EPA
Federal regulations for air, water, waste protection via standards
EN 1090
EU standard for steel/aluminium structures execution and CE marking
Quick Verdict
EPA enforces US environmental compliance via statutes like CAA/CWA/RCRA for pollution control, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium fabrication. Companies adopt EPA to avoid penalties; EN 1090 for market access and liability protection.
EPA
U.S. EPA Standards (40 CFR Title 40)
Key Features
- Multi-layered system: statutes, 40 CFR regs, permits, enforcement
- Technology-based limits combined with health-protective standards
- Evidence-driven compliance via monitoring, QA/QC, reporting
- Federal-state partnership translating national baselines site-specifically
- Predictable enforcement pipelines with civil penalties, SEPs
EN 1090
EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4)
- Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
- CE marking and Declaration of Performance
- Welding quality management via ISO 3834
- Material traceability and NDT inspection
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EPA Details
What It Is
EPA standards are a family of legally binding regulations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, codified in Title 40 CFR. They implement statutes like CAA, CWA, RCRA to protect health/environment. Scope covers air, water, waste; uses risk-based systems blending technology controls with health endpoints.
Key Components
- Statutory mandates, performance limits/thresholds
- Permitting (NPDES, Title V, RCRA)
- Monitoring/reporting (DMRs, QA/QC)
- Enforcement structures Federal-state model; compliance via data/audits, no certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for regulated entities avoiding penalties/liabilities. Drives risk reduction, efficiency, ESG gains, market access, grants. Builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis (1-3mo), controls/SOPs (2-6mo), deployment/training (3-12mo), audits/reporting (ongoing). Applies industry-wide; site-specific via permits/inspections.
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is the harmonized European standard family (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components/kits. It enables CE marking under CPR via risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4), governing fabrication, welding, tolerances, and inspection.
Key Components
- **Factory Production Control (FPC)Certified internal system for traceability, processes, and testing.
- **Welding qualityISO 3834-aligned coordination and qualifications.
- Material controls, NDT/inspection, corrosion protection.
- AVCP with Notified Body certification and surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU/EEA market access and legal CE marking.
- Mitigates liability, ensures structural safety.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables high-risk projects (e.g., bridges, stadia).
- Drives quality, reduces rework, competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, personnel training, ITT/ITC, NB audits. Targets fabricators in construction; 6-12 months typical, scalable by EXC.
Key Differences
| Aspect | EPA | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental pollution control across air, water, waste | Structural steel/aluminium fabrication and conformity |
| Industry | All industrial sectors, US-wide | Construction/metal fabrication, EU/EEA market |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal regulations/statutes | Harmonized standard enabling CE marking |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, self-reporting, EPA inspections | Factory audits, NDT, notified body surveillance |
| Penalties | Civil/criminal fines, shutdowns, remediation | Market exclusion, certificate withdrawal, liability |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EPA and EN 1090
EPA FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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