In 2007, the IICRC had an unprecedented nine percent increase since September 2006 in Certified Firms, bringing the total number of firms, as of mid September, to 5,040.
The IICRC Standards were another top priority. In 2005, the IICRC was approved as a standard writing organization by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI accreditation requires commitment, and this year the standard committees worked harder than ever. A committee was formed to review and update the S100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning in preparation for the ANSI approval process. The IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation is also undergoing revisions, and the third edition of the ANSI/IICRC S500-2006 Standard and Reference Guide for Water Damage Restoration, rewritten and updated in 2006, has been widely accepted by the restoration community.
The IICRC also worked to expand its offerings and reach. To facilitate global expansion, a company was hired to administer Australia and New Zealand operations. The IICRC body in England has also forged ahead as a leader in the European cleaning and restoration industry.
To address pending legislation that could impact IICRC registrants in the U.S. the IICRC president, Ruth Travis, appointed former IICRC president, Dan Bernazzani, to head up a government affairs committee. Technical Advisory Committees reviewed and updated certification exams and course outlines. The IICRC began to develop the Applied Sewage Remediation Technician certification, bringing the number of IICRC certifications to 23. The IICRC also appointed Chris Taylor, ASD Chair, to chair a task force on restoration of large, commercial buildings.
Looking forward, the IICRC will continue to work to increase the number of Certified Firms as well as the number of IICRC Certified Technicians to meet the increased demands of the consuming public.
Remaining steadfast in its commitment to standard writing and ANSI accreditation to strengthen the organization’s credibility, and yours, they will broaden the IICRC’s reach within the commercial market and revitalize the Apprentice Program. To further IICRC international expansion, they plan to expand operations in Japan.
The work will continue to fulfill the primary missions of the IICRC: to be the leading, independent, non-profit, certification and international standard-setting body within the cleaning, inspection, and restoration industry; to set and promote high ethical standards; and to advance communication, collaboration and technical proficiency.
IICRC Oceania:
(02) 9281 4702
or visit
www.iicrc.org.au