BS EN 10204:2004, titled Metallic materials, Types of inspection documents, was published in support of the Directive for Pressure Equipment (97/23/EC). This New Approach Directive allows for self-certification of compliance with European Regulations. By following the EN standard when doing business in Europe, one can be assured of meeting the requirements of the Directive. But what exactly is required?
This EN Standard specifies the different types of inspection documents supplied to the purchaser, in accordance with the requirements of the order, for the delivery of all metallic products, e.g. plates, sheets, bars, forgings, castings, whatever their method of production. It may also apply to non-metallic products.
But the document itself does not contain any inspection directions. Indeed, it must be used in conjunction with the product specifications which specify the technical delivery conditions of the order itself.
So what exactly does it specify?
The document first of all defines a series of document type designations, like Type 2.1, Declaration of compliance with the order, and 2.2, Test report. For each document type, there is a brief description of the content and the validating entity.
So for Type 2.1, Declaration of compliance with the order, the description is “Statement of compliance with the order” and the validating entity is the manufacturer. For Type 2.2, Test report, the description is “Statement of compliance with the order, with indication of results of nonspecific inspection.” The validating entity is again the manufacturer.
Terminology is defined in the beginning of the standard. And a chart is provided to specifically show the use of EN 10204 to support the 97/23/EC Directive. Reference is additionally made to EN 10168, Steel products – Inspection documents – List of information and description.
So, the BS EN 10204 does not describe specific requirements for any given order. The expectation is that the order itself will define the product specifications required. The document does however, define a series of document types issued by the manufacturer in which he declares that the products supplied are in compliance with the requirements of the order and in which he may supply test results if required.
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