USDA’s New Framework for Animal Facility Emergency Management
Understanding USDA APHIS Contingency Planning and Training Rule Implementation The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has mandated comprehensive emergency planning requirements for facilities handling regulated animals. This regulation impacts research institutions, animal exhibitors, dealers, and transportation services across the United States. Key Compliance Requirements for Animal Facilities Under the Contingency Planning and […]
Key Takeaways from Washington’s 2025 Industrial Stormwater General Permit: What Businesses Need to Know
As of January 1, 2025, Washington State’s new Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP) will take effect, marking the beginning of a new regulatory cycle that will last until December 31, 2029. This update replaces the 2020 ISGP, which expires at the end of 2024, and introduces several important changes aimed at reducing industrial stormwater pollution […]
Key Updates to AISC Certification for Fabricators in 2025
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) released important updates in 2024 to their Building Fabricator (BU) certification requirements, introducing several key changes that will impact both new applicants and existing certified fabricators. These updates strengthen the focus on practical demonstration of capabilities and technical competency. Active Fabrication Requirement In perhaps the most significant change, […]
AISC Removes Safety Plan Requirements for Steel Erectors: What This Means for Your Certification in 2025
In a significant shift, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has announced the removal of safety requirements from their Erector Certification program, effective January 1, 2025. This landmark decision, detailed in Certification Bulletin 2024-08, represents an unprecedented change in industry standards – it’s rare to see a certification requirement being eliminated rather than added. […]
API Spec Q1 vs ISO 9001: What You Need to Know
Many businesses find themselves asking, “Do we need ISO 9001, API Spec Q1, or both?” The answer depends on your industry and the level of quality assurance your operations demand. While ISO 9001 provides a universally recognized framework for quality management across industries, API Spec Q1 takes things a step further, catering specifically to the […]
Nuclear’s Tech Revolution: Why AISC N690 Certification Matters More Than Ever
The landscape of nuclear energy is transforming rapidly, with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon leading a new wave of nuclear power adoption. As these companies plan advanced reactor facilities and data centers powered by nuclear energy, the importance of AISC N690 certification has never been more critical. The Evolution of Nuclear Structural Standards […]
Getting Ready for Your AMPP QP 1 Audit: Key Tips and Checklist
Obtaining and maintaining an AMPP QP 1 certification is crucial for companies in the protective coatings industry. This certification demonstrates your team’s commitment to quality standards and best practices in applying durable protective coatings. To make the certification process clearer and more manageable, we’ve developed this guide to help you navigate the steps for your […]
Simplifying SSPC QP1 / AAMP QP1 Certification
SSPC QP1 and AAMP QP1 certifications are highly regarded in the coating industry, demonstrating a contractor’s commitment to quality, safety, and environmental compliance. Achieving SSPC QP1 and AAMP QP1 certifications can be challenging for coating contractors. Freer Consulting helps simplify the process by assisting contractors in overcoming common hurdles. Developing a comprehensive Quality Management System […]
The AISC Certification Audit: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Obtaining AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) certification is a significant milestone for steel fabricators, demonstrating their commitment to quality, safety, and industry best practices. However, the certification process can be challenging, particularly when it comes to the audit phase. In this post, we’ll discuss what fabricators can expect during an AISC certification audit and […]
API Q1 Implementation Challenges
ISO/TS 29001:2010, also known as API Specification Q1, is a quality management system standard specifically designed for organizations in the petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industry supply chain. This standard outlines the quality management requirements for product and service supply organizations in this sector. ISO/API Spec Q1 is applicable to organizations of various sizes and […]