5 Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Steel Fabrication Company in Brisbane

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Steel fabrication is essential for many construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects in Brisbane and across Queensland. However, not all steel fabricators are created equal. When hiring a steel fabrication company for your project, there are five key factors savvy customers consider to ensure they choose the right partner:


1.   Experience and Expertise

Look for established steel manufacturers with expertise across different applications, industries, and fabrication techniques. At a minimum, you want a fabricator who has been in business for 10+ years working on diverse project types. This experience translates into expertise across all aspects of steel fabrication - from design and engineering to final installation.

Master Steel, for example, has over 25 years of steel fabrication experience across civil, infrastructure, mining, industrial, and government projects. Their technical team includes certified welding inspectors, supervisors, and an RPEQ-qualified engineer for structural certification.

 

2.   Range of Steel Design and Fabrication Capabilities

The proper steel fabricator for your project should have broad capabilities across the following:

  • Design, engineering, and certification services
  • Structural steel fabrication for buildings, equipment, and infrastructure
  • Stainless steel fabrication for tanks, pipes, and architectural features
  • Aluminum fabrication
  • Onsite and offsite fabrication services
  • Installation of fabricated components

Quality fabricators like Master Steel offer a full suite of end-to-end services - from initial design and engineering to final commissioning and handover.


  1. Specialised Equipment and Technology

Look for industry-leading equipment and technology that facilitates efficient, high-quality fabrication. This includes:

  • CNC machines for precision cutting of steel sections
  • Automated welding equipment like submerged arc and MIG welders
  • Digital fabrication technology like laser cutters
  • Modern finishing equipment - grinders, polishers, etc.
  • Material handling equipment - cranes, forklifts, etc.
  1. Strong Quality Control and Standards

The best Australian steel fabricators maintain rigorous quality control standards and are certified to ISO 9001. This ensures consistently high-quality outputs.

Key quality checks include:

  • ISO 9001 certification
  • Qualified welding inspectors
  • Non-destructive examination (NDE) testing on welds
  • Traceability of all materials
  • Engineering sign-off on fabricated structures

 

4.   Safety Record and Standards

Safety should be the number one priority for any reputable steel fabrication company. Look for comprehensive safety management, including:

  • Strong safety culture and training
  • Good safety record (TRIFR)
  • Safety management certifications like ISO 45001
  • Use of job hazard analysis (JHA) and work method statements
  • Provision of necessary PPE and 24/7 first aid facilities

The Takeaway

Choosing the right steel fabrication company involves more than just looking at the hourly rate. By evaluating experience, capabilities, technology, quality standards, and safety practices, you can identify the best partner for your steel fabrication project in Brisbane. This upfront due diligence pays dividends with superior project outcomes.

FAQs

What types of projects require steel fabrication?

Steel fabrication is used across infrastructure, buildings, equipment, machinery, and tanks. Typical applications include structural frames, bridges, platforms, hoppers, conveyors, pipes, and architectural features.

What standards should a steel fabricator have?

Look for ISO 9001 quality certification, internationally qualified welders to AS/NZS 1554, and welding inspection and supervision to AS/NZS 1554 and AS/NZS 3992. Structural fabrication should comply with AS 4100.

Should you choose the cheapest steel fabricator?

While price is a factor, choosing the cheapest fabricator can lead to quality issues and delays. Balancing experience, capabilities, quality standards, and safety with price allows you to get the best overall value.

How can you check a steel fabricator's reputation?

Reviews on Google or industry forums provide insight into reputation. Also, request recent case studies and referees you can contact. Good fabricators will be happy to provide these.

What safety checks should you do?

Ask to see the fabricator's safety policies, training records, and reports on lead indicators like safety interactions. Also, check for safety certifications like ISO 45001.

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