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Ready Mix Concrete


 

A Quality Assurance Scheme for Readymixed Concrete in Ireland I.S. EN 206-1:2002

I.S.EN 206–1:2002 Part 1:Specification Performance, Production and Conformity and the Irish National Annex is now available as the Standard for Ready mixed Concrete Specification, Production, Conformity Assessment and Delivery.

Conflicting elements of the existing concrete standard I.S. 326 and other similar conflicting National Standards have been withdrawn in 2003.

I.S.EN 206-1 will place significant responsibility on Producers to demonstrate conformity with specified requirements. Further, the specification offers greater clarity in regard to exposure class, strength class, consistence of mix, which are essential elements in improving quality and consistency.

In response to client needs and expectations, NSAI has put in place a Product Certification Scheme for Readymixed Concrete Producers wishing to be certified against the requirements of this Irish Standard.

The Certification Scheme includes:

(1) Registration assessment
An initial inspection of the concrete plant and its production control. The purpose of the initial inspection is to determine whether prerequisites, such as staff and equipment, for orderly production and production controls are suitable.

This inspection will focus on:

  • The producer’s production control manual and the degree of conformance with the requirements for production control detailed in I.S.EN 206–1 and National Annex.
  • The availability of current documents relevant to appropriate personnel and essential for plant inspections.
  • Whether all essential facilities and equipment are available, in order to carry out the necessary inspections and tests on equipment, constituent materials and concrete.
  • Knowledge, training and experience of the staff for production and production control.
  • The adequacy of initial testing - if applicable.

To provide confidence in the results, the production control spot tests will be undertaken, in parallel with those of the producers. Testing may be replaced by an in-depth surveillance of the producer’s data and control system, where the producer’s testing laboratory is accredited and under the surveillance of an accreditation body.

All the relevant information from the initial inspection and assessment of the system shall be documented in an NSAI assessment report.

Only when a plant has passed the initial inspection, to the satisfaction of the NSAI, will an assessment report be issued, stating that the production control conforms to the standard. Following which NSAI will issue certification of conformity to I.S. EN 206-1:2002 and Irish National Annex.

(2) Ongoing Surveillance
During the routine inspections the following, as a minimum, will be inspected:

  • Sampling and testing procedures.
  • Recorded data.
  • Test results obtained for production control during the inspection period.
  • Frequency of required tests or procedures.
  • Scheduled production equipment checks and maintenance.
  • Scheduled test equipment maintenance and calibration.
  • Actions taken with respect to any non-conformity.
  • Delivery tickets and the declarations of conformity where relevant.

Ongoing spot samples will be taken in parallel to production testing to verify product test data. Comparison will be made between the producers routine testing and test results from spot inspection.

Maintenance of registration will be achieved through regular inspections from suitably qualified NSAI personnel. The producer will have responsibility for the maintenance of the production control system. Where significant changes are made to facilities at the production place, system or manual, the producer must notify these changes to NSAI. Following review, NSAI may determine that an onsite re-inspection is appropriate.

The principal benefits from this new scheme are:

1. Consistency of approach.
2. Improved quality.
3. Clarity of requirements from specification to delivery.
4. Synchronisation with ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems.

Please contact:
Fergal O'Byrne
NSAI Operations Manager
Construction Certification
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.
Phone: +353 1 807 3962
Email: Fergal O'Byrne

You may wish to contact your Trade Association for advice on implementation of the standard. IS EN 206-1:2002 and Irish National Annex can be purchased from Mary Hickey at NSAI Standards Sales, phone: +353 1 857 6730 / 31, Fax: +353 1 857 6729, Web: www.standards.ie. Orders by post should be made payable to: ILI (NSAI sales partner) NSAI Standards Postal Sales: ILI, Northumberland House, 42/44 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.

Please click here to view Notice for Public Enquiry on I.S. EN 206-1:2002

FOB Rev.10




Last Updated - [31 Aug 2007 @ 15:19:45]

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