Question:
As a code official, where can I get trained on the design and inspection of steel homes? Are there any inspection checklists that I can use?
Answer:
The Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) provides Building/Field Inspector & Plan Checker Seminars for building officials. These seminars are designed to help expedite the construction process by increasing the understanding of fundamental design and installation principles of cold-formed steel construction. Building officials/inspectors become proficient in the use of the Prescriptive Method and the IRC steel provisions, and are able to determine if it has been properly applied. To request training for your jurisdiction, or for more information, email training@steelframingalliance.com. An inspection checklist is also available through the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute at www.cfsei.org/. The checklist was developed for commercial applications, but can be used for residential inspections. You can also look up a local chapter of the Steel Alliances (there are a total of four alliances), which provide training and educational support to the inspectors and code officials in their jurisdictions. A list of the local alliances can be found at the www.steelframingalliance.com. Training sessions for inspectors and code officials are also routinely conducted at national shows and conferences such as Metalcon, AWCI, and PACRIM.