Building Safety Departments need to provide formal continuous training for Inspectors. With the slowdown in construction; now is a good time to start meeting that need. Every Building Safety Department should have a continuous training program; that evaluates, supports, and provides continuous training for the Inspectors.
It doesn't have to be expensive trips to ICC's or other seminars. There are numerous opportunities that are available for in-house, on-site (construction site), and internet training; at little to no cost to the AHJ; that will produce more competent and confident, Inspectors.
Building Officials have a responsiblity to do everything in their power to provide this training; and to evaluate the results.
Here are a few ideas:
Examine Inspection reports that Inspectors turned in; before the training and for some time after the training.
Research available internet training from professional organizations like APA, and WTCA; and instructional material (installation requirements, and code references) from organizations like the Gypsum Association, Simpson Strong-Tie, and many others; much of it "FREE"; and some that cost very little compaired to sending the Inspector to a (in many cases an all expenses paid vacation) Seminar.
Contact the material manufacturers and/or their associated organizations. Truss and Engineered wood manufacturers in your area are usually happy to provide on-site training to Inspectors; including how to read TJI layouts and Truss Design Drawings, and how to inspect them.
Inspect the Inspector. This one almost caused me to quite; when my Building Official had a more knowledgeable and experienced (and much younger) Inspector re-inspect some of "my inspectons" and, occasionally, did the same himself. Today, I can't thank them enough.
Require at least one new Certification per year. This develops a positive learning attitude and instills pride.
In an interview I watched; Ross Perot was asked, " To what do you attribute your success?". He answered, "I hire people who are smarter than me."
Uncle Bob
It doesn't have to be expensive trips to ICC's or other seminars. There are numerous opportunities that are available for in-house, on-site (construction site), and internet training; at little to no cost to the AHJ; that will produce more competent and confident, Inspectors.
Building Officials have a responsiblity to do everything in their power to provide this training; and to evaluate the results.
Here are a few ideas:
Examine Inspection reports that Inspectors turned in; before the training and for some time after the training.
Research available internet training from professional organizations like APA, and WTCA; and instructional material (installation requirements, and code references) from organizations like the Gypsum Association, Simpson Strong-Tie, and many others; much of it "FREE"; and some that cost very little compaired to sending the Inspector to a (in many cases an all expenses paid vacation) Seminar.
Contact the material manufacturers and/or their associated organizations. Truss and Engineered wood manufacturers in your area are usually happy to provide on-site training to Inspectors; including how to read TJI layouts and Truss Design Drawings, and how to inspect them.
Inspect the Inspector. This one almost caused me to quite; when my Building Official had a more knowledgeable and experienced (and much younger) Inspector re-inspect some of "my inspectons" and, occasionally, did the same himself. Today, I can't thank them enough.
Require at least one new Certification per year. This develops a positive learning attitude and instills pride.
In an interview I watched; Ross Perot was asked, " To what do you attribute your success?". He answered, "I hire people who are smarter than me."
Uncle Bob
