September 5, 2019 - Mechanicsville, Virginia – The Property Insurance and Restoration Conference (PIRC) is excited to announce the official adoption and release of the PIRC Best Practices for Photo Documentation, a document put forward by the Definitions Committee as a work product. Upon this document release came industry support from both the IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification and the RIA – Restoration Industry Association.
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The lack of a consistent photo documentation standard was one of the first issues identified by PIRC attendees more than two years ago. Contractors and insurance companies alike need complete photographic documentation for work scope, managing liability, claims settlement and to protect policy holders. During two open comment periods, numerous stakeholders shared suggestions and comments to improve the draft language prior to adoption.
The organization IICRC recently recognized the PIRC Best Practices for Photo Documentation as an industry best practice. This recognition is an important distinction for the advancement of the work product into the industry at-large, as well as potential usage and adherence.
"On behalf of the IICRC, we'd like to thank the numerous volunteers for their dedication and hard work in seeing this document come to fruition," said Pete Duncanson, IICRC Chairman. "It's important for our shared fields to have a consensus when it comes to best practices and key terms so there is alignment across the industry."
On the heels of the IICRC announcement, the RIA Board of Directors joined in their support of the Best Practice. Having the nation’s leading association of restoration contractors behind the document also shows how much this type of improvement helps all those in the industry.
“RIA is pleased to recognize the PIRC Best Practices for Photo Documentation as an industry best practice. Having a consistent photo documentation standard will further move our industry forward,” said Lee King, CR, President of RIA. “We appreciate the hard work that went into creating this document and look forward to the enhancements, consistency and efficiencies it will bring to our businesses and our industry.”
“The Definitions Committee worked with all segments of the industry to bring a valuable solution to the industry problems surrounding photo documentation,” said PIRC Organizer Jordan Hendler. “The hope of the group is that this work product will be useful for all parties to improve the quality and methodology for photo capturing processes. Our Conference is consistently working on bringing awareness, transparency and possible solutions that benefit the industry as a whole.”
The next PIRC meeting will be held in the Chicago, Ill. area October 29-30 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg. A full schedule, registration and additional meeting information is available on the Schedule page of the PIRC website: http://gotopirc.com/schedule Regular updates are given to all participants or interested parties of PIRC through weekly emails, and you can join that list by emailing your contact information to info@gotopirc.com
About PIRC:
PIRC is a forum where property insurance and restoration industry stakeholders come together for discussions, enhanced understanding, heightening transparency, finding common ground and communicating possible solutions and/or best practices to improve their industry. PIRC utilizes committees of volunteers to review and promote positive improvements to the industry at large. For more information about meetings, work products or committees of PIRC, please visit the website at www.gotopirc.com
About IICRC:
The IICRC is a global, ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO) that credentials individuals in 20+ categories within the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. Representing more than 54,000 certified technicians and 6,000 Certified Firms in 22 countries, the IICRC, in partnership with regional and international trade associations, represents the entire industry. The IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. For more information, visit www.iicrc.org.
About RIA:
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the oldest and largest trade association representing the restoration and reconstruction industry with over 1,100 member firms worldwide. RIA serves and represents the interests of its members by promoting the highest ethical standards; providing education, professional qualification and certification opportunities; positively influencing regulations and governmental actions; and advancing the safety, image, efficiency, and competitiveness of industry members. For more information, visit www.restorationindustry.org.