6.10 Light steel framed walls and floors
| 6.10 - Appendix 6.10A | ||
| Certification procedure | ||
| Table 1 | Information to be included in the system manual | |
Appendix 6.10-A
Certification procedure
This Appendix outlines the two-stage certification process required by NHBC for light steel framed housing:
Stage 1 - System certification
NHBC requires manufacturers* of steel frame systems forming loadbearing wall and floor panels to submit details in the form of a system manual, to the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7QN for assessment.
The system manual must contain all of the information shown in Table 1 (overleaf). Where there are choices (e.g. types of claddings) the manufacturer will need to specify which options the SCI is to consider in its assessment.
The SCI will, upon satisfactory completion of the assessment, issue a numbered 'system certificate' and approve the manufacturer's system manual. The system certificate issued by the SCI will include the following information:
- A detailed description of the system
- Details of any limitations of its use
- Information for reference by the designer and steel frame project certifier.
* The manufacturer is the company which assembles the steel frame sections to form the wall and/or floor panels.
If in doubt consult with NHBC Technical.
Stage 2 - Project certification
NHBC requires the builder to appoint a steel frame project certifier to check the specific design of the steel framed housing on the specific site.
The steel frame project certifier will ensure that the proposals are in accordance with:
- The manufacturer's system certificate issued by SCI, and
- NHBC Standards Chapter 6.10 'Light steel framed walls and floors'.
In order to provide confirmation that both documents have been satisfied for a specific project, the steel frame project certifier will need to check supporting details and calculations.
If satisfied that the specific project details are satisfactory, the steel frame project certifier will issue a 'project certificate' to the builder.
Project certificates can only be issued by steel frame certifiers who have been approved by NHBC*.
The project certificate should be made available on site for inspection by NHBC.
* Applications to become a steel frame certifier should be made to NHBC Technical, Buildmark House, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5AP.
Table 1 - Information to be contained in the system manual
This table outlines the minimum information that should be provided in the system manual. The SCI may ask for additional information.
