TABB specifications—now available on CD-ROM or Online at www.tabbcertified.org - TABB Talk

Engineered Systems, May, 2003

The Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB) is pleased to announce that specifications for testing, adjusting and balancing of HVAC/R systems are available to architects and engineers. The ten-page specification is available on CD-ROM and on the Internet at http://www.tabbcertified.org/engin/engineers.shtml. The document may be used in its entirety or individual items may be cut and pasted directly into a building's general specifications.

TABB's specifications meet all standards according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other leading industry associations.

"We wanted to assist engineers and architects with the complicated process of specifying the testing, adjusting and balancing of an HVAC/R system," said Bill Freese, TABB's Co-Chair, and member of the Board of Directors of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA). "The specification is an easily available, quality assure resource that will enable engineers and architects to confidentially obtain a certified contractor to ensure that the procedures used will bring the systems to their optimum performance."

By utilizing tools such as this, TABB seeks to ensure the integrity of its certification. Cornerstones of the TABB program include: (a) setting eligibility criteria for TABB-Certified Supervisors and Contractors; (b) establishing testing procedures for TABB-Certified Supervisors; (c) requiring continuing education and continuous compliance with eligibility criteria for renewal of certification; and (d) periodically reviewing the technician certification.

To obtain the TABB Specification CD-ROM, call 1800-458-6525 or download it from http://www.tabbcertified, org/engin/engineers.shtml.

TABB is currently discussing the creation of a specification tool that can be customized by selecting menu options. This web-based service would allow an architect or engineer to choose specific items such as qualifications, products, installation tolerances, and procedures and, at the click of a mouse, create a master specification that is reflective of the scope of work for which it is intended.

"No job has the same scope of work as any other," said Freese. "Not only would this service make creating the specification easier for individual projects, but the engineer would have the same quality assurance and peace of mind that comes with the TABB Certification."

TABB TALK will keep you posted on new developments for specifications as they become available.