'Certification is important in concrete and steel construction'

For many companies in concrete and steel construction, certification is becoming increasingly important. Clients today are demanding when it comes to selecting products and suppliers. They prefer organizations that are certified and products with CE markings. In addition, a number of certifications are required by law.

The concrete and steel construction industry cannot do without certification bodies. Companies seeking certification can turn to Kiwa. Worldwide, Kiwa is among the top 20 companies active in testing, inspection and certification. The company carries out independent tests of products, services, processes, management systems and persons within companies. On the basis of an audit, an auditor assesses whether the company in question meets the set guidelines, which may relate to quality and compliance with regulations and provisions. Where required, the auditor can explain installations, maintenance and asset management. "The point is that we can observe continuous improvements. We are not 'partner for progress' for nothing," says Piet Poortman, schedule manager at Kiwa. "We help a company develop further."

ISO 45001

On March 12, 2018, the assessment guideline NEN-EN-ISO 45001 came into force. This describes the requirements that the new management system in the field of healthy and safe working must meet. Says Poortman, "This new standard replaces the BS OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management system. In fact, the international ISO 45001 standard applies to every industry. Although it is not required by law, clients in the construction and infrastructure sector such as road builders and steel and concrete companies often ask for it. For example, dust, noise, physical strain, welding fumes and psychosocial workload can negatively affect health and safety in this sector, and that must be prevented.''

In order to certify, audits are conducted by industry-derived Kiwa auditors. They look deeper within an organization. Poortman gives an example of the role management plays in this: "It is important to look at safety equipment such as a helmet or earplugs. But even more important is the source. For example, a machine in an industrial hall that makes too much noise. To avoid exposing people to extreme noise, management must have a Plan of Action to reduce noise. Only if that is not possible are protective devices such as earplugs an issue."

Integrated audits

In addition to single audits, Kiwa also offers integrated audits, for example ISO 45001 combined with NEN-EN-ISO 9001 (quality). ISO 45001 can easily be integrated with ISO 9001 because both have the same high level structure (basic structure or fixed format). This allows an audit to be carried out efficiently.

ISO 9001 and NEN EN-1090 certification together

"One of the most important parts of a harmonized standard is Factory Production Control (FPC)," says Chris Fehres, Kiwa auditor for the steel sector. "With it, the manufacturer guarantees the quality of its products. It is a kind of quality system according to ISO 9001. At Kiwa, it is possible to combine certification of the FPC with that of ISO 9001. This allows very focused and efficient work and creates a win-win situation. For the client, Kiwa is an independent party that holds up a mirror of its business operations to the company, as it were. As a result, Kiwa audits are experienced as meaningful, and they contribute in part to the customer's quality awareness."