The new IAS Accreditation Criteria for Inspection Practices of Metal Building Assemblers AC478 was a featured presentation at the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) 46th Annual Conference, April 30-May 1 in San Diego, Calif.
Gary T. Smith of Thomas Phoenix International, Mike Reynolds of Systems Contractors and Sandi McCracken of IAS provided insight into the new IAS accreditation program. Smith and Reynolds explained that metal building assemblers now have an inspection standard to which they can aspire, be measured and held accountable.
To achieve AC478 accreditation, companies must demonstrate that they have management and inspection procedures that enable them to assemble and erect metal building systems in accordance with specified construction and code requirements. The inspection program is required to operate under a documented management system that includes a safety and training program and periodic jobsite assessments to verify continued compliance with the inspection criteria.
Keynote speaker, Tom Gilligan, president of Butler Manufacturing and chair of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) provided an informative state of the industry message and shared MBMA's strategic initiatives. He emphasized the common goals between manufacturers, contractors and erectors saying, "our reputation is on the line" meaning the actions of any one player reflects on the entire industry. To ensure a high-quality standard, MBMA requires their members be accredited by IAS under the IAS Accreditation Criteria for Inspection Programs for Manufacturers of Metal Building Systems (AC472). He explained that the IAS program has been a great value to the manufacturers, providing assurance that metal buildings are manufactured to a high standard and have passed the stringent inspection requirements of AC472. Gilligan said "requiring AC472 helps protect your good name." He went on to say that AC478 will do the same for contractors and erectors. |
