During the course of construction, some types of work are so critical to safeguarding public
welfare that the building code requires special inspections. Structural welding, reinforcing
concrete and high-strength bolting are examples of the types of work that are subject to special
inspections by inspectors who have demonstrated their competence.
When these types of work are to be performed at a fabrication facility that is not on the
construction site, IAS provides a service to the building official by accrediting the fabricator’s
own internal quality system and inspection practices. IAS accreditation provides assurance to
the building official that the fabrication facility has been evaluated in accordance with Section
1701.7 of the Uniform Building CodeTM and Section 1704.2.2 of the International Building Code®.
The criteria used to assess fabricator inspection programs for reinforced concrete is IAS
Accreditation Criteria for Fabricator Inspection Programs for Reinforced Concrete (AC157). The
criteria used to assess fabricator inspection programs for structural streel is IAS Accreditation
Criteria for Fabricator Inspection Programs for Structural Steel (AC172). The criteria used to
assess fabricator inspection programs for wood wall panels is IAS Accreditation Criteria for
Fabricator Inspection Programs for Wood Wall Panels (AC196).