Metal building systems are highly engineered, optimized structures, with virtually all elements of the building structure working as an integral system to meet the strength and serviceability requirements for the project. As such, they present unique challenges and require proper assembly and installation to perform as designed. For too long, technical specifications have merely required “an erector with at least three years’ experience” or jobs are simply awarded to the lowest bid; neither of which ensures the most qualified contractor.
Several years ago, a few contractors and erectors sought a way to differentiate themselves from the less qualified, the underperformers. With the assistance of the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA), they crafted a program to distinguish quality; to identify those companies committed to safety, training, and quality builds. This program is now a recognized accreditation program (AC478) administered by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and complements an existing IAS accreditation program for Manufacturers of Metal Building Systems (AC472). Architects that specify AC472 and AC478 can be assured of the highest quality commercial buildings.
Photos courtesy MBCEA
Specified requirements
help accountability
To achieve AC478 accreditation, companies must demonstrate having the personnel, organization, experience, management procedures, and competence to assemble and erect metal building systems in accordance with specified requirements and in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC). IAS-accredited assemblers are required to operate under a documented management system which includes a safety and training program and periodic jobsite inspections to verify continued compliance with the criteria. The early adopters to AC478 are skilled craft entrepreneurs dedicated to their trade.
DJ VanRooyan of Steel Worx Solutions states the AC478 program “made him a better, more accountable erector.” Keith Wentworth of Dutton & Garfield, Inc. acknowledges, “the internal processes required have made his company stronger and they perform better for their customers as a result.” Both Steel Worx and DGI were successful companies before AC478. They did not need to become accredited. They made this investment to elevate their trade and enhance their overall quality. As Jarrod Turner of TBT Construction Services says, “to prove they were as good as they say they are.”
Thomas Phoenix International was one of the first companies accredited and instrumental in the development of the criteria. They believe accreditation raises the bar for their organization and the industry.
Common values
In full disclosure, the author is employed by MBCEA to promote AC478 and assist their members through the process. Over the years, the author has worked with hundreds of member companies affiliated with the MBCEA. They all share a common set of values: they take their craft seriously and are committed to the safety of their workers and the integrity of their builds.
What are some of the areas that are assessed by IAS?
- Control of project documentation including access to these documents from the field.
- Training program adherence for field personnel.
- Safety program documentation and adherence including jobsite specific plans, job hazard analysis’ (JHA) and program reviews.
- Quality documentation and adherence to manufacturer’s specifications.
- Effective implementation of quality checklists and inspections.
- Confirmation to ensure the plan and documentation set out in the program are adhered to in the field at the jobsite.
At the original IAS hearing to consider approval of this new accreditation program, one of the building code officials on the panel queried why an erector would look for a program to police their quality. He found it odd that erectors were proposing the program rather than a governing body requiring it. The MBCEA, representing their 500-plus members, answered simply, “because it is the right thing to do for our trade.” The contractors and erectors who choose membership in the MBCEA want to differentiate themselves from the competition, and they want to arm the industry with a tool to identify those companies committed to safety, training, and quality.
To ensure a quality project, one should consider a metal building system. There is no other solution as versatile or flexible. However, it is advisable to specify an AC78 accredited erector. Accreditation establishes an industry standard that separates the good from bad. Building owners and architects should require this accreditation in their specifications, and building officials should look for it before issuing permits.
About the IAS
A subsidiary of the International Code Council (ICC), IAS provides an independent assessment and verification that metal building assemblers meet the requirements of a recognized accreditation program. IAS accredits inspection programs for metal building manufacturers, building departments, building department service providers, fire prevention and life safety departments, special inspection agencies, product certification agencies, fabricator inspection programs, testing and calibration laboratories, inspection agencies, training agencies, management system certification bodies, curriculum developers and field evaluation bodies. A recognized accreditation body since 1975, IAS is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation and is one of the leading accreditation bodies in the U.S. and a signatory to several international mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs).
Jacqueline Meiluta is an independent consultant providing program support to Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) initiatives focused on training and quality. She was instrumental in state and federal approval for an open-shop apprenticeship program and International Accreditation Service (IAS) approval of an accreditation program both for Metal Building Assemblers.