Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
1. Scope and Purpose
1. Scope and Purpose
CSA A660-10 (2014) — Certification of manufacturers of steel building systems — is a Canadian standard that establishes the requirements for a quality management system and product certification program specifically for manufacturers of steel building systems. These systems include pre-engineered rigid-frame buildings, structural steel buildings, and metal building components designed to comply with the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) or other applicable building regulations.
The primary purpose of CSA A660 is to ensure that manufacturers consistently produce steel building systems that meet design specifications and safety requirements. The standard mandates that each certified manufacturer maintains a documented quality program covering design control, material procurement, fabrication, welding, assembly, inspection, testing, and shipping.
CSA A660-10 was originally published in 2010 and reaffirmed in 2014. It is referenced by model codes and regulatory authorities across Canada as a basis for product acceptance. Certification under this standard is typically performed by an accredited certification body (e.g., CSA Group, UL, or other accredited agencies).
Tip: CSA A660 is often required by provincial and territorial building authorities for the acceptance of pre-engineered steel buildings. Manufacturers seeking market access in Canada should prioritize obtaining this certification.
2. Technical Requirements
The standard is divided into several key requirement areas. Below is a summary of the main technical requirements that a manufacturer must address in their quality management system (QMS).
| Requirement Area | Key Elements | Documentation & Records |
|---|---|---|
| Design Control | Approved design methodology, design input/output verification, load computations (dead, live, wind, snow, seismic), connection design, stability analysis | Design calculations, drawings, design review records, software validation reports |
| Material Control & Traceability | Incoming inspection of steel (mill certificates, grade verification), coating materials, fasteners; storage and handling; lot traceability | Material test reports (MTRs), receiving inspection logs, inventory system, non-conforming material reports |
| Fabrication & Welding | Welding procedure specifications (WPS), welder qualification (to CSA W47.1 or W59), dimensional tolerances, punching/shearing, cambering, assembly | WPS/PQR records, welder certification cards, inspection reports, run-off records |
| Inspection & Testing | In-process and final inspection, NDE (UT, MT, VT) as required, load testing if specified, galvanizing/surface coating inspection | Inspection checklists, NDE reports, test certificates, calibration records |
| Quality Management System | Management responsibility, internal audits, corrective/preventive action, document control, training, control of measuring equipment | Quality manual, procedures, audit reports, training records, calibration certificates |
Important Note: CSA A660 requires that the manufacturer’s QMS be third-party certified. Self-declaration is not acceptable. The certification body must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17065 (product certification) or ISO/IEC 17021 (management system certification) with appropriate scope.
2.1 Design Control Details
Design control is a critical component. The manufacturer must have a registered professional engineer (P.Eng.) who seals and signs the design of each building system. The standard requires that all design calculations be traceable and that any deviations from standard configurations be formally reviewed. Software used for structural analysis must be validated and updated as needed.
Furthermore, the standard expects the manufacturer to maintain a library of master designs, details, and connection standards. These must be periodically reviewed for continued compliance with the prevailing building code (currently NBC 2015, with 2020 updates expected).
2.2 Welding and Fabrication Requirements
Welding must comply with CSA W59-18 (Welded Steel Construction) or equivalent. All welders are to be qualified in accordance with CSA W47.1 (Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Steel). The standard also mandates that the manufacturer maintains a welding quality system, including procedure qualification records (PQR) and welder continuity logs.
Dimensional tolerances for frames, trusses, and panels follow CSA S16 and the manufacturer’s own published specifications. Periodic measurement of camber, squareness, and bolt hole alignment is required.
3. Certification Process and Implementation
Obtaining certification under CSA A660 is a structured process. The main steps are:
- Pre-assessment: The manufacturer conducts a gap analysis comparing its current QMS to the requirements of CSA A660. A quality manual is developed that addresses each clause of the standard.
- Application: The manufacturer submits an application to an accredited certification body, including the quality manual, organizational information, and a list of typical product lines.
- Document Review: The certification body reviews the quality manual and supporting procedures for completeness and conformity.
- Initial Audit: An on-site audit covering both the QMS and verification of product conformity (through witness of fabrication, inspection, and design review) is performed.
- Certification Decision: Upon successful resolution of any nonconformities, a certificate of registration listing the scope of certified products is issued.
- Surveillance Audits: At least once every 12 months, the certification body conducts surveillance visits to ensure continued compliance. A full re-assessment is required every three years.
Best Practice: Manufacturers should integrate CSA A660 requirements into their existing ISO 9001 QMS where possible. This reduces duplication and streamlines audits. Many certification bodies offer combined audits.
4. Compliance and Maintenance
Maintaining CSA A660 certification requires ongoing vigilance. The standard specifies that the manufacturer must immediately notify the certification body of any significant changes, such as:
- Change in ownership or key personnel (e.g., responsible P.Eng., quality manager)
- Changes to the scope of products offered
- Major relocation of manufacturing facilities
- Significant modifications to design software or design methodology
If a certified manufacturer is found to have a major nonconformity during a surveillance audit (e.g., a failure to maintain welder qualifications or a systemic design documentation gap), the certification body may issue a suspension or withdrawal of the certificate. The manufacturer must then implement corrective actions within a defined timeline (typically 30–90 days) before certification is reinstated.
Non-compliance can also result in the removal of a product from the building authority’s listing, requiring re-approval.
Critical: Failure to maintain certification can have serious legal and financial consequences, including building code violations and liability exposure. Always keep certificates current and promptly address audit findings.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What products are covered under CSA A660-10 (2014)?
A: The standard covers steel building systems, including pre‑engineered rigid‑frame buildings (PEMB), structural steel buildings, and related components such as roof and wall cladding, secondary framing, and connection assemblies. It does not cover conventional structural steel designed per project-specific drawings unless those are part of a proprietary system.
A: The standard covers steel building systems, including pre‑engineered rigid‑frame buildings (PEMB), structural steel buildings, and related components such as roof and wall cladding, secondary framing, and connection assemblies. It does not cover conventional structural steel designed per project-specific drawings unless those are part of a proprietary system.
Q: Is CSA A660 mandatory in Canada?
A: It is not a mandatory federal requirement, but it is widely adopted by provincial and territorial building authorities, especially for pre‑engineered buildings. Many municipalities and engineer specifications require that steel building system manufacturers be certified to CSA A660 as a condition of permit approval.
A: It is not a mandatory federal requirement, but it is widely adopted by provincial and territorial building authorities, especially for pre‑engineered buildings. Many municipalities and engineer specifications require that steel building system manufacturers be certified to CSA A660 as a condition of permit approval.
Q: How long does it take to obtain certification?
A> The timeline depends on the manufacturer’s readiness. For a company with a mature QMS (e.g., ISO 9001 certified and familiar with welding standards), the process can take from 4 to 8 months. For manufacturers starting from zero, it may take 12 to 18 months to develop the system and achieve certification.
A> The timeline depends on the manufacturer’s readiness. For a company with a mature QMS (e.g., ISO 9001 certified and familiar with welding standards), the process can take from 4 to 8 months. For manufacturers starting from zero, it may take 12 to 18 months to develop the system and achieve certification.
Q: Can a manufacturer be certified for only part of its product line?
A: Yes, the certification scope can be limited to specific product families or building categories (e.g., clear‑span frames only, or buildings up to a certain area or wind load). The manufacturer should clearly define the scope in the quality manual and audit schedule.
A: Yes, the certification scope can be limited to specific product families or building categories (e.g., clear‑span frames only, or buildings up to a certain area or wind load). The manufacturer should clearly define the scope in the quality manual and audit schedule.
This article is for general informational purposes only. For specific interpretation of CSA A660-10 (2014), refer to the official standard published by CSA Group or consult an accredited certification body.
© 2026