Professionals – and the consumers they serve – need consistent benchmarks to measure how well quality, value and service are being delivered. That’s why IICRC Standards Director Mili Washington is guiding several new and revised standards that will be developed as American National Standards (ANS).
New and updated ANSs will define enduring “standards of care” instead of fleeting “state of the art” or “current practices,” which will continue to create industry-accepted language and terminology that enables us to discuss universal concepts and procedures regarding cleaning, restoration and inspection. A common language makes it easier for professionals to assess goals for customers and establishes credibility across the industry.
We are currently in the process of creating a new standard and reference guide revising several current standards including:
Additionally, in July, we initiated a revision of S100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning.
The IICRC’s enhanced website (iicrc.org) offers current information on standards development activities, including a status update on each standard, meeting notices and contact details. More information is also available through ANSI Standards Action, press releases and the new IICRC e-newsletter. Additionally, to remain aligned with the ANSI Essential Requirements for due process and documentation, we are also using the KAVI online workspace tools for all our active Consensus Body members to access and share information, conduct online balloting, review action items and check upcoming meetings which will result in efficient and effective record retention responsibilities.
Beyond the website and online communication, Mrs. Washington, certified Associate Standards Professional (AStD), will address the IICRC standards development process at the annual technical conference of the Environmental Information Association on Oct. 12 in Washington, D.C.; and, we will continue to look for opportunities for the IICRC to present on its standards development process at various conferences and tradeshows.
For our standards development to continue its successful path, we will need volunteers – new and experienced – to help us reach our true potential for new and improved methods, resources and science. In conjunction with Mrs. Washington’s leadership, we consistently need a diverse group of volunteers with subject-matter expertise representing all aspects of our industry. This is an exciting time and you have an opportunity to have an impact in your industry’s certification and standards development. Serving as a volunteer provides a way to give back and make real change, ultimately benefitting our industry as a whole and helping volunteers be on the cutting edge of consensus body information, resources and science.
Through Washington’s leadership and our dedicated volunteers, the IICRC can reach its goal of being recognized as developing the most credible, collaborative and up-to-date standards of care for our allied industries.