RV Industry Association Inspectors Maintain RV Industry’s Self-Regulation

The RV Industry Association’s standards inspection program is one of the organization’s signature industry initiatives and its greatest member benefit. The standards department maintains a professional team of full-time inspectors that promote the enhancement of safety by monitoring adherence to the standards adopted by the Board of Directors for the construction of RVs and Park Model RVs and advocates for the improvement of consumer safety.

To further these goals, the Standards team meets twice a year to review and align on enforcement positions for the standards within our industry and review enforcement timing on the latest edition of NFPA 1192 Standard for RVs. The Inspection staff and their work is integral to maintaining self-regulation and these meetings are critical to providing a platform to nurture improvement and a positive experience to the consumers.

This week, the RV Industry Association Standards Department met in Elkhart for their second 2022 inspection staff meeting. The team reviewed the status of code cycles for NEC (National Electrical Code), NFPA 1192, ANSI/RVIA Low Voltage standard, and ANSI 119.5, paying close attention to the 2021 NFPA 1192 changes and enforcement dates. 

So far this year, the team is on a track to complete over 2600 unannounced inspections at over 400 plants. These biannual meetings are important to maintain enforcement positions and discuss relevant technical issues and topics that the team encountered in the field.

“While the industry advances in new products and designs, the inspection staff are our front lines in encountering and interpreting acceptability. Meeting with our Inspection Team gives us an excellent opportunity to discuss important and ongoing issues and analyze our inspection experiences,” said RV Industry Association Senior Director of Standards Bryan Ritchie. “This team’s dedication to monitoring and adhering to industry compliance and safety requirements allows our industry to maintain its self-regulation. These inspections also allow us an opportunity to educate our members on standards and provide hands-on training during onsite visits. This team is our greatest asset to our members, and we look forward to reuniting again next year.”