In order to ensure that specified building products comply with codes and standards, building code officials should take into account the credentials of accrediting bodies, says Shahin Moinian, P.E., the president of ICC Evaluation Service.
First, code officials should make sure that the evaluation service provider is accredited with a scope of accreditation pertaining to the products they have evaluated. In addition, the evaluation service provider should be verified to be accredited and in good standing.
One important indicator is for the provider to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17065, the international standard for certification bodies. Code officials should also review the evaluation reports published by evaluation service providers to ensure that the report is published to a standard or criteria (not a collection of unspecified documents and opinions).
The report should also relate to the product and use of such products for the installation in question. “Code officials should look for the ICC-ES marking on building and plumbing products for peace of mind when approving products,” Moinian says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2020
France to mandate all new public buildings be 50% timber or other natural materials
Measure would go into effect by 2022.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2020
American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute expand partnership
Will collaborate on new code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2020
Wallcoverings industry releases product scorecards concerning sustainability
Tool adds more transparency to certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2020
Bay Area communities struggle with what to do about rising sea level
Policies include sea walls, levies, and relocation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2020
Cell phones present a safety hazard at job sites
Use of ear buds, headphones banned by some contractors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.