Audi garage’s floor fail highlights the importance of correct design and build in BS EN 1090 steel fabrications
Construction Products Regulations (CPR) and EN 1090 for Steel Fabrications, have been put into focus by the first-floor collapse at an Audi car showroom. The showroom had only been completed in summer 2014. Consequently, the completion came just after the EN 1090 for Steel Fabrications Regulations had come into force.
Around one third of the 200 metres by 100 metres floor collapsed. The accident happened on Monday, 1st June 2015 at the Milton Keynes Audi showroom. The collapsed floor provided storage space for cars. Around 10 vehicles fell through into the workshop below. Luckily, the staff had spotted a problem prior to the collapse. Everyone safely evacuated the building. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
The showroom build took place over a nine-month period with completion in August 2014. The contract totalled £7 million. Additionally, the damaged cars, worth £300,000, will have to be written-off.
It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.
~ David Allan Coe
Critical construction factor
Showroom owner, Jardine Motors Group, said: “Part of the roof of Milton Keynes Audi, covering the workshop area, collapsed at mid-day on 1st June 2015 and the building has been evacuated. Nobody has been injured and we are currently investigating the cause of the collapse and the extent of the damage.” At the time of the collapse the Jardine Group said the first-floor load was “significantly within design limits”.
Bucks Fire and Rescue said: “Fire-fighters are assisting with scene safety following a partial roof collapse at Milton Keynes Audi. A number of vehicles fell through to the workshop. The building was safely evacuated before it happened. No-one has been injured.”
As well as the Fire Brigade, Building Control and construction engineers also attended the collapse. After the event the services were isolated and the building was left in the hands of the owners, Jardine Motors Group.”
BS EN 1090 for steel fabrications is critical
This collapse could so easily have become a tragic incident. Fortunately, quick thinking staff saved the day. However, the incident is a warning of the importance of the correct design, build and use of buildings. No business wants to go through an incident like this – or a potentially more horrifying one with fatalities. Critically, no business is going to come out of a disaster situation profitably. Certainly, managers, Building Control inspectors, insurance and the company itself are going to examine a lot of evidence.
Of course, suspicion must fall on the construction company, seeing that they carried out the contract. However, did they use the right steel fabrications? How can they prove that they did? The CE Mark should be evident. Investigators will have to evaluate the evidence. In this case, the general point stands. If you correctly meet your obligations, the regulations can help by providing that evidence in the form of the visibility of the CE Mark. Hence, with the right evidence, you are protected against certain aspects of an investigation into structural issues.
The CE Marking under the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) and BS EN 1090 for steel fabrications is a critical legal requirement. The regulations be used to demonstrate safe practices in the design, sourcing, fabrications and installation of structural steel work. Without those most important practices and CE Marks your build is likely to be illegal. Consequently, there are heavy penalties. However, meeting the Standard goes beyond just ticking off a certification. It is also about real business sense.
Meeting your regulatory and legal responsibilities
At CHARTER4 we have many years’ experience of supporting our clients through implementation of International Standards like BS EN 1090 for steel fabrications and others. Our experience tells us these standards are not just certificates to tick off. These standards have effective business methods as part of thier structure. Implementation will therefore help to ensure safety and good management. In fact, unlike others, we believe that Standards like BS EN 1090 will actually improve your business, rather than just comply with the standard.
If you would like to find out how we can help you mitigate risks and to meet your obligations please click on the buttons below. We look forward to help you move your business forward.
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