What is IAS AC472?
Eases and simplifies the process of acquiring AC472 accreditation through built-in automation features addressing most IAS regulations and criteria.
The International Accreditation Service (IAS) provides Accreditation Criteria (AC) for many types of products.
The IAS AC472 (Accreditation of Metal Building Manufacturers) is essential for metal building manufacturers where the building code inspection requirements are enforced. If a manufacturer is Accredited under IAS AC472, the special inspection requirements of the International Building Code, Chapter 17 are relaxed. Most architects do not want to accept “non-accredited” manufacturers because the burden of special inspections falls back on the architect.
What is the Accreditation Process?
In the accreditation process, the International Accreditation Service will verify that the manufacturer has the required quality system documentation, independent inspection agency, material tracking and record system to ensure that the metal buildings produced are reliable.
What Documentation is Necessary?
The quality system must fully document all of the design, fabrication, quality inspection and record maintenance requirements of the IAS AC472 Evaluation Criteria. There will be a Quality System Manual (either electronic or paper) that instructs the manufacturers personnel how each process is to be conducted, inspected and recorded. This Quality System Manual will contain all Welding Procedure Specifications, Weld Standards or other means of communicating welding requirements to the welder.
Welding documentation is essential. Welders must be properly qualified for the process and position of welding they are required to use in production. These welder qualifications must be performed by an independent Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Specialty Plus, LLC has developed systems that can be adapted to your specific manufacturing processes. The quality system developed by Specialty Plus has been successfully implemented for many small and mid-sized manufacturers to fully cover all elements of the IAS AC472 Program. Dennis Johnson, the developer of the quality system document is a Professional Engineer, Structural Engineer and Certified Welding Inspector with many years of quality system experience in design and manufacturer of metal building systems.
Independent Inspection Agency
The metal building manufacturer is required to contract with an Accredited Agency that is qualified to provide independent inspection services by IAS. The Independent Inspection Agency will review your quality system documentation, welder records and quality records. They will perform a “pre-audit” if requested, to verify that the manufacturer is ready for the accreditation assessment by IAS. Farabaugh Engineering and Testing (AA-715) is one of the most qualified Independent Inspection Agencies. Under the direction of Mr. Dave Fulton, Farabaugh Engineering and Testing has inspectors that have been involved in the metal building inspection and quality program for many years. Dave has over 30 years of experience in the metal building industry and is a Certified Welding Inspector of both American Welding Society (AWS) and Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB). Farabuagh has the experience and personnel required to assist your company to become accredited.
Quality Records
Quality records are essential for all phases of design and fabrication of the metal building system for the Accreditation process. Records will be required for calibration, calibration standards, maintenance, contract documents, change orders, material certifications, quality verifications and training and personnel qualifications. Adjutant Software was developed by people within the metal building industry to satisfy and streamline the record maintenance and retention requirements of the IAS AC472 Program. Adjutant software can be implemented to speed material purchasing, receiving, inventory control, engineering design output, erection and shop drawings, material identification and traceability as well as quality system and maintenance records.
Specialty Plus, Farabaugh Engineering and Testing and Adjutant Software
Together, Specialty Plus, Farabaugh Engineering and Testing and Adjutant Software can provide the most complete, cost effective and easy to implement quality, inspection and information management system for your metal building company. Visit the following websites for further information on each business and contact information.
