Standards Comparison

    FERPA

    Mandatory
    1974

    U.S. federal regulation protecting student education records privacy

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Quick Verdict

    FERPA protects US student privacy records with access rights and funding enforcement, while EN 1090 mandates EU structural steel/aluminium execution for CE marking via certified FPC. Schools ensure compliance to retain funds; fabricators gain market access and liability protection.

    Student Privacy

    FERPA

    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

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

    Key Features

    • Grants rights to inspect, amend, consent for education records
    • Expansive PII definition with direct/indirect identifiers and linkability
    • Enumerated exceptions like school officials and health/safety emergencies
    • 45-day maximum timeline for record inspection and review
    • Mandatory annual notifications and disclosure recordkeeping requirements
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4)
    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
    • CE marking under CPR for market access
    • Welding quality management via ISO 3834
    • Material traceability and NDT inspection regimes

    Detailed Analysis

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

    FERPA Details

    What It Is

    FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), codified at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and 34 CFR Part 99, is a U.S. federal regulation protecting privacy of student education records. It applies to institutions receiving federal education funds, granting rights to parents/eligible students for access, amendment, and disclosure control. Its rights-based approach balances privacy with educational operations via consent rules and exceptions.

    Key Components

    • Core rights: inspect/review (45 days), amend inaccurate records, consent to PII disclosures.
    • PII definition: direct/indirect identifiers linkable to students.
    • Disclosure exceptions (e.g., school officials, emergencies, directory info).
    • Compliance via annual notices, recordkeeping logs, vendor controls. No formal certification; enforced by Department of Education.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for federal funding eligibility; mitigates enforcement risks like fund withholding. Enhances trust, enables safe data sharing, supports edtech innovation, reduces breach exposure.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased program: governance, data inventory, policies/training, access controls, vendor DPAs, auditing. Applies to K-12/postsecondary; scales by size. Involves ongoing monitoring, no external certification.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is the harmonized European standard family for the execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components. It implements the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), enabling CE marking for load-bearing metal structures in construction works. Its risk-based approach uses Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) to scale requirements based on failure consequences, service conditions, and production complexity.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment via Factory Production Control (FPC) certification by Notified Bodies.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium execution (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT).
    • Core principles: traceability, welding coordination (ISO 3834), inspection regimes.
    • AVCP systems with ongoing surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access and CE marking.
    • Reduces liability, rework; builds trust via certified quality.
    • Enables high-risk projects; aligns with Eurocodes.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel training, NB certification (3-12 months). Targets fabricators in EU/UK; requires audits, welding quals.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    FERPA
    Student education records privacy and access rights
    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures

    Industry

    FERPA
    US education institutions receiving federal funds
    EN 1090
    EU construction manufacturers of structural components

    Nature

    FERPA
    US federal law with funding-based enforcement
    EN 1090
    EU harmonized standard enabling mandatory CE marking

    Testing

    FERPA
    Internal compliance audits and recordkeeping
    EN 1090
    Notified Body FPC certification and surveillance audits

    Penalties

    FERPA
    Federal funding withholding and complaints process
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, certificate suspension, legal liability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about FERPA and EN 1090

    FERPA FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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