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#1 Heavy Melting Steel (HMS)
Steel scrap 1/4 inch and over in thickness. Clean steel plates, structural shapes, beams, etc.
Certification Requirements
Required certifications, standards compliance, and verification protocols.
Supplier's entire scrap collection, sorting, testing, quality control, and delivery processes
- Environmental Compliance
- Waste Handling
- Recycling Programs
- Emissions Control
- Chemical composition by wt% of each element (Fe, Cu, non-ferrous, etc.) via XRF
- Sampling date, time, location, and methodology used
- Test results vs. ISRI 201 acceptance criteria (pass/fail determination)
- Authorized laboratory technician signature and official stamp
- Laboratory contact information and accreditation number
- Traceability to reference standards
- UKAS accredited independent laboratory (UK standard)
- ILAC internationally accredited laboratory (international standard)
ALL personnel involved in scrap handling must have formal hazmat training
£5–10 million environmental liability insurance (UK operations)
Independent audit of supplier's facility, processes, sorting equipment, testing capabilities
Rejection Criteria
Conditions and thresholds that trigger immediate rejection or downgrading.
>0.1%
FULL IMMEDIATE REJECTION
- Copper >0.1% Causes Cold-Short Brittleness And Loss Of Ductility In Eaf Steel Products
- Unacceptable Defect For Premium #1 Hms Grade
- Xrf Spectrometry (Primary)
- Icp-Aes (Confirmatory For Disputes)
CRITICAL
Material must be returned to supplier or downgraded to #2 HMS (price penalty £45–50/MT)
>0.05% detected OR visible stainless components
FULL IMMEDIATE REJECTION
- Austenitic Stainless (300-Series) Contamination Degrades Ferrous Steel Properties
- Indicates Inadequate Sorting/Process Control
XRF spectrometry + magnetic test (both must confirm)
CRITICAL
Supplier must demonstrate sorting improvement before next shipment
>2.0% combined (>0.5% per individual element like Al, Zn, Brass)
FULL REJECTION
- Non-Ferrous Elements Affect Melting And Final Steel Properties
- Isri 201 Spec Violation
XRF spectrometry with element-by-element breakdown
CRITICAL
Fe <98.0%
- Full Rejection
- Material Does Not Meet Isri 201 Specification
Fe <98% indicates excessive contamination or incorrect grade classification
XRF spectrometry
CRITICAL
Any detectable radiation above background levels
- Immediate Rejection
- Radioactive Waste Protocol Activated
- Health And Safety Hazard
- Regulatory Violation
- Cannot Enter Mill
Handheld radiation detector scan (Geiger counter or gamma detector)
CRITICAL - HAZMAT
Any visible circuit boards, transformers, capacitors, electronic components
- Full Rejection
- Hazardous Waste Protocol Activated
- Environmental Hazard
- Pcb Oils And Toxic Substances Contaminate Steel
- Weee Directive Violation
Visual inspection (cannot be removed by melting)
CRITICAL - ENVIRONMENTAL
Supplier liability for hazmat cleanup and regulatory fines
Any detectable asbestos (brake pads, insulation, gaskets)
- Full Rejection
- Hazmat Disposal Required
- Carcinogenic Hazard
- Health Risk To Mill Workers During Handling/Melting
Visual inspection + laboratory analysis if suspected
CRITICAL - HEALTH HAZARD
Any detectable mercury (switches, sensors, old instruments)
- Full Rejection
- Mercury Waste Protocol Activated
- Toxic Hazard
- Mercury Volatilizes At Melting Temperatures Affecting Air Quality
Visual inspection for mercury switches, sensor components
CRITICAL - TOXIC HAZARD
Any visible batteries in scrap
- Immediate Rejection
- Battery Hazmat Protocol
- Batteries Are Classified Hazardous Waste
- Separate Handling Required
- Acid Leakage Risk
Visual inspection (cannot be removed during melting)
CRITICAL - HAZMAT
>2% moisture
Rejection or re-drying at supplier cost
- Excess Moisture Creates Steam Explosions In Eaf Melting
- Serious Safety Hazard
Karl Fischer titration or oven drying method
MAJOR
>1% paint/coating by weight (distinguishes #2 HMS)
Rejection or downgrade to #2 HMS pricing (£45–50/MT discount)
Coatings indicate #2 HMS material, not premium #1 HMS grade
- Visual Inspection
- Scratch Test On Surface
MAJOR
Any detectable tin plate coating (Sn >0.05%)
Rejection or downgrade to #2 HMS
- Tin Plate Is Hallmark Of #2 Hms, Not Premium #1
- Indicates Sorting Error
- Xrf Spectrometry (Tin Measurement)
- Visual Inspection
MAJOR