Marking and Branding

Steel clearly identified by product designation marking, as required by AS1397, promotes efficient, error-free fabrication and can assist on-site verification that the supply meets the requirements of the NCC. This is the simplest and most reliable manufacturing path, minimising the risk of a non-compliant and potentially unsound structure.

AS 1397 is the standard relevant to metallic coated steel used in residential and low-rise construction, or as we have been referring to it: LGS framing. AS 1397 includes test procedures for all critical properties; markings on packaging of steel and markings on the steel itself.

Markings required on the steel coil itself include the following elements:

• the Australian Standard number i.e. AS 1397
• the base metal thickness (BMT)
• steel base designation (eg G550), and
• the coating class (eg AM150) and surface finish (where applicable)

Unmarked steel is a risk because:

• it may be made to another standard
• test certificates may not be sufficient or relevant