Further to past reports of variable steel compliance of non-ACRS approved steel products, ACRS value as both an effective verification system and an early warning mechanism for Australian and New Zealand construction continues to be demonstrated from several occurrences reported to ACRS of non-compliant welded beams and hollows sections.

In all cases reported, ACRS certification had been specified. However, non-ACRS certified steel and/or manufacture was accepted. Subsequently materials and test certificates were found to be inadequate. For example, notes on some manufacturers’ test certificates noted limitations on the use of the materials, or that the validity of the test certificates did not apply outside the country of origin. In some other cases, the steel was not traceable to any origin.

Specification of ACRS certification of suppliers at contract stage, and subsequent verification of certification before award and before delivery that both the steel mill of origin and the welded beam or hollow section manufacturer are ACRS certified.

Simply by visiting the ACRS website to view certificates and product markings the customer would have prevented these outcomes and the resulting delays and costs to the projects.