7M Technologies LLC becomes Oklahoma’s first IAS accredited Special Inspection Agency
7M Technologies LLC, based in Wewoka, Oklahoma, recently became the first Special Inspection Agency in the state to become accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). 7M Technologies had to demonstrate that they met the requirements for special inspection of construction that are in the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code and International Building Code.
Special inspection requirements were first introduced in the building codes as a result of numerous high-profile structural failures that occurred throughout the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Special inspections are defined by the International Building Code as “the inspection of construction requiring the expertise of an approved special inspector in order to ensure compliance with the code and the approved construction documents.” Special inspection is required for the construction involving steel, concrete, soils, and other areas that can impact critical life-safety and structural-safety roles.
IAS is a nonprofit accreditation body and subsidiary of the International Code Council, the national organization that develops the building codes used throughout the United States.
Getting accredited involves an assessment of the agency’s inspection procedures, inspection staff and its reporting procedures. Accredited agencies have demonstrated to IAS that they are competent to perform special inspections as required in the building code and related standards.
Founded in July of 2020, 7M Technologies is owned and operated by Ronda and Michael Morris. Michael, who has 22 years of industry experience, explained that they wanted 7M to become IAS accredited to build trust with Oklahoma building officials and the public.
“We want people to know that 7M Technologies has the experience, knowledge, personnel and procedures to get the job done correct. If a building is designed to withstand 200 mph winds during a tornado in Oklahoma, we want to make sure everything is done right.”
7M Technologies specializes in commercial construction inspection and testing, nondestructive testing, personnel qualifications for welders, nondestructive testing, personnel training and certification, welding procedures and procedure qualification, as well as manufacturer/fabricator certification program consultation. Their Special Inspection Agency accreditation through IAS is specifically related to steel construction and manufacturing.
Michael Morris explains 7M’s overall motivation and work ethic by saying, “I just want to help ensure public safety for my fellow Oklahomans.”
The International Accreditation Service’s accreditation is important because it improves safety by providing a proven program for continuous inspection of critical work to ensure construction complies with the code. In addition, it limits liability because accreditation provides evidence of due diligence to ensure the competence of such agencies. Building departments can access a list of IAS accredited special inspection agencies at www.iasonline.org. There is no cost to building departments or others to use the IAS Special Inspection Accreditation program to approve or hire companies that are competent to perform special inspections.
Learn more about IAS and 7M Technologies.
