Commissioning Manual
Commissioning Manual
Commissioning Manual
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION
BOARD
COMMISSIONING MANUAL
Master revision 11-05
THE SHEET METAL INDUSTRY
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION BOARD
© Copyright, 2005
The Sheet Metal Industry International Certification Board
Edward F. Carlough Plaza
601 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 250
Alexandria, VA 22314
800/458-6525 (703/299-5646)
www.tabbcertified.org
TABB Commissioning Certification Manual Contents
Foreword on ICB and TABB.......................................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Purpose and Overview............................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Amendment and Interpretation .................................................................................................. 2
1.3 The Meaning of Certification/Qualification ................................................................................. 2
1.4 Certification Documents............................................................................................................. 3
1.5 Technician Qualification............................................................................................................. 3
1.6 For More Information ................................................................................................................. 4
3
Foreword on ICB and TABB
The Sheet Metal Industry International Certification Board (the ICB) is a committee of the National Energy
Management Institute Committee (NEMIC). NEMIC is itself a labor management committee trust fund
established by the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air
Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA).
The ICB establishes standards for international certification programs in the sheet metal industry. It also
implements certification programs for technicians, supervisors, and contractors. The ICB does so via
particular bureaus. One of these bureaus is the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB) of the
ICB. TABB establishes and directs an international certification program for technicians, supervisors, and
contractors engaged in commissioning of all building environmental systems.
The International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry (the “ITI”) also is a
trust fund established by the SMWIA and SMACNA. The ITI trains and certifies technicians in HVAC –
testing, adjusting and balancing, commissioning and sound, and vibration testing.
TABB recognizes ITI certification of technicians in HVAC testing adjusting and balancing, to TABB
standards, for TABB certification program. TABB also recognizes certification of HVAC TAB technicians
by the organization(s) identified on Appendix 1B of this manual.
A TABB Certified Technician is a technician whose certification is recognized by TABB, and who accepts
TABB rules and standards and agrees to sign and follow TABB’s Technician Integrity and Stamp
Agreement Appendix 1A.
A TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor is one who meets TABB qualifications, experience
requirements and successfully passes the TABB Commissioning Supervisor Examination.
A TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor is one who has applied for certification and deemed to meet
qualifications set forth by TABB and as outlined in this manual, can become a TABB Certified
Commissioning Contractor.
TABB may change any and all certification requirements and procedures without notice. TABB alone
may interpret and apply requirements and procedures set forth in this Manual. Any questions concerning
TABB certification may be addressed to TABB. Contact information is included in this Manual.
1
Section 1
Introduction
1.1 PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW
This Manual states how one can become a TABB Certified Technician, a TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor, or a TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor. TABB Certified
Technician status is available to TAB certified HVAC testing, adjusting, and balancing technicians
who qualify per Section 1.5 of this Manual.
Section 2 of this Manual focuses on TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor standards and
requirements.
Section 3 of the Manual focuses on TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor standards and
requirements.
TABB alone will interpret and administer its standards and procedures, including those set forth
in this Manual. TABB may waive or modify any requirement. TABB decision is not subject to
review by anyone else.
TABB may at any time adopt, change or discard rules and guidelines for the TABB’s internal
processes with respect to various certification-related activities, and/or set standards for the
certification process.
1.3 THE MEANING OF CERTIFICATION/QUALIFICATION
Certification is a statement that the TABB Certified Technician, TABB Certified Commissioning
Supervisor, or TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor has met TABB’s standards for
certification. The aim of TABB’s Certification Standards is to ensure that TABB Certified
Technicians, TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors and TABB Certified Commissioning
Contractors are competent, reliable and qualified professionals.
One requirement of maintaining TABB Certification is continuing compliance with the TABB Code
of Conduct. That Code of Conduct includes the general standard which certification represents:
What TABB qualification or certification should mean to the customer is that this standard has
been met.
2
1.4 CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
Upon verification that TABB Certified Technicians, TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors or
TABB Certified Commissioning Contractors have met the minimum TABB standards for
certification and/or recognition, TABB will issue the following:
A. A certificate including:
1. Date of certification,
2. Name
3. Other pertinent information.
B. For TABB Certified Technicians and endorsement on their TABB HVAC testing adjusting
and balancing certification card, and identification stamp with the following:
Certification is for two years. See the General Rules in this Manual.
Each certificate, certification card and identification stamp is paid for by and remains the
property of TABB. A charge will be assessed to replace lost or damaged certification
documents or stamp. Certification documents must be surrendered to TABB whenever
TABB demands. Misuse of, or misrepresentation concerning, any identification stamp or
certificate may lead to withdrawal of certification, and rescission of the certificate, card
and stamp.
TABB does not at this time separately train, test or itself certify testing, adjusting and balancing
technicians. TABB has determined to recognize and accept the ITI certification or other,
comparable recognition by other organizations, which TABB is satisfied trains and/or tests
technicians to acceptable standards. The other organizations whose technician
certification/recognition is recognized by TABB are identified on Appendix 2B.
The General Rules set forth in this Manual apply to the Technician qualification process, and
TABB Certified Technicians.
3
1.6 FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on becoming an ITI - Certified Technician, contact the ITI at:
For more information on TABB Certified Technician, TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor
or TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor Certification, contact TABB at:
Email: [email protected]
www.tabbcertified.org
4
Appendix 1A
Stamp #______________________________
Issue Date____________________________
The Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (“TABB”) of NEMIC implements and administers a
certification program for certain persons in the field of commissioning of building and environmental
systems (“Commissioning Work”). NEMIC owns rights to the TABB Commissioning Technician stamp
(the “Stamp”) affixed above, and to the TABB mark imprinted above (the “Mark”).
TABB has and enforces certain standards and rules (the “TABB Standards”) in connection with use of the
Stamp and/or the Mark, and otherwise. “TABB Standards” include the TABB Code of Conduct, the
“General Rules” and sample specifications and other applicable provisions of the TABB Commissioning
Certification Manual, and other standards from time to time adopted by TABB, and the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
1. Technician Acceptance of TABB Standards. The Technician accepts, and agrees to be subject
to, TABB Standards. The Technician acknowledges having received and/or reviewed the TABB
Code of Conduct and the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual.
The Technician shall perform, and use the Stamp to certify to, TAB Work, and otherwise use the
Stamp, solely in accordance with TABB Standards. The Technician acknowledges the right of
TABB, and agrees to cooperate with TABB, to ensure that the Technician, and the nature and
quality of TAB Work performed in connection with use of the Stamp (and/or in connection with the
Mark), conform to TABB Standards.
Specifically, and without limiting the breadth of the above, the Technician acknowledges and
agrees that his or her TABB qualification may be lost or withdrawn, and/or she or he may be
sanctioned, as provided in or pursuant to the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual.
5
2. License. In consideration for the Technician’s acceptance of, and agreement to be subject to and
comply with, TABB Standards. NEMIC hereby grants to the Technician a nonexclusive and
nontransferable license to use the Stamp. This Agreement does NOT permit use of the Mark,
except only as it is part of the Stamp.
3. Use of the Stamp. The Technician will use the Stamp only as to TAB Work performed by the
Technician, in accordance with TABB standards. Use of the Stamp by any person other than the
Technician, or use in a manner contrary to the TABB Standards, is forbidden and will result in
immediate termination of this Agreement and Technician’s permitted use of the Stamp.
4. Extent of License. This Agreement is (i) nontransferable; (ii) nonexclusive; and (iii) revocable by
NEMIC at any time with or without cause. Upon revocation, the Technician shall cease to use the
Stamp and shall return it to NEMIC.
5. Ownership of the Stamp and Quality Standards. NEMIC is and will remain the owner of the
Stamp and the Mark. This Agreement does not give the Technician any right, title or interest in or
to the Stamp and/or the Mark (other than a right of use per the terms of this Agreement). The
Technician will not challenge NEMIC’s ownership of the Stamp and/or the Mark, or the terms of
this Agreement.
The Technician will surrender the Stamp to NEMIC upon its demand, whether in connection with
loss of the Technician’s TABB qualification (per TABB Standards), termination of this Agreement,
or otherwise. At that time, the Technician’s name will also be removed from TABB’s Certified
Technician listing.
6. Loss or Damage. If the Stamp is lost or damaged, the Technician shall pay NEMIC $50 for a
replacement.
Address:_______________________________________________________________
(please provide a street address - no PO Box) City
Technician’s Signature_______________________________________________________
6
Appendix 1B
TABB-Recognized
Technician Certification
TABB recognizes and accepts certification of commissioning/testing, adjusting and balancing technicians
by the following organizations:
The International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry (ITI); and
NOTE: TABB recognition and acceptance of technician certification by an organization shall extend only
to a technician who meets all requirements for certification by the organization, and only for so
long as:
(a) the technician meets all of those requirements,
(b) the technician continues to be certified by the organization, and
(c) the technician certification is in good standing.
(d) the technician signs the TABB Technician Integrity and Stamp Agreement
7
Appendix 1C
8
Section 2
TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor
2.1 WHAT CERTIFICATION MEANS
2.1.1 Generally
Please Note: TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors may sign reports or otherwise
use TABB Certification only during and in the course of the TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor’s employment by a TABB Certified Commissioning
Contractor. Loss of qualifying employment will result in indefinite suspension of the
Commissioning Supervisor’s right to use TABB Certification, until the earlier of: (a) the
supervisor’s return to qualifying employment, or (b) expiration of the supervisor’s TABB
Certification.
The TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor’s project goal should be that contract
obligations, as set forth in the contract drawings and specifications, would be fulfilled to
the highest level of quality. A TABB Certified Technician should work directly with the
TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor and direct the actions of testing, adjusting
and balancing technicians on the project. The TABB Certified Commissioning
Supervisor should ensure use of commissioning procedures that impose minimum
restrictions on the HVAC systems. Before performing any commissioning work, the
TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor should review with the TABB Certified
Technicians performing the work the following documents:
1. Contract Documents
2. Contract Specifications
3. Addenda
4. Submittal data
5. Shop Drawings
6. Airflow Diagrams
7. Automatic Control drawings
The TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor should verify that instruments used for
measurements meet specified accuracies as stated in this manual. The TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor should assure that the entire system has been tested and
balanced to design criteria and that all data submitted is accurate. Recorded data must
represent actually measured or observed conditions. If required, the TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor should report on the progress of work performed as well as
report and address any problems encountered.
9
The TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor should determine when all HVAC
systems and components have been commissioned within acceptable tolerances or all
efforts to achieve design criteria have been exhausted. The TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor should verify that systems have been left in proper working
order. The TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor will ensure that any variance from
design criteria greater than acceptable tolerances on balancing reports will be noted
throughout the commissioning report. The TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor
should ensure that report includes the information and data required to provide an exact
record of system performance. The TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor is to
prepare and submit at least three copies of the final commissioning report for review by
the design professional.
To qualify for the TABB Commissioning Supervisor Certification Exam, the applicant
must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
B. A two (2) year associate degree in HVAC with a minimum of six (6) years
experience in HVAC installation or design work, OR
D. A minimum of six (6) years field experience, not including apprenticeship, and a
minimum of four (4) years experience in HVAC installation or design work, with
project responsibility or equivalent (10 years total not including apprenticeship).
10
2.3 THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
TABB will notify the applicant of the action taken on the application.
1. If the form and content of the application are approved, the applicant will
be notified.
2. If not approved, the applicant will be notified. The applicant may make an
Objection as specified in this Manual. That is the only recourse available
to the applicant.
See Section 2.5 of this Manual for the possibility of certification by reciprocity.
Written verification of the following items must accompany the TABB Commissioning
Supervisor Application:
1. Completed application
2. Copy of the college/university degree in engineering
A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 4 years experience in HVAC installing or design
work
3. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
1. Completed application
2. Copy of the associate degree in HVAC
A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 6 years experience in HVAC installation or
design work
3. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
1. Completed application
2. Copy of the TABB recognized TAB certification
A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 8 years experience in HVAC installation or design
work 4 of which must be in TAB
3. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
11
Commissioning supervisor applicants qualifying under (D) must send in:
1. Completed application
A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 10 years experience 6 years field experience and
4 years in HVAC installation or design work with project responsibility.
2. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
A. The Exam will be administered by the TABB test proctor at sites designated by
TABB.
B. The Exam will be delivered, completed and returned (in print, electronic or other
form) under strict security regulations as specified by TABB.
If an Exam score is unsatisfactory, the applicant will be notified. The applicant may
request a retest. The request must be made within one year and be accompanied by the
TABB retest fee.
The TABB General Rules are included in this Manual. They include rules on any Test-
Related Objections. TABB has certain internal procedures, which are applicable to all
tests.
TABB Certification alone does not authorize signing reports as a TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor, or other use of the TABB Commissioning Certification.
Signing reports or other use is authorized only during and in the course of qualifying
employment. See Section 2.1.2
The General Rules set forth in this Manual apply to the TABB Commissioning Supervisor
Certification process, and to TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors.
12
2.5 RECIPROCITY OR PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION FOR CERTAIN SUPERVISORS
13
Appendix 2A
TABB Commissioning
Supervisor Application
Successful testing is required for certification. Please use this TABB Commissioning Certification Manual
for more information on qualifications and procedures.
14
TABB COMMISSIONING SUPERVISOR APPLICATION
APPLICANT, PLEASE NOTE that by submitting your application to TABB, you agree to all TABB rules
and procedures, including rules and procedures for hearing and resolving your Objections, and
anyone’s Complaints. See the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual, or contact TABB, for more
details.
GENERAL DATA:
Continue on additional pages if necessary
(Address)___________________________________________________________________________
(City)_________________________________(State)____________________(Zip Code)____________
(Telephone):________________________ (Fax):_________________(Cell)_____________________
(E-mail address):__________________________________________________
College Degree(s):_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Note: If a college degree was not obtained but you did complete some college credits please list the number of
credits and degree you were working toward. Credits _______
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING? Total number of years: ___ Years Completed: ___ Trade: ________
15
EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY (Please circle what you are qualified under A B C D )
Required Attachments:
A. For applicants who have a college/university degree in engineering, list all employers by firms,
beginning with the current employer, over your four (4) or more years’ of HVAC installation or design
work experience, along with your duties and responsibilities.
B. For applicants with a 2-year associate degree in HVAC, list all employers by firms, beginning with the
current employer, over your six (6) or more years’ of HVAC installation or design work experience,
along with your duties and responsibilities.
C. For certified testing, adjusting and balancing technician applicants (both Air and Hydronics), you
must: (1) attach evidence of current technician certification and identify the certifying organization,
and (2) list the employers with whom you have a minimum of eight (8) years experience in HVAC
installation or design work (which may include apprenticeship), at least four (4) of which years must
be in testing, adjusting and balancing experience along with your duties and responsibilities.
PLEASE NOTE that to be eligible for TABB’s Commissioning Supervisor Examination under this
category C, the technician certification you hold must be one that is recognized by TABB. Contact
TABB for further information.
D. For all other applicants, list all employers by firms beginning with the current employer over the last
ten (10) years along with your duties and responsibilities. You must show a minimum of six (6) years’
field experience (not including apprenticeship), and a minimum of four (4) years in HVAC installation
or design work with project responsibility or equivalent (ten years total).
PLEASE NOTE that you must qualify under at least one of the above categories (A, B, C or D) to be
eligible to take the TABB Commissioning Supervisor Examination. You authorize TABB to contact any
employer identified above, to verify information you provide.
OTHER CERTIFICATIONS:
Are you certified as a commissioning supervisor by any other organization? Yes_____ No_____
OTHER:
TABB Commissioning Certification is available to applicants who have a history of commissioning and
testing, adjusting and balancing work (“TAB Work”) that is consistent with TABB standards. Has any of
the following ever occurred with respect to, concerning or because of TAB Work that you performed, or
with which you were involved:
Answer “yes” to the above if the qualify or sufficiency of the TAB Work performed by you, or with
which you were involved, was of any significance in the matter. If you answer “yes” to any
question, please provide particulars.
16
EMPLOYER INFORMATION:
Address:_______________________________________________________________________
The undersigned applicant now applies for TABB Commissioning Certification Testing, and
agrees to follow all TABB Rules and Procedures, and abide by all TABB decisions, in respect of
TABB Certification. In particular, by applying for TABB Certification, the applicant:
(a) Acknowledges having received and read the TABB Commissioning Certification
Manual;
(b) Agrees that any and all Objections and Complaints (as defined in that Manual)
will be resolved solely in accordance with TABB procedures; and
(c) Acknowledges that he or she will be able to sign reports as a TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor, or otherwise use TABB Certification, only during
and in the course of employment by a TABB Certified Commissioning
Contractor.
The applicant further understands that TABB may grant or deny certification. If certification is
granted, certification may not be renewed if the applicant fails to maintain all eligibility
requirements. Certification may be limited or withdrawn in the event of a Complaint against the
applicant, or as otherwise provided in the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual.
1. TABB requires that the application be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. Contact
TABB or visit www.tabbcertified.org for current fee information.
2. Certain supplemental information must be submitted with this application. Attach that. Also attach
additional pages as necessary to provide complete answers.
1. Completed application
2. Copy of the college/university degree in engineering
3. A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 4 years experience in HVAC installing or design work
4. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
17
Applicants applying under (B) must send in:
1. Completed application
2. Copy of the associate degree in HVAC
3. A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 6 years experience in HVAC installation or design
work
4. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
1. Completed application
2. Copy of the TABB recognized TAB certification
3. A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 8 years experience in HVAC installation or design
work 4 of which must be in TAB
4. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
a. Completed application
b. A resume stating dates of employment and type of work performed or other
satisfactory evidence showing 10 years experience 6 years field experience and
4 years in HVAC installation or design work with project responsibility.
c. A passport size photo or a electronic photograph (jpeg format)
3. A false or incomplete statement in this application or in the application process will be grounds
for denial of TABB Certification, or for subsequent withdrawal or nonrenewal of certification or
other sanction.
4. Contact TABB if you have questions, or if you need the TABB Commissioning Certification
Manual or any TABB Standards, Rules or Procedures.
18
Appendix 2B
A. Mathematics
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
perform all applicable math skills and be able to apply and solve all equations related to
commissioning work. This may also require any and all problems that involve troubleshooting the
environmental systems.
B. Fluid Flow
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
apply the following basic principles of fluid flow to commissioning work:
C. Heat Flow
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
apply the following basic principles of heat flow to commissioning work:
D. Psychrometrics
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
plot and understand the following properties of air:
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
analyze existing testing, adjusting and balancing problems using a psychrometric chart and
involving all of the subject areas listed above.
E. Systems in General
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must understand
how systems are intended to perform and must be able to read and interpret contract drawings
including:
19
1. Mechanical drawings
2. Specifications
3. Submittal data
4. Addenda and alterations
5. Shop Drawings
6. Schematics
G. Electrical Systems
H. Instrumentation
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
determine accurate, repeatable, and reliable data from appropriate application of the instruments
listed in this manual, and to:
20
4. Metering devices
a. venturi tube
b. orifice plate
c. annular flow indicator
d. calibrated balancing valve
f. ultrasonic and doppler flow meters
5. Hydronic system components used as testing, adjusting and balancing
devices.
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
perform preliminary testing, adjusting and balancing procedures including:
1. Initial planning
2. Preliminary procedures
a. Procurement of data
b. Study of systems and data
c. Report forms
21
J. Commissioning of HVAC Air System Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Procedures
A TABB Certified Technician must be able to balance a system without on-the-job supervision. A
TABB Certified Technician must be able to use both of the methods listed in this section. The two
methods are:
1. Proportionate balancing
2. Sequential balancing
A TABB Certified Technician must be able to balance the systems listed in this section, using the
most appropriate procedures that will result in the least possible resistance imposed on the
balanced system.
6. Induction systems
7. Special systems
a. Laboratory fume hoods
b. Kitchen hoods
c. Industrial hoods
d. Material handling systems
e. Ceiling and floor plenum systems
f. Cleanrooms
L. System Design
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
advise regarding location and type of system testing, adjusting and balancing devices.
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
perform the following functions in a professional manner:
22
N. Reference Data
A TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must be able to
locate and use all reference and submittal data required for performing commissioning work.
1. Know the purpose for each component in an air system and how these
components interact.
2. Know the effect of duct leakage, resistance, and dynamic loss on balancing, as
related to system operating pressure.
3. Know the function of the following in air distribution systems:
a. Fan laws
b. System effect
c. V-belt drives
4. Explain the function of each component in the following air distribution systems:
a. Supply e. Reheat or recool systems
b. Return/exhaust f. Induction boxes
c. Single-zone g. Dual duct
d. Multi-zone h. Variable air volume
4. HYDRONIC
23
A TABB Certified Technician must be able to balance the hydronic systems listed in this section,
using the most appropriate procedures that will result in the least possible resistance imposed to
meet the design objectives on the balanced system.
1. Open system
2. Closed system
3. Two-pipe system
4. Three-pipe system
5. Primary-secondary system
6. Primary-secondary-tertiary system
A TABB Certified Technician must be able to balance hydronic systems using either of the two
methods listed below:
7. Differential pressure
8. Temperature difference
Any performance testing to gauge an applicant’s proficiency against the above requirements must
be at TABB-approved facility.
24
Section 3
TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor
3.1 WHAT CERTIFICATION MEANS
TABB Commissioning Certification is offered for Commissioning Contractors who meet all of the
following qualifications and requirements, and who receive TABB approval. The qualifications
and requirements of:
B. Employs at least one TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor on a full time basis.
D. Possesses and uses all required manuals, forms and procedures per current list. The
current TABB list is attached to the TABB Commissioning Contractor Application
form.
E. Applicant approves and adopts the TABB Customer Satisfaction Procedure. Appendix
3A.
F. Has been in business for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and can demonstrate
(to TABB’s satisfaction) competence and integrity in the HVAC industry.
G. Furnishes five (5) reference letters from local architects, building owners, or consulting
engineers or contractors, regarding the contractor’s competence and integrity in
commissioning testing, adjusting and balancing work.
I. Pays reasonable application and certification fees as from time to time specified by
TABB.
Satisfaction of qualifications and requirements set forth above will be verified by a TABB
representative, or otherwise determined by TABB. A false or incomplete statement by an
applicant in the application form or in the application process will be grounds for denial of
certification, or for subsequent withdrawal of certification or other sanction.
25
TABB will consider and decide on TABB Commissioning Contractor Applications. Notice of
TABB’s decision will be sent to the applicant. If TABB makes a decision contingent on any
required verifications (such as, for example, verification of ownership of required equipment and
instruments, and maintenance of required calibrations), TABB may establish a deadline for all
required verifications.
Any Commissioning Contractor Objections to any TABB decision described above may be made
and will be resolved solely as provided for in this Manual.
The applicant must obtain and complete a TABB Commissioning Contractor Application
form. (Appendix 3B, or download at www.tabbcertified.org). The completed
application may be submitted to TABB, Edward F. Carlough Plaza, 601 North Fairfax
Street, Suite 250, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
TABB will determine if the application is sufficient and appears to establish the
commissioning contractor’s eligibility for TABB Certification, or if the application is
deficient. If the application is deficient, TABB will notify the applicant. The applicant may
correct the deficiencies by new application, or if the applicant disagrees, may make an
Objection pursuant to provisions contained in this Manual.
If the completed application indicates that the applicant meets eligibility requirements, a
TABB representative may arrange a site visit.
If an application is denied by TABB, the applicant will be notified. If the applicant wishes,
it may make Objection as provided in this Manual. That is the only recourse available to
the applicant.
All generally applicable rules of TABB apply to the TABB Commissioning Contractor Certification
process, and to TABB Certified Commissioning Contractors. The General Rules are set forth in
this Manual.
2626
3.5 APPLICANTS WITH MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
A commissioning contractor which is otherwise eligible for TABB Certification, and which has
multiple locations, will be certified (if at all) separately with respect to each separate or branch
office that regularly does commissioning work. To obtain certification for a separate or branch
office, both a qualified TABB Certified Technician and a TABB Certified Commissioning
Supervisor must be regularly employed by the commissioning contractor at that office and,
normally, the required commissioning and testing, adjusting and balancing equipment and
manuals must be maintained at that office as well.
2727
Appendix 3A
TABB Contractor:
PURPOSE:
A formal procedure by which TAB customer complaints can be resolved promptly, fairly, and in a manner
that preserves our reputation for integrity.
SCOPE:
This procedure applies to any TAB customer complaints concerning commissioning testing, adjusting,
and balancing work done by our company. The Customer Contact is responsible for receiving and
considering all TAB customer complaints, and for implementing this procedure. Any and all customer
complaints about our TAB work should be referred to the Customer Contact (identified below.) Only the
Customer Contact is authorized to address TAB customer complaints.
KEY TERMS:
“Customer Contact” is the individual designated by our company to consider and respond to TAB
customer complaints, and otherwise implement this procedure.
The current Customer Contact is: .
A “TAB customer” refers to the person (building owner or owner’s agent, general contractor, or
mechanical contractor) who has retained our company to perform TAB work. However, if our company
has been engaged by a contractor, we also consider the building owner of the owner’s agent as a “TAB
customer” for purposes of this procedure.
NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS:
1) We will advise each person who hires our company for TAB work that we have a formal
Customer Satisfaction Procedure. That notice shall be in writing. It may be by transmittal letter
that returns the signed contract, or by specific reference in the contract or a contract addendum.
The notice to the customer shall consist of the following (or equivalent):
2828
2) We will respond to each TAB customer complaint as follows:
a. If the complaint can be handled by telephone consultation, we will do so. Calls will be
made promptly, and courteously. There is no such thing as a “stupid question” from a
customer – each and every question and complaint merits our attention and a respectful
and complete answer.
d. The technician will visit the site and assess the customer complaint(s). The technician
will make every effort to be in touch with the Customer Contact (or the person designated
by him or her) by telephone, from the site. If the customer’s complaint can be resolved
by adjustments, which the technician can perform while at the site, in a reasonable time
frame, the technician will do so. If not, the technician will identify the problem(s) and
make a complete report to the Customer Contact as soon as practical. Problems which
cannot be resolved quickly, by the technician on site, must not be discussed with the
customer at that time: rather, the technician will report those problems back to the
Customer Contact for him or her to determine appropriate action.
e. If the visiting technician has corrected the problem, the Customer Contact will follow-up
with the customer within three to five business days to ensure the customer’s continuing
satisfaction.
f. If the visiting technician has been unable to correct the problem, the Customer Contact
will assess the technician’s report, determine if any further testing or assessment is
appropriate, and contact the customer with a complete response and/or recommendation.
Normally that contact is to occur by the end of the next business day after the Customer
Contact receives the visiting technician’s report.
g. If the visiting technician’s report indicates deficiencies in our TAB work, the Customer
Contact will determine appropriate remedial work, determine how best to accomplish that
remedial work in a prompt fashion, and will make appropriate arrangements with the
customer. If our initial TAB work was faulty or inadequate, leading to the need for the
remedial work, all remedial work will be without charge to the customer.
h. If the visiting technician’s report indicates that customer action or error is the case if the
customer’s complaint, or that the cause is the system design, system installation, or other
matter beyond our control, the Customer Contact will so advise the customer and offer
reasonable assistance with appropriate follow-up. The Customer Contact will take care
not to make disparaging remarks about the work of any others.
i. If our company does remedial TAB work, which is required because of system design,
installation or other circumstance beyond our control, we will clearly inform the customer
of the preparatory work that must be done, to enable us to perform high quality TAB work
at a minimum additional cost to the customer.
2929
j. After any remedial TAB work, whether done with or without charge, the Customer
Contact shall follow-up with the customer within a reasonable period (normally three to
five business days) after completion of the work, to ensure continuing customer
satisfaction.
k. If the Customer Contact is unable to resolve a customer complaint, the Customer Contact
will suggest a meeting between our [Chief Executive Officer or other appropriate officer]
and a comparable representative of the customer, to attempt to resolve customer
complaints short of any formal proceeding. If a resolution cannot be obtained, our
company will then notify the customer in writing of the TABB Quality Assurance Program,
and how to contact TABB.
VARIANCES:
Although this Customer Satisfaction Procedure normally should be followed, it is not a contract. The
Customer Contact is authorized to vary from this Procedure, in respect to any customer complaint.
Variances should be rare exceptions, not the rule.
QUESTIONS:
Questions concerning the Customer Satisfaction Procedure, and how it is implemented, should be
addressed to the Customer Contact identified above.
LIMITS:
No employee is to deal with any TAB customer complaints in a manner other than as described in this
Customer Satisfaction Procedure.
CLOSING NOTES:
All employees of this company are expected at all times to be courteous to and respectful of customers.
All employees are to refrain from disparaging comments about work that may have been done by others.
If any employee believes that any TAB work done by our company is deficient or defective in any respect
that must not be discussed with the customer or anyone else. Instead, report that immediately to the
Customer Contact for appropriate correction consistent with this Customer Satisfaction Procedure.
3030
Appendix 3B
3131
TABB COMMISSIONING CONTRACTOR APPLICATION
APPLICANT, PLEASE NOTE that by submitting your application to TABB, you agree to all TABB
Rules and Procedures, including rules and procedures for hearing and resolving your Objections,
and anyone’s Complaints. See the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual, or contact TABB,
for more details.
GENERAL DATA:
Continue on additional pages if necessary
(Address)____________________________________________________________________________
(Telephone): (Fax):__________________________
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
1. Is your firm signatory to a currently effective collective bargaining agreement that provides for
contributions, directly to the National Energy Management Institute Committee (NEMIC)?
YES _____ NO _______
AND
Is your firm current with all financial obligations under that collective bargaining agreement?
YES ____ NO _______
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Do you possess and use all required manuals, forms and procedures per the current TABB list?
Yes______ No_______
If no, attach explanation of what is owned, and why you do not believe you need to own other items.
5. Do you approve and adopt the TABB Customer Satisfaction Procedure in Appendix 3B of the TABB
Commissioning Certification Manual?
(Adopting the TABB Customer Satisfaction Procedure is a requirement for all TABB
Commissioning Contractors seeking TABB Commissioning Certification)
Yes______ No______
6. Have you been in business for at least twelve consecutive months? Yes______ No______
(All TABB Certified Commissioning Contractors must be in business for at least one year. Documents
accepted for verification include: Invoice, bill, tax identification, state license, proof of contributions, etc.)
7. Please attach a description of your firm’s experience in testing, adjusting and balancing work, and in
the commissioning industry.
3232
8. Please attach at least five references letters from local architects, building owners or consulting
engineers regarding your competence and integrity in commissioning /testing, adjusting and
balancing work.
9. TABB Certification is available to applicants who have a history of commissioning and or testing,
adjusting and balancing work (“TAB Work”) that is consistent with TABB standards. Has any of the
following ever occurred with respect to, concerning or because of, TAB Work that you performed, or
with which you were involved:
Answer the above “yes” if the qualify or sufficiency of the TAB Work performed by you, or with which you
were involved, was of any significance in the matter. If you answer “yes” to any question, please provide
particulars.
The undersigned applicant now applies for TABB Commissioning Certification, and agrees to follow all
TABB Rules and Procedures, and abide by all TABB decisions, in respect of TABB Certification. In
particular, by applying for TABB Certification, the applicant:
(a) Acknowledges having received and read the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual;
(b) Agrees that any and all Objections and Complaints (as defined in that Manual) will be
resolved solely in accordance with TABB Procedures; and
(c) Agrees to participate in, and implement, the TABB Quality Assurance Program (and to
accept TABB Rules, Procedures and decisions with respect to the same).
3333
The applicant further understands that TABB may grant or deny certification, and that if it grants
certification, certification may not be renewed if the applicant fails to maintain all qualifications
and requirements for certification. Certification may be limited or withdrawn if TABB so
determines in the event of a Complaint against the applicant, or as otherwise provided in the
TABB Commissioning Certification Manual.
COMMISSIONING CONTRACTOR
NAME:____________________________________________________________
By:_______________________________________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Title:______________________________________________________________
1. TABB requires that the application be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. Contact
TABB for current fee information.
2. Certain supplemental information must be submitted with this application. Attach that. Also attach
additional pages as necessary to provide complete answers.
3. A false or incomplete statement in this application or in the application process will be grounds for
denial of TABB Certification or subsequent withdrawal or nonrenewal of certification or other sanction.
4. Contact TABB if you have questions, or if you need the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual or
any TABB Standards, Rules or Procedures.
34
TABB Commissioning LIST OF MANUALS, ETC.
6. SMACNA, Fire, Smoke, and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for HVAC systems
35
Section 4
TABB General Rules
4.1 CODE OF CONDUCT
The ICB has adopted a TABB Code of Conduct. It is available from TABB. Continuing
compliance with the TABB Code of Conduct by every TABB Certified Technician and every TABB
Certified Commissioning Supervisor and TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor is a
continuing requirement for qualification or certification. Violation of the TABB Code of Conduct is
grounds for suspension or withdrawal of qualification or certification, or non-renewal.
Code of Conduct
TABB Certified Technicians, and TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors and TABB Certified
Commissioning Contractors (“TABB professionals”) should practice their profession consistent with
TABB standards and procedures and the highest quality workmanship.
2) TABB Certified Technicians will document all findings in an accurate and professional manner so
that a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor can review a comprehensive and chronological
history of the balancing procedure.
3) TABB professionals will not make any statements that cannot be substantiated and verified by
field measurements or observations.
4) TABB Certified Technicians and TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors should maintain
and improve their technical competence through continuing education, peer counseling and
interaction with professionals in their prescribed field of expertise.
5) TABB professionals must meet standards and procedures as set by TABB and adhere to all
rules, regulations and obligations of the TABB Certification Program.
7) TABB Certified Technicians will work in a professional manner so as to ensure their own safety
and the safety of their fellow workers while being respectful to the property of the employers,
building owner and his representatives.
8) TABB Certified Technicians will observe proper protocol when noting contract or installation
deficiencies, errors or omissions by others. Notification should first go to the TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor for review, then to the employer, unless the employer has
established other protocol.
36
TABB CONTRACTORS:
1) A TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor will ensure that a TABB Certified Commissioning
Supervisor oversees and coordinates testing, adjusting and balancing/commissioning projects,
and that those projects are performed in accordance with standards and procedures.
2) TABB Certified Commissioning Contractors must employ TABB Certified Technicians and TABB
Certified Commissioning Supervisors to the extent required for certification, and should seek to
employ enough TABB Certified Technicians and TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors to
employ all TABB work.
3) TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors and TABB Certified Commissioning Contractors shall
only certify projects undertaken by their own firm.
PROTOCOL:
TABB sets a schedule of testing and certification fees. For an up-to-date fee schedule, visit the
TABB website at www.tabbcertified.org
4.3.1 TABB Certification is for two years. Certification must then be renewed. Qualification as
a TABB Certified Technician depends on maintaining TABB-recognized certification.
Qualification/certification is always subject to earlier suspension or withdrawal as
provided elsewhere in this Manual.
(a) Renewal of TABB qualification for a technician depends upon renewal of the
underlying, TABB-recognized technician certification.
(b) TABB will send a renewal notice approximately 120 days before certification expires.
Completed forms must be returned at least 30 days before certification expires.
(c) TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must have attended at least 12 hours
of approved continuing education every 2 years or every certification period. See
the “Acceptable CEUs for TABB Supervisors” list on www.tabbcertified.org . The
“Work for Hire agreement form” is also required if questions are submitted in lieu
of 4 CEU hours.
37
(d) A TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor must submit a properly sized passport
photograph (1" x 1-1/4") for the identification card, or email a photo (jpeg format) to TABB
at [email protected]
(e) A TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor must show that it continues to meet all
qualifications and requirements for initial certification.
(g) Renewal may be denied, suspended or granted subject to conditions if the applicant is
involved in a pending Objection or Complaint proceeding.
TABB specifically reserves the right to suspend the qualification of a TABB Certified Technician,
or the certification of a TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor or TABB Certified
Commissioning Contractor, or withdraw that qualification or certification (“decertification”), for any
one or more of the following:
(a) Work that does not comply with TABB Standards, or with accepted standards of
commissioning and or testing, adjusting and balancing work.
Similarly, TABB reserves the right to limit or condition the use of TABB qualification or
certification, upon any of the above grounds.
This section applies to all “Objections” and “Complaints.” “Objections” are either “Test-
Related Objections” or “General Objections”:
38
B. General Objections are any objections by any applicant or TABB
Certified Technician or TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisor or
TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor, other than a Test-Related
Objection. General Objections may include, for example, objections
about the conduct of any TABB representative, objections to a TABB
refusal to permit an applicant to retest, or objections to a TABB decision
(a decision as to qualification or certification, or otherwise).
4.6.2 Exclusivity
4.6.3 General Rules on Required Deliveries and Time Limits for the Same
In the following rules, certain items (such as an Objection or Decision) must be “in
writing.” That means it must be typed or legibly handwritten. An Objection must be
signed by the Claimant. A Decision will be signed by or at the direction of an authorized
representative of the decision making body. Whenever an act is to be done (such as an
Objection being made) within a certain period of time, the act is done if the required
documentation is actually delivered to the necessary recipient(s) within that period of
time, or if that documentation is sent to the required recipient(s) by first class mail, with
postage prepaid, and postmarked within that period of time.
Objections that are not made within the following time limits will be waived, and will not
be considered:
39
2. Any General Objection must be asserted in writing within ten days after the
Claimant first knows of the Objection.
3. Each General Objection must state in writing, in reasonable detail, the pertinent
circumstances of and reasons for the Objection, and must be signed by the
Claimant.
TABB will resolve Objections (if made within the time and in the manner provided above),
and will resolve Complaints, in accordance with the following general procedures.
However, customer Complaints as to commissioning work will be considered and
determined in accordance with the TABB Quality Assurance Program. TABB reserves
the right to waive or modify any particular procedures in any instance.
TABB administration (Administrator or his designate(s)) will act for TABB on all matters
concerning Objections and Complaints, including the conduct of a hearing, unless the
Co-Chairs of the TABB, or the full TABB, otherwise determines (in which case the Co-
Chairs or the full TABB shall act, as those Co-Chairs or the full TABB shall determine).
The following steps apply to General Objections and Complaints, and to Test-Related
Objections that are re-asserted after the test because not addressed.
If an Objection or Complaint is not dismissed after the preliminary procedures, TABB may
call one or more informal conferences with the Claimant, and any Subject. A conference
may be called prior to an investigation, or during or after an investigation. A conference
may be called for any one or more of the following purposes:
4. If a hearing will occur, to: fix the place, date and time of the hearing; set
the amount of time allotted for the hearing; set the number of witnesses
and/or exhibits that will be permitted at the hearing; determine what
evidence must be submitted in advance of the hearing (and set the time
limit for doing so); determine if written statements of position should be
submitted in advance of the hearing (and to determine the time limit for
40
doing so); and otherwise determine specific procedures and rules for the
fair and efficient conduct of the hearing.
Final determination with respect to any of the above matters is reserved to TABB.
D. Hearing: Following receipt of a Report, TABB shall give the Claimant and the
Subject an opportunity to agree on a resolution. Absent agreement, TABB shall
conduct a hearing on the Objection(s) or Complaint(s). At the hearing, the
Claimant and the Subject will be given an opportunity to more completely state
positions and to present evidence, all within reasonable time and other limitations
set by pre-hearing conference as provided above.
Hearings will be held where TABB may determine. A party, and any witness
shall be allowed to be present by telephonic conference, or by video conference,
if requested and if TABB determines that practical arrangements can be made for
telephonic or video conferencing.
41
F. Waiver of Rules: If a person participates in any conference or attends a hearing,
and fails to object at the time of an action or omission, that person will have
waived any and all objection to the action or omission in question.
G. General Principles: TABB shall seek to ensure that investigations and hearings
are conducted fairly and impartially, and in a manner that gives the Claimant and
the Subject a reasonable opportunity to state their positions and to present
relevant and material evidence in support of their positions. All proceedings
(informal interviews or questions, conferences, investigations, hearings and any
other proceedings) are to proceed in a civil and respectful manner, within time
limitations and constraints as specified by TABB. A person who is disruptive,
defamatory or insulting, or who hinders any such proceeding, may be excluded
from any further participation in the proceedings, and/or TABB may conclusively
presume that the person so acted in order to block evidence that would be
adverse to the person. TABB may set time limits for a party to submit written
statements of position or evidence or other material prior to or after a hearing,
may require one or more pre-hearing conferences to settle procedural or other
questions in advance of a hearing, and may reopen a hearing to consider further
evidence or other information. Any decision by TABB on procedural questions
with respect to a conference, investigation, hearing or other proceeding shall be
final, conclusive and binding on all persons interested in the matter which is
under investigation or consideration.
The TABB Co-Chairs, or the full TABB, as the case may be, may deny the request for
reconsideration, or may grant the request and reconsider the Decision. Upon
reconsideration, the Decision may be affirmed, modified in whole or in part, or reversed
with directions to TABB administration to take such action as the TABB Co-Chairs, or the
full TABB, as the case may be, determines to be appropriate.
The Decision on reconsideration will be mailed to the persons whom TABB determines to
be interested in the outcome of the request.
A Decision on any Objection or Complaint shall be final, conclusive and binding on all
interested persons, subject only to modification or reversal of the Decision on
reconsideration, as provided above. Except for reconsideration by the Co-Chairs or the
full TABB, as provided above, there shall be no other or further review of Decisions by
TABB administration, or its Co-Chairs or the full TABB.
42
4.7 TABB DECISIONS AND SANCTIONS
In response to an Objection, the Objection may be dismissed, or TABB may direct any response
to the Objection that is within the power of TABB.
In response to any Complaint, TABB may determine to take no further action, or may sanction
(penalize) the Subject.
TABB may assess reasonable costs and expenses of or in connection with proceedings on any
Objection or Complaint (including a reasonable allocation of general overhead costs of TABB), as
follows:
(a) Against the Subject of a Complaint, if TABB finds the Subject to have been at
fault or to have acted in a manner inconsistent with TABB standards or the TABB
Code of Conduct, or
(b) Against any person who TABB determines made or pursued an Objection,
Complaint or response in bad faith, frivolously, or to harass TABB or any
individual.
In addition, TABB may direct a Subject of any customer Complaint to perform remedial work,
and/or assess all reasonable costs and expenses of work, which TABB determines to be
appropriate to resolve the Complaint, as contemplated by the TABB Quality Assurance Program.
Any direction and/or assessment under the preceding provisions may be made without regard to
whether TABB takes any other action, or imposes any sanction, against or with respect to any
person against whom costs and expenses are assessed. Any such assessment shall be paid on
demand by the person against whom it is made. That person shall also pay all costs of collection
of any such assessment, including reasonable attorney’s fees. TABB shall have the right to
recover any such assessment and all such costs of collection in an action in any court of
competent jurisdiction, and TABB’s costs in connection with any such action, including TABB’s
reasonable attorney’s fees, also shall be paid by the person, as additional costs of collection.
Sanctions which TABB may impose (in addition to an assessment of costs and expenses as
provided above) may include any one or more of the following:
43
TABB may apply any one or more of the above sanctions without need to first apply any one or
more lesser sanctions to the same Subject as to the current or any prior Complaint.
Decertification, or strict limitations or conditions on commissioning work, generally will be
indicated if the Subject knowingly and willfully violates the TABB Code of Conduct or other TABB
standards in any material respect.
4.8 DIRECTORY
1. Name
2. Areas and Type of Qualification or Certification
3. Expiration date of qualification or certification
4. Other information determined by TABB.
44
Section 5
TABB Quality Assurance Program
5.1 BACKGROUND
TABB seeks to ensure the integrity of its certification program by: (a) setting eligibility criteria for
TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors and TABB Certified Commissioning Contractors, (b)
establishing testing procedures for TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors, (c) requiring
continuing education and continuous compliance with eligibility criteria for renewal of certification,
and (d) periodically reviewing its recognition of technician certification. High quality work on the
part of TABB Certified Technicians and TABB Certified Commissioning Supervisors and TABB
Certified Commissioning Contractors (“TABB Professionals”) is essential to integrity of the TABB
Certification Program. TABB offers this TABB Quality Assurance Program to help assure high
quality work. By accepting TABB qualification or certification, every TABB Professional accepts
the responsibilities of this Program.
Every customer of a TABB Certified Commissioning Contractor shall be entitled to expect: (1)
that testing, adjusting and balancing and commissioning work by the contractor and its TABB
Professionals will meet TABB standards; (2) that commissioning reports provided to the customer
will have been prepared by a TABB Certified Technician, and reviewed by a TABB Certified
Commissioning Supervisor; and (3) that the report(s) will include measurements taken accurately
with the date and mode of operation of the systems.
(a) Only if the customer has sought satisfaction pursuant to the contractor’s
customer satisfaction procedure, without success, and
5.3.3 Exclusivity
45
If a customer initiates arbitration or other action against the TABB Certified
Commissioning Contractor who performed the work in question (“Responsible
Contractor”) or other TABB Professionals before completion of all of the steps
contemplated by this Quality Assurance Program, or before the agreed timetable for any
mutually agreed corrective work, TABB shall take no further action on or with respect to
the customer’s Complaint.
Specific TABB action on a customer complaint will depend upon the circumstances.
Generally TABB will proceed as follows:
TABB administration will contact the customer and the Responsible Contractor usually by
telephone at this stage, to collect information and to seek a mutually agreed resolution.
Normally, TABB’s administrator (or designee) will review the Responsible Contractor’s
balancing report, and such other information (e.g., design drawings) that is necessary or
helpful to a full understanding of the report and the customer complaint.
Normally, TABB’s administrator will then speak with the customer and the Responsible
Contractor to seek a mutually agreed resolution. However, if TABB’s administrator
determines that it may be helpful to a fuller understanding and/or resolution, he or she
may require the Responsible Contractor to conduct test measurements or other work to
check aspects of the balancing report, or otherwise provide more information. If so, that
shall be without charge to the customer, and the Responsible Contractor must complete
the work and report back to the administrator within a reasonable time set by the
administrator.
(a) direct specific remedial work by the Responsible Contractor (if the administrator
finds the same to be warranted), or
(b) determine to take no further action on the customer complaint (if the
administrator finds that any of the limitations of section 5.5 apply, or if the
customer will not agree to the exclusivity of this Program per section 5.3.3).
Normally, the findings and any decision of the TABB administrator at this stage will be
summarized in writing and communicated to both the customer and the Responsible
Contractor.
TABB’s administrator may vary from the above if the administrator believes, in the
particular circumstance, that a variance will or may expedite resolution of a customer
complaint.
If the above steps do not resolve the complaint, and if TABB’s administrator finds a
further TABB action on the complaint is called for, a TABB Professional will visit the job
site with representatives of the customer and the Responsible Contractor. Generally, the
Contractor representatives should include the TABB Professionals responsible for the
work. System design, components and settings will be reviewed, and/or measurements
46
may be taken, to the extent the TABB representative determines necessary for a fair
assessment of the complaint. New measurements and other commissioning work shall
be the Responsible Contractor’s responsibility, to be performed under supervision of the
TABB representative.
If the TABB representative determines that remedial work is appropriate, the TABB
representative shall seek a mutually agreed resolution between the customer and the
Responsible Contractor. The resolution should identify agreed remedial work, and a
mutually agreed timetable.
If a complaint is not resolved by a job site visit and agreement, the customer either may
make a formal Complaint pursuant to the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual
procedures (which will normally trigger a hearing and decision procedure), or may pursue
any right or remedy otherwise available to it. If the customer makes a formal Complaint
pursuant to the TABB Commissioning Certification Manual procedures, the customer will
be asked to agree to TABB Procedures, authority and the final TABB Decision.
Specifically, the customer will be asked to agree that if the Decision finds no fault with the
Responsible Contractor or its commissioning work, the customer shall have no further
right or remedy, but if the Decision directs the Responsible Contractor to perform
remedial work, the customer shall have all rights and remedies available to it at law to
enforce that Decision.
47
expense submit the dispute to arbitration by the American Arbitration Association under
its Commercial Arbitration Rules.
5.5 LIMITATIONS
In the event of any of the following, TABB shall take no further action, and shall have no
responsibility or liability to any person, under or on account of this Quality Assurance Program:
If the system on which the commissioning work was performed (the “System”) has been
changed, since that work was performed.
If a customer fails to fulfill conditions of any mutually agreed remedial work, which are
beyond the responsibility of the Responsible Contractor, but which must be fulfilled for
the work to be undertaken or successfully completed. In that event, TABB will suspend
further action and the Responsible Contractor shall not be responsible or liable on
account of any resulting failure to complete the work.
If between completion of the commissioning work that is the subject of a Complaint, and
either the Complaint under this Quality Assurance Program or completion of any agreed
or directed remedial work, the Responsible Contractor goes out of business, TABB
involvement shall cease. That is simply a matter, which is not within TABB’s control.
TABB will not consider any customer Complaint which is made more than 90 days after
the later of the date on which the Responsible Contractor last performed commissioning
work on the project in question, or the date of the Responsible Contractor’s balancing
report.
48
5.6 REMEDIAL ACTIONS; SANCTIONS
5.6.2 Sanctions
5.7 COSTS
The goal of this Quality Assurance Program is to resolve customer Complaints with minimum cost
to customer and the Responsible Contractor. To the extent TABB incurs costs (such as overhead
or other costs in connection with a job site visit, or costs or expenses of another TABB
Professional if TABB administration is unable to make the jobsite visit), those reasonable costs
and expenses will be the responsibility of the Responsible Contractor, even if the Responsible
Contractor was not at fault.
However, by participating in this Quality Assurance Program, each customer agrees that it will be
responsible for any and all such costs, as reasonably determined and assessed by TABB, if and
to the extent TABB determines that:
(a) Such costs and expenses were attributable to a bad faith or frivolous Complaint, or
(b) The customer changed the System after the commissioning work was
completed, or the customer Complaint is attributable to System design or installation,
mechanical or other equipment, or work by someone other than the Responsible
Contractor, and by participating in this Quality Assurance Program each customer agrees
to pay any and all such costs and expenses that are assessed against it by TABB, in
accordance with the foregoing, immediately upon TABB’s demand for the same.
If any person against whom costs and expenses are assessed or demanded (pursuant to this or
any other provision of this Quality Assurance Program) refuses to promptly pay those costs and
expenses, TABB shall be entitled to recover those costs and expenses, as well as its costs of
collection (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, including such fees and expenses
incurred in connection with any appeal of a lower court’s judgment), plus interest on the assessed
costs and expenses, from the date demanded until paid at the legal rate, by action in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
49