IAS News

New York City Construction Codes Call for IAS Accreditation

Along with its adoption of the 2006 International Building Code, the New York City Construction Codes now include a requirement that all special inspection and testing agencies must be accredited by the International Accreditation Service, Inc., (IAS) by 2010.

The new Department Approved Agencies Rule requires third-party agencies to earn accreditation in order to test or inspect materials, equipment, construction-related activities, and periodic maintenance. Approved agencies must be established and recognized as regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services. Third-party agencies failing to meet these new standards will not be authorized to conduct testing or inspections.

Testing agencies must be qualified to test and evaluate the performance of materials and equipment regulated by the New York City Building Code. IAS will require that NYC special inspection agency applicants submit quality documentation in accordance with the requirements of AC291 Accreditation Criteria for IBC Special Inspection Agencies with the exception of Section 6.0. Additionally, IAS assessment staff will review the applicant’s quality documentation, as applicable, and compare it against the requirements of Sections 3, 4, 5 and Appendix A of AC291.

Testing agencies currently approved by the Buildings Department (legacy MEA-approved labs) will still be accepted on an interim basis, but must be accredited by IAS, or its equivalent, by July 1, 2010. Agencies failing to meet this accreditation deadline will no longer be an Approved Testing Agency.

Inspection agencies must be qualified to conduct periodic, unannounced, follow-up factory inspections. An Approved Inspection Agency has the authority to list and label products according to ISO Guide 65. Agencies must be accredited by IAS, or its equivalent, by July 1, 2008. Agencies failing to meet this deadline will not be considered an Approved Inspection Agency.

Applications for AC291 accreditation were accepted starting in July 2008.

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