This Information bulletin is to outline the procedures for acceptance of fabrication of building components where such fabrication is performed on the premises of a fabricator’s shop.

I. What is an Approved Fabricator?

A fabricator is considered approved by the City when it is listed by a recognized listing agency. Special inspections specified in CBC, Chapter 17 are not required during fabrication of building components where such fabrication is performed on the premises of an approved fabricator’s shop.

The City may approve other listing agencies. To be considered as an approved listing agency, the agency must submit its acceptance criteria and quality control plan to the City for evaluation as equivalent to those of the International Accreditation Services (IAS), and that the listing agency responsible or monitoring the effectiveness of the quality control program does so for all work performed by the fabricator.

The following are listing agencies recognized by the City:

1. City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, Approved Fabricators 
2. American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)  
3. American Welding Society, Certified Welding Fabricator
4. Fabrication of Open-Web Steel Joists and Girders: Steel Joist Institute (SJI) 
5. International Accreditation Service (ICC/IAS)
6. Fabrication of Precast/Prestressed/Posttensioned Concrete Building Components:
   • • Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
     • Post-Tensioning Institute 
     • American Concrete Institute 

II. Non-Approved Fabricator

Fabricators may be permitted to perform fabrication of components for buildings and structures within the premises of their shop provided that, special inspections as noted on the approved plans (continuous or periodic) are performed during the fabrication process by special inspector(s) registered by the City.

For a list of Registered Special Inspectors, refer to the Special Inspection information on the department’s web page.

III. Forms to Complete

Each fabricator of building components shall complete the following forms:

1. Off-Site Fabrication Compliance Form (DS-311)
   Submit this form for approval prior to commencing fabrication of any component.
2. All non-approved fabricators selecting option B on Form DS-311 must complete the form and provide the name and registered number of the special inspector who will be performing the required special inspections for the shop welding. The special inspector will be required to submit a final report of compliance upon completion of fabrication.

IV. Special Inspector Requirements

Special Inspectors performing inspections of fabrication of components, for buildings and structures within the premises of a non-approved fabrication shop, shall provide a final special inspections report (DS-3101) of inspections as noted on the approved plans (continuous or periodic performed during the fabrication process.