Can Companies certified to Division 3 Structural Work?  

This is a common question the CWB receives. The provincial building codes require CWB certification through a reference in CSA S16.  CSA S16 is the design standard for structural steel in Canada.  The requirement for certification in S16 states:  

Fabricators and erectors responsible for welding structures fabricated or erected under this Standard shall be certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau to the Requirements of CSA  \Standard W47.1 (Division 1 or Division 2) or W55.3, or both, as applicable. Part of the work may be sublet to a Division 3 fabricator or erector; however, Division 1 or Division 2 fabricator or erector shall retain responsibility for the sublet work.  

So what does this mean?  Essentially, all fabrication and erection of structural steel must have “welding engineer” involved – thus the requirement for Division 1 or 2 companies.  However, work can be sublet to Division 3 companies provide the work is given to them by a Division 1 or 2 certified company.  Many steel erection companies and miscellaneous structural steel (stairs, railings, etc.) companies are certified to Division 3 – but they work exclusively for Division 1 or 2 structural steel fabricators.   

So, Division 3 companies can do structural work, but only when such work is given to them by a Division 1 or 2 fabricator.