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Special Inspections

Special inspections are ‘inspection of selected materials, equipment, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections, to ensure compliance with approved construction  documents and referenced standards as required by this chapter or elsewhere in this code or its referenced standards’ (BC 1702.1, definition for Special Inspections). Special inspections must be performed by Special Inspectors on behalf of a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA).

Registration Requirements for Special Inspection Agencies

Inspector Requirements

  • Qualifications. Qualified individual employed by a Special Inspection Agency. For more information see Special Inspection qualifications. 
  • Certification. Special Inspectors must have all required certificates as required in Appendix A of the Special Inspection Rule.

Agency Requirements

  • Registration. In accordance with 1 RCNY §101-06, agencies performing special inspections must be registered with the Department
  • Accreditation. Class 1 Special Inspection Agencies must be accredited by the International Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS) or an equivalent accreditation agency accrediting to ASTM E329-07. Special Inspection Agencies must obtain accreditation for all Class 1 inspections by May 13, 2013. Please view the List of Recognized Accrediting Bodies.
  • Insurance Requirements.  
    • Professional liability/Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy for a minimum of $500,000 (occurrence based), for the term of the registration.
      EXCEPTION - General liability insurance is already required of agencies whose Director is not a registered design professional, and limited to performing inspections of:
      -  Fuel-oil storage and piping
      -  Fire alarm tests
      -  Sprinkler systems
      -  Standpipe systems
      -  Emergency power systems
      -  Site storm drainage disposal and detention system installation
      -  Structure
      -  Small Projects
    • Insurance required by the provisions of the New York State Workers' Compensation and Disability Law. All Special Inspection Agencies must have workers’ compensation insurance or a waiver.

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