Thornton based Amusement Technical, niche provider of technical services and engineering solutions to the theme park industry, has been awarded a Factory Production Control (FPC) certificate conforming to the BS EN 1090 standard Execution Class 3.
 

“Working in the theme park industry requires the highest levels of assurance and safety. Even so, this prestigious achievement is no mean feat and reflects the whole team’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and service excellence,” comments Sean Brian, managing director, Amusement Technical.

Amusement Technical’s manufacturing facility, which spans 25,000 square foot, was already one of the key differentiators in its service offering. The company designs, develops and manufactures end to end solutions in-house from its site in Thornton Cleveleys, providing in-depth product knowledge and flexibility to meet demand.
 

“We have the ability to undertake bespoke manufacture to meet customer requirements, which provides the flexibility that aging and complex theme park rides and supporting structures often demand,” explains Sean Brian.

The company certification is to Execution Class 3. This demonstrates that the company is able to provide advanced level compliance to the CE marking required in structural steel regulation and is competent to work on demanding and complex projects.
 

About BS EN 1090

BS EN 1090 (Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures – Technical requirements for steel structures) is the harmonised European standard covering fabricated structural steelwork. It comprises three parts:

• EN 1090-1: CE Marking- details the requirements for assessing and verifying product or service conformity
• EN 1090-2: Details the technical requirements in the manufacture and assembly of steel structures
• EN 1090-3: Details the technical requirements in the manufacture and assembly of aluminium structures

Traceability, compliance and verification throughout the manufacturing process

The requirements of BS EN 1090 ensure that appropriate controls are in place at every stage of the manufacturing process. The standard embraces all processes from the procurement of raw materials through to final inspection and testing. Verification of compliance will include such areas as;

• Material certification of analysis, testing and storage
• Staff training, testing and qualification
• Equipment calibration
• Consumable certification and control
• Quality control and testing of product
• Control of records and documents, including control off issue
• Product identification and marking
• Internal audit
• Control of non-conforming product

What is an Execution Class?

BS EN 1090 sets out four Execution Classes (EXC’s), as given below. These classes are based on the end use of the structure and how critical it would be if it failed:

• EXC1 – e.g. Agricultural buildings
• EXC2 – e.g. Residential or Commercial structures
• EXC3 – e.g. Bridges or Stadia
• EXC4 – e.g. Special structures (long-span bridges, frames for structures within the nuclear sector and structures within seismic active areas) etc.

Amusement Technical is accredited up to and included Execution Class 3.

Steps to successful certification and CE Marking

To gain certification and be awarded a CE Mark, you are required to undertake the following:

• Initial type-testing of your products
• Factory Production Control which includes:
  • implementation of FPC system procedures
  • appointment of a responsible welding coordinator (RWC)
  • implementation of welding quality management system (WQMS) procedures
  • further testing of samples taken at the factory in accordance with the prescribed test plan

You must also be assessed by a Notified Body that will carry out:

• Initial inspection of your manufacturing plant
• Initial inspection of your FPC
• Continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of your FPC