Certification and accreditation are
critical elements of all building systems. Ben Towe, Managing Director of
Hadley Group and head of the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA), outlines how
they impact the light steel frame sector.
Here in the UK, businesses in the light
steel frame (LSF) sector must pursue several key certifications and
accreditations to comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
These not only ensure product quality but also enhance a company’s credibility
and competitiveness.
One of the most crucial
certifications is BS EN 1090, which pertains to the execution of steel and
aluminium structures. This standard ensures that the steel framing meets safety
and performance criteria, with a mandatory CE marking required for construction
products. The CE marking is vital for accessing the European market, ensuring
compliance with safety and performance standards, and demonstrating commitment
to quality.
ISO 9001, a quality management
system certification, is another essential credential. It helps companies
improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. By meeting
the ISO 9001 requirements, businesses improve their operational effectiveness
and boost their reputation with clients. Similarly, ISO 14001 focuses on
environmental management, ensuring that companies minimise their environmental
impact and comply with sustainability regulations.
Additional certifications, such as
Constructionline, CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme), and
BIM (Building Information Modelling) certification, are also valuable. UKAS
accreditation, which applies to testing, inspection and certification bodies,
is important because it verifies that a company’s products and services are
independently tested against industry standards.
Challenges in accreditation and certification
The process of obtaining and maintaining certifications is not without its
challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the complexity of standards and
regulations. Different certifications often have varying criteria,
documentation requirements and processes, which can be overwhelming for small
businesses. This complexity can lead to confusion and delays in achieving
certification, potentially resulting in non-compliance and costly setbacks.
Another challenge is the cost of
obtaining certifications such as BS EN 1090 and ISO standards. Small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may find these costs prohibitively expensive,
diverting resources from other crucial business areas, like research and
development. Additionally, once certifications are obtained, businesses must
invest in ongoing compliance efforts, including training, audits and process
updates. Failure to maintain compliance could result in the loss of
certification and damage to a company's reputation.
Keeping up with the evolution of
standards and regulations is also resource-intensive. As construction methods
and technologies evolve, businesses must adapt to new materials and testing
methods. Failure to do so can result in compliance gaps, legal risks and
financial penalties. The entire accreditation process is time-consuming,
requiring dedicated personnel to manage compliance efforts.
The role of digital tools in certification
Digital tools are becoming increasingly integral to the certification
process in the LSF sector. Construction businesses are embracing digital
transformation to streamline certification, testing, and compliance tracking.
Digital platforms and software are used to manage documentation, track test
results, and monitor audit reports in a centralised system. This digitisation
improves accuracy, reduces errors, and makes compliance management more
efficient.
The use of automated testing and
quality control technologies, such as sensors, IoT devices and automated
equipment, is also growing. These tools provide more accurate, consistent, and
faster results during factory tests, reducing human error and speeding up the
certification process. Additionally, BIM allows for the integration of all
elements of construction, enabling better planning, collaboration and real-time
access to project data. This digital platform can reduce the number of physical
trials needed, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The importance of fire safety certifications
Fire safety certifications play a vital role in ensuring the resilience of
light steel frame systems. These certifications help ensure compliance with
stringent building regulations, particularly in residential and commercial
buildings. They validate that light steel frame systems meet fire safety
requirements, such as fire resistance ratings, which determine how long a
structure can withstand fire before failing.
Light steel frame systems are
highly resistant to fire, but fire safety certifications ensure that they
incorporate fire-resistant materials and coatings to maintain their integrity
during a fire. For example, intumescent coatings, which expand when exposed to
heat, create a protective layer that shields the steel frame. Fire performance
testing is critical, ensuring that all components are tested for their fire
resistance under real-world conditions.
Fire safety certifications also
enhance structural resilience. Steel, though strong, can lose its structural
integrity in high temperatures. Fire safety certifications ensure that
appropriate measures, such as fire-resistant coatings, insulation, and barriers,
are in place to protect the steel frame and prevent structural collapse. This
is crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants and emergency responders in the
event of a fire.
Impact of environmental risks on
certification
When certifying light steel frame systems in regions prone to natural disasters
like flooding, certification processes must adapt to address these specific
risks. In flood-prone areas, light steel frame systems need to be designed to
resist water damage and prevent structural collapse during flooding events.
Certification criteria for such regions may require testing for water
resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability under prolonged exposure to
moisture. In areas subject to storms or high winds, light steel frame systems
must be designed to withstand uplift and lateral forces. Certification
processes assess how well the frame resists wind pressures and ensure that
components like roofs and walls are securely fastened to prevent damage.
Certification’s influence on innovation
and flexibility
While some may argue that too many certifications can stifle creativity and
flexibility, certifications actually support innovation within safety
boundaries. They allow designers and engineers to experiment with new
materials, construction methods and technologies while ensuring that these
innovations meet required performance criteria, such as fire resistance and
structural integrity. Light steel frame systems are known for their design
flexibility, allowing for custom floor plans, open spaces and more efficient
material use. Certification processes accommodate these design innovations by
validating that non-standard frame layouts or integrated systems, such as
prefabricated walls, roofs, or entire modules meet safety and performance
standards.
Misconceptions about certification
in the LSF sector
There are several misconceptions about the accreditation process that can
create confusion. One common misconception is that certifications are only
about meeting minimum standards. In reality, certifications also validate a
product’s quality, durability and performance in real-world conditions.
Another misconception is that
certifications guarantee long-term performance. While certifications ensure
compliance with certain standards during testing, real-world factors such as
environmental conditions can affect the system’s performance over time. Some
believe that certifications are only necessary for large-scale projects, but
residential projects also require certifications for safety, fire resistance,
and energy efficiency.
Additionally, certification is not
based solely on self-reported data – it involves third-party testing to ensure
impartiality and accuracy. Lastly, not all light steel frame systems are the
same – each system must be assessed individually based on its materials, design
and intended use.
Advice for new businesses in the
LSF sector
For small businesses entering the LSF sector, understanding the core regulatory
requirements is essential. Start with basic certifications, such as fire safety
and structural performance, and gradually expand as the business grows.
Partnering with third-party testing agencies and using modular solutions can
streamline the certification process. Additionally, developing a robust quality
management system (QMS) and seeking advice from experienced partners or consultants
can help new businesses navigate the certification process more effectively.
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