Introduction
CSS (Certified Steel Standard) is the new bodyshop standards programme of SIMI and incorporates the industry agreed technical specification for the process of vehicle body repair. It outlines the processes and procedures directly related to the safe repair of accident damaged vehicles.
While there are many approved and accredited bodyshops operating in Ireland there has never been a national Irish standard that covers all aspects of Bodyshop operations. The introduction of SIMIs CSS offers assurance in vehicle body repair in Ireland.
CSS details minimum requirements for competent personnel, appropriate and well-maintained equipment, suitable repair methods and quality of repair materials. The standard embraces all of the aspects of repair process management with an emphasis on continual improvement. CSS supports repairers with the achievement of a safe and technically sound repair.
CSS is independently audited (by NMU Auditing & Inspection Services) and accredited byTÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, which clearly demonstrate to Customers and to Insurance Companies that member Bodyshops are committed to the highest quality and safety standards.
Bodyshop Repairers
How to apply for the new CSS (Certified Steel Standard)
CSS (Certified Steel Standard) is the new national bodyshop standards programme for Ireland which incorporates the industry agreed technical specification for the process of vehicle body repair. It outlines the processes and procedures directly related to the safe repair of accident damaged vehicles.
CSS details minimum requirements for competent personnel, appropriate and well-maintained equipment, suitable repair methods and quality of repair materials. The standards programme is independently audited (by NMU Auditing & Inspection Services) and accredited by TUV SUD Auto Service GmbH, which clearly demonstrate to Customers and to Insurance Companies that member Bodyshops are committed to the highest quality and safety standards.
Welding Training
One of the requirements of CSS (Certified Steel Standard) is to ensure that technicians have the apporipate qualificatons. Spot welding must be certified to the standard: EN 17653/ ISO 17653 / BS 1140:1993 and MAG welding to the standard: EN: 287-1 / ISO 287-1 / BS 1140:1982.
The Application Process
Applications for inclusion in the scheme will be handled by SIMI and the standards checklist is available to applicants for them to assess their own level of compliance. Standard template documents are also available for the recording of processes, creation of training records, calibration overviews and so on.
The applicant can request a pre-audit (at an additional charge €375 ex vat (Non SIMI Members €525 ex vat) or simply request an Audit (€595 ex vat Non SIMI Members €795 ex vat). The Independent Auditors (NMU Inspection and Certification Services NICS) will then arrange an audit date to suit and carry out the audit. The applicant will then have 30 days to demonstrate compliance with any areas of shortcoming that do not require a repeat visit (e.g. training certs, documentation, calibrations, etc.) without repeat fee. For infrastructure and other complex non-conformances a second fee applies.
A successful Audit outcome will entail the issuing of a CSS certificate and logo, endorsing that the Bodyshops operation as worthy of inclusion on the members register. Annual audits will then be carried out to ensure that the Bodyshop continues to offer the highest levels of operation into the future.
A Technical Review Group will review all aspects of the checklist annually to make sure that the standard continues to evolve in line with technology and customer trends.
If you would like to become a participating bodyshop or to find out more information, please contact 01/6761690 or email Charlie Rogers crogers@simi.ie
