IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) is pleased to announce a unique Fabricators Certificate of Recognition program. Completion of the program documents whether a fabricators’ in-house Inspection Program complies with the IAPMO Uniform Evaluation Criteria for Fabricator Inspection Programs for Structural Steel (EC-020) or IAPMO Uniform Evaluation Criteria for Fabricator Inspection Programs for Precast Concrete (EC-022). It also provides recognition as an approved fabricator under Section 1704.2.5.1 of the 2015 International Building Code®, Section 1704.2.5.2 of the 2012 International Building Code®, and Section 1704.2.2 of earlier code editions. By complying with these criteria, fabricators establish that they have the necessary personnel, equipment, processes, and procedures in place to consistently manufacture the fabricated products to project specifications. This allows for those applicable special inspections to be waived by a code official.
IAPMO Uniform ES offers published evaluation criteria for structural steel fabricators (EC20) and precast concrete fabricators (EC22). These criteria set forth the information needed to document the fabrication facility’s quality system, including a schedule of surveillance inspections by qualified inspection bodies:
• Industry Standards – IBC, ACI 318, CSA A23.4, PCI MNL-116, AWS D1.4, ISO/IEC 9000
• Locations – Multiple locations can be reviewed under one application
• Scope of Evaluation – The type of work (precasting, prestressing, welding, etc.) performed at each facility
• Inspection Body – This agency, accredited according to ISO/IEC 17020, will provide recurring QA inspections
• Audits and Inspections – Content and frequency conducted by an accredited third-party inspection body
• Processes as Applicable – Steel cutting, welding, fitting, cambering, coatings, concrete mixing, placement, curing
• Personnel – QC manager, inspector, technicians
• Records – Details on inspection and testing reports
• Maintenance – Updating and improving quality system
UES Vice President Richard Beck, PE, CBO, MCP, explains why Uniform Evaluation Certificates of Recognition are so valuable: “Manufacturers can now reference their fabrication certification to show code officials quickly they have the information required for their decision to wave applicable special inspections.” Brian Gerber, PE, SE, vice president of Technical Operations, adds: “It is exciting to add Fabricator Recognition to UES’ menu of services; after all, it’s a natural addition to our evaluation and listing programs.”
IAPMO’s UES offers a full range of recognition opportunities, including recognition for the applicable national model codes, as well as Florida, California, and various other state codes. By combining all of these recognitions into one concise report, listing, or certificate prepared by an internationally recognized product certification body, the UES program reduces cost and increases value.
About IAPMO’S Uniform ES
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) coordinates the development and adoption of plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool, and solar energy codes to meet the specific needs of individual jurisdictions both in the United States and abroad. IAPMO Uniform ES (UES) is one of the most prominent evaluation service providers in the country (as noted by SEAOC, see Uniform-ES.org for details). UES reports provide evidence that products and systems satisfy code requirements within the scope and conditions of use as noted in each report.
For more information on IAPMO Uniform ES, direct your Web browser to www.Uniform-ES.org or contact Karen Snowden (909) 472-4105 or Karen.Snowden@iapmoes.org.
IAPMO Uniform ES evaluates building products, materials, and designs according to all applicable codes and standards, ensuring continuous compliance to such documents. IAPMO Uniform ES is part of The IAPMO Group.
Last modified: June 30, 2015