Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standard for steel and aluminium structural execution

    VS

    Australian Privacy Act

    Mandatory
    1988

    Australian federal law regulating personal information privacy

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium in EU construction, while Australian Privacy Act enforces data protection via APPs for Australian entities. Fabricators use EN 1090 for market access; organizations adopt Privacy Act to avoid massive fines and ensure compliance.

    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Execution Classes (EXC1-4) scale requirements to risk
    • Factory Production Control certification enables CE marking
    • Mandates welding quality per ISO 3834 standards
    • Full material traceability from procurement to delivery
    • Ongoing Notified Body surveillance ensures conformity
    Data Privacy

    Australian Privacy Act

    Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) for data lifecycle
    • Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme for serious harm
    • APP 8 accountability for cross-border disclosures
    • APP 11 reasonable steps for security and retention
    • OAIC enforcement with penalties up to AUD 50M

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is the European harmonized standard family for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It comprises EN 1090-1 (conformity), EN 1090-2 (steel), and EN 1090-3 (aluminium), using a risk-based approach via Execution Classes (EXC1-4) to scale requirements proportionally to failure consequences, service conditions, and production complexity.

    Key Components

    • **Factory Production Control (FPC)Documented system for traceability, inspection, and processes, certified by Notified Bodies.
    • Welding management aligned with ISO 3834, tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT.
    • Declaration of Performance (DoP) and CE marking.
    • Ongoing surveillance audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for EU market access of load-bearing components; reduces liability, ensures quality, enables high-risk projects (EXC3/4). Builds trust, cuts rework, supports sustainability via traceability.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, personnel training (e.g., Responsible Welding Coordinator), ITT/ITC, NB certification. Targets fabricators in construction; 6-12 months typical, with continuous surveillance.

    Australian Privacy Act Details

    What It Is

    The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) is Australia's foundational federal regulation for privacy protection. It regulates handling of personal information by government agencies and private sector organizations exceeding $3 million turnover (plus targeted small businesses). Primary purpose: balance individual privacy with information flows via principles-based 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

    Key Components

    • 13 APPs spanning collection, use/disclosure, security (APP 11), cross-border (APP 8), and rights (APP 12-13)
    • Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme for serious harm incidents
    • OAIC oversight with guidance, audits, investigations
    • No certification; compliance via policies, self-assessments, enforcement

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for APP entities to avoid penalties up to AUD 50M/30% turnover
    • Risk management for breaches, vendor oversight
    • Builds trust, enables cross-border operations
    • Strategic governance amid reforms (children's privacy, AI)

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: discovery/gaps, policy/controls, security/incident readiness, audits
    • Applies economy-wide, extraterritorial via Australian link
    • Ongoing; OAIC assessments, no formal certification

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures
    Australian Privacy Act
    Handling of personal and sensitive information lifecycle

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, fabrication (EU/EEA market access)
    Australian Privacy Act
    All sectors with >$3M turnover (Australia-wide)

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized technical standard for CE marking
    Australian Privacy Act
    Mandatory federal regulation with civil penalties

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, AVCP audits by Notified Bodies
    Australian Privacy Act
    OAIC assessments, NDB breach notifications, no certification

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, no CE marking, certification withdrawal
    Australian Privacy Act
    Up to $50M fines, 30% turnover, enforcement actions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and Australian Privacy Act

    EN 1090 FAQ

    Australian Privacy Act FAQ

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