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Behlen is First U.S. Firm to Achieve IAS AC472 Accreditation
Behlen Building Systems is the first metal building manufacturer in the United States to achieve International Accreditation Service (IAS) AC472 accreditation for the inspection of metal building systems based on International Building Code Chapter 17 requirements. Achieving this accreditation is a prerequisite to maintaining continuous registration with the quality standard endorsed by the Board of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA).
IAS AC472 Accreditation program replaces the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) category MB certification. Behlen Building Systems, a founding member of the MBMA, has participated in the AISC-MB program for metal building manufacturers since the program began in 1999. The MBMA selected the new IAS AC472 standard as a requirement for metal building manufacturers to comply with as a condition of membership. Manufacturers must be in compliance by December 2010.
IAS AC472 was developed specifically for metal building systems. It addresses primary framing fabrication and light-gauge welded fabrication, cold-formed fabrication and metal building system engineering.
These important advantages of the IAS AC472 accreditation serves contractors, architects, code officials and building owners in the metal building industry. Other advantages, which expedite the building approval process, include: compliance with special inspection requirements in Chapter 17 of the International Building Code; elimination of additional inspections; cost savings to verify code compliance of metal building fabrication; and assurance the metal building manufacturers’ staff has a well-qualified quality system in place. It validates a firm’s level of quality and confers credibility because of the IAS relationship as a subsidiary of the International Code Council. IAS AC472 accreditation is a major expansion to the existing IAS AC172 standard which only addresses primary framing fabrication and structural welding.
Due to the importance of being the first IAS AC472 audit to take place in the United States, Behlen hosted Sandi McCracken, IAS Senior Accreditation Officer, who leads the IAS Fabricator Inspection Program. IAS’ Gary Mitchell, P.E., also was present to conduct the audit. Professional Service Industries, Inc. representatives Rod Fruland, P.E., and Chris Bernier also were involved in the audit as the third-party inspector required by the accreditation process. Behlen also hosted Charles Praeger, Assistant General Manager of the MBMA, as an observer to the process.
The two-day audit took place May 12–13 at the 875,000 square foot world headquarters of Behlen Mfg. Co. in Columbus, Nebraska. More information about IAS and the AC472 accreditation program can be found here.
The quality system component of IAS AC472 is similar to the ISO 9000 standard but AC472 additionally requires assessment of technical competence and periodic inspection. Behlen has maintained ISO 9000 certification since 1999 and is registered with SGS, which serves as auditor.
International Accreditation Service (IAS) accredits inspection programs for metal building manufacturers, fabricator inspection programs, testing and calibration laboratories, inspection agencies, building departments and International Building Code special inspection agencies. A recognized accreditation body since 1975, IAS is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation. IAS is one of the leading accreditation bodies in the United States and a signatory to several international mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs).
Behlen Mfg. Co., located in Columbus, Nebraska, was established in 1936 and the company’s building business unit produces a wide variety of custom designed metal building systems designed for commercial, industrial, institutional and warehouse buildings along with a complete metal roofing division. More information can be obtained here.