Under which condition are special inspections not required for a fabricator?

Special inspections may not be required if the fabricator has received explicit approval from the building official. This scenario acknowledges the discretion that building officials have in applying special inspection requirements based on assessed conditions, including the competence of the fabricator and the quality assurance systems in place.

When a building official approves a fabricator, it often indicates that their quality control processes, compliance with relevant standards, and previous performance have met the expectations that warrant a departure from standard inspection requirements. This flexibility can be crucial, allowing for more efficient project execution while maintaining safety and quality assurance standards.

In contrast, the other conditions presented do not universally exempt a fabricator from special inspections. Distance from the project site, the length of documented experience, or even the existence of a quality control program might influence inspection needs, but do not automatically eliminate the requirement for special inspections without the building official's direct approval.