ACCREDITATION CRITERIA FOR

INSPECTION PROGRAMS FOR MANUFACTURERS OF COLD-FORMED STEEL

STRUCTURAL AND NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS NOT REQUIRING
WELDING

AC473

September 2018
Effective January 1 2019

PREFACE

The attached accreditation criteria have been issued to provide all interested parties with
guidelines on implementing performance features of the applicable standards referenced herein.
The criteria were developed and adopted following public hearings conducted by the
International Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS), Accreditation Committee and are effective on the
date shown above. All accreditations issued or reissued on or after the effective date must
comply with these criteria. If the criteria are an updated version from a previous edition, solid
vertical lines (|) in the outer margin within the criteria indicate a technical change or addition
from the previous edition. Deletion indicators (→) are provided in the outer margins where a
paragraph or item has been deleted if the deletion resulted from a technical change. These
criteria may be further revised as the need dictates.

IAS may consider alternate criteria provided the proponent submits substantiating data
demonstrating that the alternate criteria are at least equivalent to the attached criteria and
otherwise meet applicable accreditation requirements.

Copyright © 2018

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 ACCREDITATION CRITERIA FOR INSPECTION PROGRAMS FOR MANUFACTURERS OF COLD-
FORMED STEEL STRUCTURAL AND NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS NOT REQUIRING
WELDING

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Scope: These criteria set forth the requirements for obtaining and maintaining International
Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS), Inspection Programs for Manufacturers of Cold-formed Steel
Structural and Nonstructural Components Not Requiring Welding accreditation. These criteria
supplement the IAS Rules of Procedure for Inspection Programs for Manufacturers of Cold-
formed Steel Structural and Nonstructural Components Not Requiring Welding.

1.2. Overview: Accredited entities complying with these criteria will have demonstrated that they
have the personnel, organization, experience, knowledge, quality procedures and commitment to
operate an inspection fabrication program in accordance with specified requirements. IAS-
accredited inspection programs for manufacturers of cold-formed steel structural and
nonstructural components not requiring welding operate under a documented management
system developed in concert with an IAS-accredited inspection agency which conducts
unannounced inspections to verify continued compliance with these criteria. Accredited entities
are evaluated for their ability to consistently inspect fabrication that meets the required quality
mandated by specified requirements. These criteria do not cover the products or the design or
performance characteristics of the products.

1.3. Normative and Reference Documents: Publication(s) listed below refer to current editions
(unless otherwise stated).

1.3.1. International Building Code®, published by the International Code Council.

1.3.2. ISO/IEC 17000, Conformity assessment - Vocabulary and general principles.
1.3.3. IAS Rules of Procedure for Accreditation of Inspection Programs for Manufacturers of
Cold-formed Steel Structural and Nonstructural Components Not Requiring Welding.
1.3.4. American Iron and Steel Institute: AISI S100: North American Specification for the
Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members.

2. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of these accreditation criteria, the definitions given in ISO/IEC Standard 17000, and
the definitions that follow, apply.

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2.1. Approved Fabricator: An established and qualified person, firm or corporation approved by
the building official pursuant to the approved fabricator designation in Section 1702 of the
International Building Code®.
2.2. Cold-formed Steel Products: Shapes manufactured by press-braking or press-forming blanks
sheared from steel sheets, cut lengths of steel coils or plates, or by roll forming cold- or hot-
rolled steel coils or sheets; both forming operations being performed at ambient plant
temperature, without the addition of heat such as is required for hot forming. Products such as,
but not limited to, cold-formed Z- or C-shaped steel structural members or roll-formed sheeting
or deck designed to resist vertical and/or lateral loads as supplied to metal building
manufacturers whose inspection programs have been accredited by International Accreditation
Service, Inc. (IAS).
2.3. Component Manufacturer: An entity that may be a company, division, subsidiary or similar
organization that manufacturers cold-formed steel products.
2.4. Contract Documents: Documents that describe the cold-formed steel structural and
nonstructural components not requiring welding to be supplied in their entirety for a given
project. These documents include work orders, drawings, specifications, and buyer sketches.
2.5. Corrective Action: Implemented action necessary to eliminate or reduce the root cause of an
identified problem.
2.6. General Manager: The person occupying the highest position of authority within a facility’s
organization.
2.7. Nonconformance: An action employed that renders a component unacceptable for the
intended use as specified in contract documents or these criteria.
2.8. Nonstructural Component: Any cold-formed steel component, regardless of configuration,
used in a nonstructural application so as to neither support nor transfer loads.
2.9. Procedure: An implemented and written document that describes who does what, when,
where, why and how.
2.10. Product: Result of activities or processes.
2.11. Project: A process consisting of a set of coordinated and controlled activities undertaken to
achieve customer requirements.
2.12. Project Documents: Documents produced for the buyer’s use to support the implementation
of the project.
2.13. Quality Assurance: Measurable systematic actions to assure confidence that the
implementation of planned activities result in meeting objectives, goals and contract
documents.
2.14. Quality Control: The act of examination, testing or measurement that verifies processes and
services, or that documents conform to specified criteria.

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 2.15. Quality Plan: A written document that describes the procedures and policies implemented to
assure product quality meets requirements of specific contract documents. As a minimum,
quality plans must meet the requirements of Sections 8.2.13 and 8.2.14 of these criteria.
2.16. Management System: A management approach to quality improvement based on the
participation of corporate management in improving processes, products and services provided
to the customer. Previously, this was referred to as Quality System.
2.17. Repair: Action taken to render a member or component acceptable for the intended use.
2.18. Shop Documents: Documents produced that describe the individual components to be
fabricated in the fabrication facility. These documents include shop details, bills of material,
manifests, bills of lading, etc.
2.19. Specification: A document that states the obligatory requirements to which the product must
conform.
2.20. Vendor: An entity that provides inventoriable, proprietary buy-out items that are available for
sale. These items are typically chosen from a catalogue or list and are finite in terms of
available options and quantity. Examples of vendors are bolt manufacturers and steel mills or
service centers.

3. ELIGIBILITY
Manufacturers of cold-formed steel structural and nonstructural components not requiring welding.

4. REQUIRED BASIC INFORMATION

4.1. Inspection programs for manufacturers of cold-formed steel structural and nonstructural
components not requiring welding must demonstrate compliance with the following
requirements:
4.1.1. The requirements of these accreditation criteria;
4.1.2. IAS Rules of Procedure for Accreditation of Inspection Programs for Manufacturers of
Cold-formed Steel Structural and Nonstructural Components Not Requiring Welding.

4.2. General Requirements

4.2.1. Quality System
4.2.1.1. Entities accredited under these criteria shall establish and implement a management
system that is fully documented. This documented management system must
describe the procedures and quality activities for ensuring that fabricated products
meet the specified requirements.
4.2.1.2. A documented management system shall be prepared and submitted to IAS. The
documentation shall include a cross-reference matrix prepared in concert with an

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 IAS-accredited inspection agency ensuring that the general requirements in Section
4.2, personnel requirements in Section 4.3, data in Section 4.4, the statements in
Section 4.5, and the written procedures noted in Section 4.6 of these accreditation
criteria have been included.
4.2.1.3. The submitted management system must be signed and dated by the highest level of
authority within the organization.
4.2.1.4. The submitted quality assurance document must be signed and dated by an
authorized representative of an IAS-accredited inspection agency, attesting that the
inspection agency has reviewed the documented quality system and that it is
sufficient to allow scheduling of an onsite joint assessment with IAS.
4.2.2. The submitted management system documents must be reviewed at least annually.

4.3. Personnel
4.3.1. Quality Manager: Entities accredited under these criteria shall designate a quality
manager who has the necessary training and experience to complete the tasks listed in
Sections 4.3.1.1 through 4.3.1.5. The quality manager shall report directly to the
highest level of authority within the organization. The quality manager shall have the
following responsibilities:
4.3.1.1. Maintaining the documented management system in accordance with these criteria.
4.3.1.2. Monitoring the effective implementation of the documented management system.
4.3.1.3. Assuring that periodic internal audits are conducted and documented, and that
corrective actions are implemented.
4.3.1.4. Assuring that annual management reviews are conducted and documented to assure
the adequacy and effectiveness of the management system. Annual management
reviews must produce a summary and a documented plan of action for improvement.
Documents to be considered during the annual management review must include,
but are not limited to, customer complaints, back charges, internal audit results and
corrective actions.
4.3.1.5. Developing quality plans that meet contract documents, and having knowledge of
and access to the appropriate documents to meet this requirement.
4.3.2. In-house Quality Control (QC) Inspector: Entities accredited under these criteria
shall designate an in-house quality control inspector who, as a minimum, must have
verifiable work related experience and documented training. In addition, the quality
control inspector must:
4.3.2.1. Be familiar with and demonstrate knowledge of codes and specifications, as
appropriate, for the scope of work specified in the contract documents.

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 4.3.2.2. Be responsible for ensuring that incoming raw materials are properly identified and
inspected for compliance with quality plans and specifications.
4.3.2.3. Be responsible for ensuring and documenting that the final assembly can be traced
back to the incoming materials, the quality assurance records and the individual who
performed the work.
4.3.2.4. Be responsible for ensuring that fabrication of cold-formed steel products meets the
fabrication tolerances outlined in the contract documents.

4.4. Required Data

The name of the facility, the physical street address, mailing address (if different), information on
the person serving as the IAS contact (including the telephone number and e-mail address), and
the telephone number of the facility.
4.4.1. A floor plan of the fabrication facility. The floor plan need not be to scale.
4.4.2. A list of major production equipment.
4.4.3. A list of typical items fabricated.
4.4.4. The name of the deputy in-house QC inspector who assumes the position in the
absence of the primary in-house QC person.
4.4.5. An organizational chart including the names of the responsible quality managers. This
chart must show the relationships among the CEO, general manager, quality manager,
in-house quality control inspector, deputy in-house QC inspector, production manager.
4.4.6. A list of approved vendors.
4.4.7. A list of test and measuring equipment. Test and measuring equipment must be
calibrated and traceable to a national standard. The equipment list must include
sufficient testing instruments to assure quality compliance as appropriate for the items
being fabricated.

4.5. Required Statements

The following statements shall be provided in the quality system submittal:
4.5.1. A quality policy statement that includes the following elements:
4.5.1.1. All activities of the organization shall be directed in such a manner as to ensure that
the quality requirements of AC473 will be met.
4.5.1.2. The elements of the quality assurance program will be disseminated to all personnel
assigned activities that affect the quality of the product.
4.5.2. IAS will be notified in writing prior to any cancellation of the inspection agreement with
the accredited inspection agency.

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 4.5.3. Copies of reports of inspections conducted by the inspection agency, if they note major
quality control variations, will be forwarded to IAS within 10 days of the major deficiency
having been reported.
4.5.4. Entities accredited under these criteria will notify the inspection agency when the facility
is to be closed for extended time periods other than for normally scheduled periods for
maintenance or vacations, or for two or more weeks regardless of the circumstances of
the closure. IAS and the inspection agency will be notified 10 days prior to resumption
of operations.
4.5.5. IAS will be notified in writing by the accredited entity and the inspection agency if
unannounced, follow-up inspections have not been conducted by the inspection
agency.
4.5.6. IAS and the accredited inspection agency must be notified within 30 days of any
changes in management personnel. As a minimum, this would include the president,
general manager, purchasing manager, production manager, or quality manager.

4.6. Required Written Procedures

Entities accredited under these criteria shall submit written procedures for the following:
4.6.1. Document Control: Control of documents and data relating to the quality functions
must be provided. This control shall include the following:
4.6.1.1. A document approval procedure.
4.6.1.2. A procedure to ensure that only current, approved documents are used.
4.6.1.3. A procedure to ensure that documents are available at all locations where necessary
for the proper functioning of the management system.
4.6.2. Purchasing
4.6.2.1. Determining that purchased products will conform to specified requirements. The
procedure must include a requirement that the type and grade of material be
documented on the purchase order agreement.
4.6.2.2. Evaluation of subcontractors for their ability to meet subcontract requirements.
Evaluations may contain summaries or logs, but must include a means of quantifying
and measuring the ability of the subcontractor or supplier to provide quality products
or services consistent with the required shop documents.
4.6.3. Product Traceability: The traceability procedure must describe the method used to
ensure items are traceable as specified in the contract documents. Items that typically
require traceability are materials that are incorporated into the final product. The project
documents will determine if full materials traceability is required; however, the
accredited entity must have a procedure to meet the project needs for the type of

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 fabrication performed. In addition to project requirement needs, the accredited entity,
as a minimum, must have in their control traceability of the finished product to incoming
materials, inspectors, plans and specifications. The procedure must make provision for
documentation of this traceability on inspection forms or on a controlled copy of the
detail drawing.

As a minimum, all steel used and incorporated into the final cold-formed steel product
(ex.: secondary structural steel and panels) must be traceable to the type and grade of
material.
4.6.4. Process Control: There must be a procedure that identifies how process control is
communicated to appropriate personnel. Process control includes procedures such as
press-braking, press-forming, roll forming, cutting or saw operations, cambering and
coating. Examples of forms used in the process control procedure are cut lists,
standard drawings or detail drawings. The procedure must describe the accredited
entity’s method of communicating and establishing priorities of such operations.
4.6.5. Inspection and Testing: The inspection procedure shall include provisions for receipt,
in-process and final inspections, as appropriate, to provide a level of assurance that
products are fabricated in accordance with contract documents by qualified personnel.
Final inspections shall include a record of the results and resolution of
nonconformances identified by subsequent inspections. As a minimum, inspection
procedures shall include the following:
4.6.5.1. Receiving inspection of incoming materials to the required specification, including
review of mill test reports and certificates of conformance to ensure compliance with
contract documents.
4.6.5.2. In-process inspection for workmanship that can affect subsequent operations.
(Examples of in-process inspections are areas requiring coatings that will not be
accessible during final inspection, monitoring of operations as appropriate, fabrication
tolerances and monitoring of roll-forming operations for shape tolerances). There
must be documentation ensuring personnel performing assigned inspections have
been trained on the specific tasks that are delegated.
4.6.5.3. There must be a record of the final inspection ensuring that receiving, in-process and
final inspections have been performed.
4.6.5.4. Entities accredited under these criteria shall provide a procedure to ensure
compliance with the following Metal Construction Association/Steel Coalition industry
commitment: Roofing products (and/or decking products) that are to be walked upon
shall be free of visible liquid lubricants when they are shipped from the plant. The coil

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 ordering and manufacturing processes shall not generate significant levels of dry
residue on walking surfaces at the time of shipment.
4.6.6. Control of Inspection, Measuring and Test Equipment: There must be a
maintenance schedule, including calibration procedures, for testing equipment.
Wherever possible, calibration services shall be provided by a calibration laboratory
accredited by IAS or by an accreditation body that is a partner with IAS in a mutual
recognition arrangement.

It is recognized there may not be nationally recognized standards available for unique
testing equipment. When such instances exist, calibration procedures must be in
compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations to the extent that such testing
equipment is calibrated to ensure consistency with the required measuring capabilities.
It is the accredited entity’s responsibility to ensure that such testing equipment is
approved prior to use.
4.6.7. Control of Nonconforming Workmanship: Procedures shall be established for
identifying, documenting and assigning the disposition of nonconforming items.
4.6.8. Corrective Action: The procedure for corrective action shall include investigating,
documenting and correcting nonconformances. The procedure must include a provision
to preclude repetition.
4.6.9. Handling, storage and delivery procedures shall include identifying and storing of
incoming materials and finished products as appropriate to minimize damage and
deterioration.
4.6.10. Internal Audits: Entities accredited under these criteria shall identify the frequency,
method of documentation and the content of internal audits to determine the
effectiveness of the quality system. Audits shall include a summary that compares the
most recent audit to the previous audit, and shall include the elements of AC473.
Internal audit frequency shall not be less than once per year.
4.6.11. Control of Quality Records: Entities accredited under these criteria must determine
methods for storing, maintaining and accessing quality records for a minimum of two
years. Quality records must include at least the following:
4.6.11.1. Completed in-house quality inspection reports, forms, and checklists.
4.6.11.2. Manufacturer test reports and certificates of compliance from vendors, for
incoming materials and consumables.
4.6.11.3. Copies of inspection reports by the inspection agency.
4.6.11.4. Records of internal audits.
4.6.11.5. Training records.

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 4.6.11.6. Evaluations of vendors and subcontractors.
4.6.12. Training: There must be a procedure for the training of personnel who have an effect
on the quality of the finished product. The procedure must include provision for
maintaining current personnel qualifications. As a minimum, there must be training
requirements established for inspectors, assistant inspectors, and machine operators.

4.7. Control of Required Procedures

Contract Review: The quality manager must ensure that contract quality requirements are met.
The quality manager will be responsible for reviewing any instructions and/or procedures relative
to activities affecting quality to determine if they are properly understood and implemented.

As a minimum, the following elements must be documented to ensure that contract reviews are
managed, controlled, and successfully implemented and communicated to appropriate
personnel:
4.7.1. Quality plans to ensure that fabrication conforms to the most recent project
specifications.
4.7.2. As a minimum, quality plans shall address the following:
4.7.2.1. Material: ASTM Grade and Type:
4.7.2.1.1. Origin of materials
4.7.2.1.2. Substitution requirements
4.7.2.1.3. Material test report requirements
4.7.2.2. Workmanship:
4.7.2.2.1. Cutting of components
4.7.2.2.2. Drilling or punching of holes
4.7.2.2.3. Edge distance
4.7.2.2.4. Cambering, bending, straightening
4.7.2.2.5. Dimensional tolerances
4.7.3. Required inspections and sequence of inspections to verify conformance of an item or
activity to specified requirements.
4.7.3.1. Receiving
4.7.3.2. In-process
4.7.3.3. Final
4.7.3.4. Records and reports
4.7.4. Acceptance criteria for inspections required in the contract documents for the scope of
the project.
4.7.5. Shipping, packaging and handling requirements.

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5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (AS APPLICABLE)
Steel Coalition Lubricant Task Group Final Report, approved for distribution May 14, 2002.

6. LINKS TO ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

6.1. IAS – www.iasonline.org
6.2. International Code Council – www.iccsafe.org
6.3. MBMA – www.mbma.com

These criteria were previously issued May 2010, June 2013 and April 2017.

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