPQR)
Do you hold a qualified WPS, backed by a WPQR, for every process, material group and joint type you weld?
What good looks like: A WPS/WPQR register covering all your welding (qualified to EN ISO 15614-1), available at each station.
Watch out: Welding outside the range of a qualified WPS, or gaps in coverage. Qualification routes are tighter at EXC3/EXC4.
6
Qualified welders & operators
Are your welders qualified to EN ISO 9606-1 (operators to EN ISO 14732) for the work they do, with validity kept current?
What good looks like: A register of each welder’s processes, range and validity, confirmed six-monthly by the RWC.
Watch out: Expired qualifications, or welders working outside the range their qualification covers.
7
Constituent products & traceability
Do you hold the right certificates for incoming steel and consumables (EN 10204 3.1) and keep traceability to the level your class requires?
What good looks like: EN 10204 3.1 certs held, lot/heat traceability for EXC2, and full traceability at all stages for EXC3/EXC4.
Watch out: Missing mill certificates, or losing material identity once it is cut through fabrication.
8
Inspection, testing & NDT
Do you have an inspection and test plan with 100% visual weld inspection and NDT carried out to the extent your execution class requires?
What good looks like: An ITP, NDT extents matching the class (roughly 10% EXC2, 20% EXC3, up to 100% EXC4) by EN ISO 9712 personnel, and acceptance to EN ISO 5817.
Watch out: No ITP, NDT extent below the class requirement, or NDT carried out by unqualified personnel.
9
Control of fabrication & equipment
Do you control fabrication to BS EN 1090-2 (cutting, holing, forming, assembly, geometric tolerances) with records, and keep measuring equipment calibrated?
What good looks like: Fabrication controlled to BS EN 1090-2 with tolerance records, and a calibration register for measuring and test equipment.
Watch out: Tolerances not checked or recorded, or uncalibrated equipment used to demonstrate conformity.
10
Nonconformity & corrective action
Do you have a process to identify, contain, disposition and correct nonconforming product, with corrective actions closed out to prevent recurrence?
What good looks like: An NCR process and register, repairs re-inspected, and corrective actions closed out.
Watch out: Defects reworked with no record, or corrective actions raised but never closed.
11
Declaration of Performance & UKCA marking
Are you set up to issue a UK Declaration of Performance and apply correct UKCA marking, retained per BS EN 1090-1, once your FPC is certified?
What good looks like: A UK DoP per product type, a UKCA mark carrying the required information, and records kept for 10 years or more.
Watch out: No DoP, marking before FPC certification is in place, or CE-marking for the GB market (no longer accepted since 1 Jul 2025). The Approved Body decides on certification, not us.