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Is Your Building Department Implementing the Special Inspection Requirements of the Code?

In a one-on-one interview, IAS Accreditation Officer Sandi McCracken provides answers for building departments considering using IAS special inspection agency accreditation to help building officials implement the code requirements in IBC Chapter 17.
Q: We've never required accreditation before - why now?

Building departments are under increasing burdens to manage building efficiently and effectively. Whether you're in an established community or one that is growing, keeping up with new standards can be challenging.

Requiring accreditation can significantly reduce unnecessary burden on your building department. The IAS Special Inspection Agency Accreditation Program is based on Chapter 17 of the International Building Code (IBC). Through this comprehensive program, a building department has the assurance that special inspection agencies have fully demonstrated that their experience and knowledge is sufficient, and that they are fully competent to determine whether construction meets the material and workmanship requirements of the contract documents and the codes used in your jurisdiction.

In short, we have developed our accreditation criteria to meet a very high national standard.

Q: What does IAS Special Inspection Agency accreditation involve?

The IAS process to gain accreditation is thorough, systematic and detailed. We evaluate the people, the process and the facilities.

To begin the process, the inspection agency application must include a comprehensive quality management system showing compliance with the IAS Accreditation Criteria for IBC Special Inspection Agencies. If approved, IAS trained assessors and subject-matter experts conduct an onsite assessment to review the special inspection agency's inspection records and overall system make-up to ensure the inspection agency has effectively implemented the required procedures. These assessors interview staff and visit construction sites. Every facet of the process is evaluated prior to accreditation, and that's just the beginning. Even after accreditation is granted, the special inspection agency must undergo periodic onsite surveillance assessments to ensure quality and competence.

Q: Is it right for my building department?

As a building department, this program is developed to ensure compliance with codes, and more importantly, to help you meet the needs of your community by building to the highest possible standards. It is designed to help building departments fulfill their oversight responsibilities while ensuring that the code requirements are enforced.

Q: How is a procedure defined and what procedures are required?

A procedure is a written document that describes who does what, when, where, how and why. IAS requires procedures that ensure the special inspection agency's management is aware of your project needs. An example of such a procedure is contract review — this procedure ensures that the inspection agency has qualified personnel and inspection procedures to meet the obligation of the contract, and that the personnel who have an effect on the quality of service understand the project requirements. To view a complete list of the accreditation requirements for the IAS Special Inspection Agency Accreditation Program, visit IAS online (keyword AC291).

Q: How long does it take to accredit a special inspection agency?

The process is very dependent on the cooperation and commitment to a managed quality program by the special inspection agency's management. The process can be achieved as early as eight weeks from the date of the application, providing the submittals include the requirements of the SIA program as outlined in the AC291, and that the applicant follows the "Rules of Procedures".

Q: What does it take to implement the program in a jurisdiction?

There are four basic steps to implementing the program in most jurisdictions. IAS will partner with a building department to accomplish these steps and to ensure an easy transition:

  1. Draft a city ordinance requiring special inspection agencies to become accredited to work in the jurisdiction.
  2. Establish a timeline for the agencies to complete the accreditation.
  3. Educate special inspection agencies on program and accreditation process.
  4. Educate design professionals and contractors on the effective date of compliance.
Q: What is the cost for a jurisdiction to implement this program?

There is little, to no cost for the jurisdiction to implement this program. IAS will literally become an extension of a department that saves time and money, while ensuring that special inspection agencies meet the requirements in the code.

To learn more about implementing the Special Inspection Agency Accreditation program in a jurisdiction, contact IAS Accreditation Officer Sandi McCracken at 1-866-427-4422 ext. 3309, or visit the IAS website.