What role do follow-up inspections play in the certification process?

Follow-up inspections are essential in the certification process as they ensure ongoing compliance with established safety and quality standards after the initial certification has been granted. These inspections serve to verify that the products, systems, or structures continue to meet the requirements set forth by the appropriate building codes and regulations over time.

Maintaining certification is crucial because circumstances can change, such as deterioration of materials, changes in usage, or updates to building codes. Regular follow-up inspections help identify any deviations from compliance that may compromise safety or performance. This consistent oversight helps maintain public safety and confidence in the systems or products certified.

While initial safety compliance is important, it is the follow-up inspections that focus on maintaining those standards long-term. The need for re-certification typically arises from a lack of compliance, which follow-up inspections help avoid. Additionally, although product marketing may benefit from certification, this is not the primary role of follow-up inspections in the certification process.