NOTE: The CSSBI is not responsible for the administration of the CSA-A660 certification program. If you have questions regarding the application of the standard or certification or would like a list of companies who are certified under the program, contact the Canadian Welding Bureau at 1-800-844-6790 or www.cwbgroup.org.

The CSA-A660 Standard was developed at the request of the Canadian Steel Building System manufacturers to assist code enforcement officials in reviewing building permit submissions incorporating a steel building system, and to help purchasers in obtaining a quality building.

The SBS manufacturer is often remote from the building site and the building is sold through a local builder or contractor. Code enforcement officials may wish to confirm the structural adequacy of a building. It is the intent of the A660 Standard and the accompanying certification program, to facilitate this.

The A660 Standard requires that the manufacturer's production facilities, staff, and quality assurance systems are capable of consistently producing quality steel buildings. To ensure that these design and production standards are met and maintained, the A660 Standard requires a manufacturing facility to be certified by a certification agency, such as the Canadian Welding Bureau. In turn, the manufacturer provides a Certificate of Design and Manufacturing Conformance signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer for each building and specific location. The certificate lists key design criteria for review by the code enforcement official, the Engineer of Record for the building and the owner.

The 2005 National Building Code of Canada (NBC),Article 4.3.4.3 “Steel Building Systems” states that "Steel building systems shall be manufactured by companies certified in accordance with the requirements of CSA-A660 Certification of Manufacturers of Steel Building Systems".

The A660 program, and the Certificate of Design and Manufacturing Conformance, will help ensure that the steel building is a quality product that has been engineered in compliance with Canadian building codes. The completed Certificate of Design and Manufacturing Conformance, which is a requirement of the A660 program, will also assist the approval procedure by clearly listing the applicable design criteria and bearing the seal of a licensed Professional Engineer.

A list of certified manufacturers can be accessed through the web site of the Canadian Welding Bureau, Quasar certification division at www.cwbgroup.org/quasar. Be advised this list can change frequently as new companies are certified.

• Download the PDF version of the Certificate of Design and Manufacturing Conformance.