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Accreditation Program for Steel Buildings Offers Client Peace of Mind

Accreditation Program for Steel Buildings Offers Client Peace of Mind

Accreditation programs like AC478 are encouraging companies that erect steel buildings to follow best practices.

Operating to a set of standards is an important aspect of doing business the right way. Whether it’s your own guiding principles or a set of government-mandated regulations, they provide a benchmark to which you can aspire (or are legally obligated to meet). When it comes to steel buildings, there’s a new tool that is allowing erecting companies to demonstrate their aptitude. It’s called AC478.

This accreditation program, which is the result of ongoing collaboration between the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA), came into effect in early 2015. It is a voluntary program available to companies that specialize in the erection of steel buildings.

To gain accreditation, companies must successfully meet established requirements in a range of areas, including:

  • Experience
  • Personnel
  • Organization
  • Management procedures
  • Adherence to International Building Code

The standards are quite stringent and the testing is thorough. Companies that meet the requirements can use AC478 accreditation as a key selling point.

 

What Does This Mean for Clients?

The AC478 accreditation program is still quite new, so just because a steel building company doesn’t have the certification yet doesn’t mean you should automatically discount them as a substandard outfit. These things take time.

However, if you come across a company that holds these credentials, you’ve likely found a company that:

  • Is confident in its ability to erect pre-engineered steel buildings
  • Operates to a high level of safety
  • Employs a skilled workforce
  • Adheres to best practices

By choosing a company that achieves and maintains accreditation, clients will benefit from improved operational efficiency and quality of end product.

 

What Do Steel Building Companies Like About AC478?

While many companies that erect steel buildings are thrilled with AC478, others feel it’s unnecessary. Some fear it altogether. The former feel this program will:

  • Strengthen the credibility of the industry
  • Weed out substandard operators
  • Provide steel building companies with measurable goals for improvement
  • Inspire consumer confidence
  • Help builders stay ahead of changing regulations

It wouldn’t hurt to raise the subject with the company you’re considering for your pre-engineered steel buildings to see what their reaction is. A company that knows it couldn’t withstand the scrutiny of an independent accrediting body won’t be keen to talk about it.

 

How Does AC478 Affect Local Building Codes?

Simply put, it doesn’t. No matter where they’re built, steel buildings must still comply with the National Building Code of Canada, as well as local building codes and bylaws.

 

For more advice on choosing a steel building company for your next project, check out our post: Steel Building Insight: 5 Things to Look for in a Steel Building Company.

 

Are you looking for a reliable company that specializes in designing and erecting steel buildings? If so, then call Metal Structure Concepts. We can help you plan for a range building types, including industrial, commercial, agricultural and retail.