Guide to Sourcing Compliant Steel for the UK Rail Sector

Sourcing steel components for UK rail projects involves more than price and delivery. Every item must meet strict technical and compliance standards before it reaches site. For procurement teams, that means working with suppliers who already understand RISQS, EN 1090 and the specific documentation the rail industry expects.

At RMP Products, we’ve supplied profiled and machined steel parts to rail contractors for more than three decades. This guide outlines what to look for when building a compliant supply chain and how our approvals make it simpler.

 

Understanding the UK Rail Supply Chain Procurement Landscape

 

Key players: Network Rail, Tier 1 Contractors and OEMs

The UK rail supply chain is built around collaboration.

Network Rail defines the standards and assurance processes.

Contractors deliver major projects and are responsible for ensuring all materials come from approved sources.

Steel profiling companies manufacture the parts that make up critical infrastructure such as bridges, platforms and overhead line structures.

Each level depends on the next being able to demonstrate traceability, quality and compliance.

The role of RISQS (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme)

The RISQS framework is how Network Rail and other buyers verify that suppliers meet rail industry requirements. It covers quality management, safety, environmental systems and technical competence.

Choosing a RISQS-approved steel supplier like us reduces the administrative burden during pre-qualification and ensures your steel parts come from a source that has already been audited for rail compliance.

 

Essential Compliance Standards for Rail Steel Components

 

UKCA/CE marking to EN 1090 (typically EXC2 or EXC3 for rail)

Most manufactured steelwork in the rail sector falls within EN 1090 Execution Class 2 or 3. These standards confirm that components have been designed, manufactured and tested to the correct structural requirements.

RMP Products holds certification up to EXC4, allowing us to produce complex, safety-critical plates and assemblies for bridge and gantry projects. Every part we supply carries full UKCA marking and material traceability.

 

National Highway Sector Schemes (NHSS) for bridgeworks

Rail projects that include bridge or highway interfaces often require compliance with NHSS 20, which governs the quality of steelwork fabrication and erection. Our quality management system is aligned with ISO 9001:2015 and NHSS 20, ensuring consistency across both sectors.

 

Understanding Railway Industry Commodity Classification List (RICCL) codes

The RICCL defines how products and services are categorised within Network Rail’s procurement system. We maintain records linking our component types to their relevant RICCL codes, simplifying documentation for buyers and auditors.

 

Common Steel Components in Rail Infrastructure

 

Base plates, drive plates and helix plates for piling

Foundation work in rail often calls for precision-cut base plates and drive plates that maintain alignment and load distribution. We complete all of our profiling in-house, ensuring accurate bolt positioning and flatness for quick installation.

 

Gusset plates and stiffener plates for bridges and gantries

Bridge and gantry structures rely on gusset and stiffener plates cut from certified structural grades such as S355 and S460. Our profiling and machining capability ensures clean edges, correct hole spacing and full certification to EN 1090 EXC4.

 

Components for footbridges, platforms and OLE

From footbridge assemblies to overhead line equipment, our plasma cutting and flame cutting services process steels from 3mm to 300mm thick. Every component is finished, deburred and inspected before dispatch, ready for fabrication or site installation.

 

How RMP Products Supports Rail Project Compliance and Delivery

 

Certifications and rail sector experience

We hold the approvals that matter most to procurement teams:

• RISQS-approved supplier
• EN 1090 EXC4 / UKCA-marked
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
• NHSS 20 alignment for bridge and highway steelwork

Our track record includes supply to multiple Tier 1 contractors for piling, bridge and station upgrade projects. We understand the documentation, inspection and traceability standards that keep projects compliant.

 

Working with a Compliant Rail Component Manufacturer

 

For procurement managers, the easiest way to reduce project risk is to work with suppliers who already meet the required standards.

At RMP Products, we provide fully compliant, RISQS-approved steel profiling and machining for the UK rail industry. Our in-house processes cover profile cutting, CNC machining and steel finishing, supported by full documentation and quality control.

Contact us to discuss your upcoming project or request a free quotation.