IAS eNews
Fabricator Approval—Enforcing IBC Chapter 17 Requirements
Did you know the IBC requires continuous special inspection of certain critical assemblies at the job site?
If you didn't, you're not alone. Many building departments don't know or simply don't have the time, manpower or infrastructure to manage fabrication inspections as comprehensively as they'd like.
That's why IAS introduced the IAS Fabricator Inspection Accreditation Program, a robust, ongoing program that meets the requirements of Section 1701.7 of the Uniform Building Code and Section 1704.2.2 of the IBC.
Better yet, the cost to building departments is little or nothing. It is the responsibility of the fabricator to demonstrate processes and procedures that meet code requirements. Consequently, most IAS-accredited fabricators find value in the process. Fabricators have stated their operational efficiency and quality of fabrication improved substantially once they achieved IAS accreditation.
Gaining IAS accreditation is a transparent process and requires that a fabricator submit a detailed fabrication procedural manual that describes quality control procedures that are sufficient for the type of fabrication performed at the facility, and provides a basis for internal quality management that ensures quality is built into the product. After IAS and the fabricators elected accredited inspection agency review these procedures and are found to meet technical and industry standards, the fabricator must successfully undergo an initial onsite assessment conducted jointly by IAS staff and qualified representatives of an IAS-accredited inspection agency.
Finally, the fabricator must undergo quarterly, unannounced inspections by the elected IAS-accredited inspection agency. These inspections provide ongoing monitoring to confirm that the fabricator continues to operate in accordance with the procedural manual, and that work complies with plans and specifications that relate to the project and jurisdiction. Additionally, the fabricator must notify IAS and the accredited inspection agency whenever there is a change to the documented quality system, or a change in key personnel or major equipment at the fabrication facility.
Currently, the IAS Fabricator Inspection Accreditation Program offers accreditation services for the following critical assemblies: reinforced concrete, pre-cast concrete, structural steel framing that may include high-strength bolting using A325 and/or A490 bolting procedures, and wood wall panel assemblies.
To find out more about the IAS Fabricator Accreditation Program, click here or call 1-562-699-0541.