Mili Washington

IICRC is recognized as the premier standards-writing organization in the cleaning, inspection, restoration, and hard surface industries. IICRC standards are accredited as American National Standards, which have been developed using a rigorous process of compliance and procedural oversight by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The process is open, balanced, and requires consensus by the committee developing the standard. In addition, each standard is available for an open public review and comment period to ensure stakeholder input is incorporated into the document. The result is a credible and collaborative standard-of-care document that uses reliable, industry-accepted terminology to describe concepts and procedures needed when providing cleaning, inspection, restoration, and hard surface services. IICRC standards range from water damage remediation to crime and trauma scene cleanup, with new standards currently being developed for fire and smoke restoration and illicit drugs residue cleanup. Well, that’s great! But how does it impact you and your business? Consider this: Your customers want services that are high quality, reliable, consistent, and safe. Following industry standards helps your firm streamline processes, trim costs, build credibility, and earn customer loyalty, which ultimately boosts your bottom line. Further, in the event of a conflict where parties are seeking legal recourse, the court or insurance company will typically review the industry standard requirements and rule in favor of procedures or requirements as laid out in the document. Although voluntary consensus standards, such as IICRC standards, are not mandated by regulation, following them can provide a level of protection against potential legal liability. Why Should I Participate? ANSI/IICRC standards are voluntary consensus-based standards that are accepted as the standard of care in the industry. Those who participate can vote on the standard and can influence what is included and what is not. IICRC needs your help to develop the highest quality standards in the industry today. What’s the Difference Between a Standard and a Reference Guide? ANSI/IICRC standards summarize important procedures and methodologies, while IICRC reference guides restate and further explain those procedures and methodologies and provide background information that supports the standard. Although the material in the reference guide does not carry the official status of a standard, the two sections complement one another and should be considered in tandem. Why Does the IICRC Develop Standards? As one of the first organizations to serve as a resource to others in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry, we set out to create a set of best practices—or standards—to connect our industries together. Our standards serve to develop common, industry-accepted language that enables us to more universally discuss concepts and procedures regarding cleaning, inspection, and restoration. Through this discussion, we can grow the industry together. What Is ANSI and Why Do IICRC Standards Need to Be ANSI Accredited? As previously mentioned, ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. ANSI oversees and verifies the development and use of national consensus standards in many different industries. If an IICRC standard is accredited by ANSI, it means ANSI has recognized and verified that the requirements for due process and consensus have been met by IICRC. IICRC voluntarily chooses to follow ANSI policies and procedures to develop the highest quality standards possible. What Does It Mean to Have an ANSI-Accredited Standard? ANSI accreditation means that a standard has been created using an open and fair development process and that the committees have followed principles of consensus, balance, and lack of dominance in developing the standards. Rules and processes are followed to ensure that a standard doesn’t represent or favor one industry, company, or person and that a standard is created using a balance of interests for the good of the industry. Why Is It Important to Follow Standards? Simply put, standards work. Standards are created to find the best possible method of performing a specific task. The methods are presented by industry experts, debated, agreed upon through consensus, and reviewed extensively by industry peers to ensure they are fair and work as intended. Standards ensure the method of cleaning, restoration, or inspection being performed is in fact the best and most effective option. They reduce redundancy, errors, time spent on a job, and costs. How Can I Use Standards to Grow My Business? Customers demand quality, reliability, safety, and effectiveness—all of which result from following industry standards. By promoting that you follow ANSI/IICRC standards, you are demonstrating your expertise to current and future custom ers and instilling confidence and credibility in your services. Who Can Be a Part of the Consensus Bodies That Develop Standards? Anyone affected in any way by IICRC standards is invited to participate in their development. As part of the ANSI rules, consensus bodies must be made up of a “balanced committee.” This means the committee needs to have an equal number of representatives from the following three categories: No. 1: Producers Producers are individuals or organizations who produce, manufacture, or supply goods and/or services covered by a standard, such as manufacturers and retailers of carpets, cushions and adhesives, cleaning tools, chemicals, and equipment. No. 2: Users A user is an individual who will be using the standard and/or performing the services covered by the standard, including installers, retailers, architects, cleaning and restoration firms, remediators, and facility service providers. No. 3: General Interest General interest parties are those individuals or organizations directly and materially affected by the standard and otherwise interested in the goods and services covered by the standard, such as academia and government representatives. In addition to following standards, representatives can actively participate in the standards development process to maintain or gain market share and secure a competitive edge over those who do not participate. Without your influence and input, your competitors can dictate the way you should do business through the content of a standard. You can become involved as a voting member or as a nonvoting participant (reviewer, advisor, or public review commenter). Participation gives you a voice, and we invite you to make yours heard! How Can I Get Involved in the Standards

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Mili Washington

Standards Director, IICRC

Articles by Mili Washington

IICRC Standards

Health and Safety

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