BDA Program Attracts ICC Members
The IAS Building Department Accreditation (BDA) program, the first nationally recognized accreditation program for building departments, is attracting attention from ICC member building jurisdictions. In the last 12 months alone, IAS received applications for accreditation from 22 jurisdictions in 17 states nationwide.

“Based on this response, we realize that the IAS BDA program has attracted tremendous interest by communities and building departments responsible for implementing and enforcing building codes,” states IAS BDA Program Project Coordinator Kellee Lostaunau. “IAS is reacting to this outpouring of interest by recruiting and training practicing building officials that will participate on IAS teams and travel to the various jurisdictions to conduct the onsite evaluations. IAS intends to meet the challenges of this new program by quickly responding to our building department applicants and scheduling onsite evaluations in a timely manner."

IAS Eyes Special Inspection Transformation
Although adoption of the International Building Code (IBC) by jurisdictions across the country is growing, enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 17, Structural Tests and Special Inspections, is sporadic. In addition, several layers of redundant, duplicative requirements exist at the federal, state and local level when it comes to special inspections and fabricator approvals. In response, IAS President Chuck Ramani joined representatives from Western Technologies, Inc., and Tindall Corp. at the recent PCI Convention/National Bridge Conference to discuss IBC Special Inspection Requirements.

IAS Works with Testing Lab on Child Safety
Since 1972, the number of accidental deaths caused by the ingestion of medical products has dropped by over 30 percent, thanks to legislation for child-proof packaging of toxic substances. Recently, a testing laboratory involved in examining child-resistant packaging applied for IAS accreditation. While the testing criteria for child-resistant packaging is substantially different from building materials, the organization and operation of the laboratory must follow the same requirements and criteria as any other laboratory involved in testing. The testing is covered in the Code of Federal Regulations, Subchapter E—Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970, and International Standard ISO 8317 Child Resistant Packaging—Requirements and Testing Procedures for Reclosable Packages.

IAS is looking forward to working on this project and feels that its fits well with ICC’s mission of People Helping People Build a Safer World.

IAS Spotlights Accredited Fabricators
In October, IAS notified building officials throughout the United States about fabricators that are located in and around their jurisdictions whose fabricator inspection programs are accredited by IAS. The letters outlined the operational and management requirements for fabricator accreditation with emphasis that the program meets the requirements of Uniform Building Code Section 1701.7 and IBC Section 1704.2.2.

The IAS Fabricator Accreditation Program helps building departments fulfill their oversight responsibilities while ensuring that the code requirements are enforced at little or no cost. For details on how this program can help your jurisdiction, contact IAS Fabricator Program Manager Sandi McCracken at (562) 699-0541, ext. 3442.

Building Departments Honored at Annual Conference
As the first two cities in the nation to receive Building Department Accreditation status from IAS, the building departments of the City of Las Vegas and the City of Henderson, Nevada, received special recognition honors from IAS at an awards luncheon September 20 during the ICC 2006 Annual Conference.

Las Vegas Department of Building and Safety Inspections Manager Tom Gage (right) accepts an award from IAS President Chuck Ramani.		Henderson Director of Building and Fire Safety Michael Bouse (right) accepts an award.

Fabricator Forum
Use AC172 to Improve Efficiency/Reduce Costs
This is the first of a series of articles on the IAS Fabricator Inspection Program by Sandi McCracken, IAS Fabricator Program Manager.
For many, the IAS Fabricator Inspection Program is simply a way to help fabricators demonstrate to building officials that they are code compliant—but it is so much more. In fact, this program is an invaluable business tool that allows fabricators to improve operational efficiency and product quality.

IAS Hosts ISO/IEC Training
Offering participants an in-depth look at quality management systems and technical requirements, IAS hosted training programs on ISO/IEC Standards 17025 and 17020 for testing laboratories and inspection agencies in November. The seminars provided attendees with tools and techniques to help them implement the standards in their testing and inspection operations.

The ISO/IEC Standard 17025 course provided an overview of the standard’s requirements and IAS staff offered valuable insights to help laboratory managers implement the standard into daily practice. The ISO/IEC Standard 17020 course was tailored for inspection agencies and product certification organizations.

Interested in future IAS training programs? Contact Raj Nathan at (562) 699-0541, ext. 3309.

IAS and ICC-ES Host WFTAO Conference

	WFTAO members in attendance at the 11th Annual Meeting in Pasadena, California.

The eleventh annual meeting of the World Federation of Technical Assessment Organizations (WFTAO) included a seminar on issues affecting innovative product approval, in-depth discussions on the various technical assessment schemes currently operated by WFTAO members, an IAS workshop on product certification and technical assessment, and WFTAO's organizational business.

Public Safety Leader Remembered
Ron F. Patterson of Henderson, Nevada, was best known in the building community for his tremendous impact on Henderson’s code enforcement process during a time of growth and challenge. He was present at the IAS Board Committee on Accreditation’s public hearing on August 18 to rule on the City of Henderson`s application for accreditation of its Building and Fire Safety Department. Despite his ill health, Patterson made an outstanding presentation on Development Services Center (DSC) operations. He was Henderson's first DSC manager. A totally committed individual to building safety, Ron passed away October 22, 2006.

IAS Helps Guide Strategic Direction of ILAC Meeting
As a recognized accreditation body and signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) global mutual recognition arrangement, IAS Vice President Pat McCullen and IAS Marketing Manager Greg West helped guide the overall strategic direction of ILAC’s 2006 General Assembly Meeting by participating in many of the workshops and technical committees.

Held jointly with the International Accreditation Forum from November 6-14 in Cancun, Mexico, the meeting was hosted by EMA, the Mexican Accreditation Entity.