REQUIRED BOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS
FOR DSA INSPECTORS
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What books and reference materials will you need to have with you when you perform DSA inspections? The answer depends on your DSA classification; Class 1, 2, 3 or 4. It depends on the scope of the project you are working on. It also depends on your background experience and knowledge. You can’t have too many reference books, manuals or product catalogues available; any and all reference materials can prove valuable to you at sometime during your inspection career.

Prices shown are non-member prices. If you are a member of an organization that publishes any of the books or materials mentioned below, you may be eligible for discounts.

DSA Title 24, Part 1 requires that the DSA certified inspector maintain the following code books at the job-site during construction (reference IR A-8):

1. Title 24, Part 1 (administrative code). $43
2. Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 (building code). $129 each (vol. 1 and 2)
3. Title 24, Part 3 (electrical code). $130
4. Title 24, Part 4 (mechanical code). $128
5. Title 24, Part 5 (plumbing code). $120
6. Title 24, Part 6 (energy code). $39
7. Title 24, Part 12 (referenced standards) $30

Recommended Reference Materials

1. Today’s Regulations and Procedures, Part 1 and 2 (seminar books available from DSA highlighting and detailing code related inspector duties and inspection requirements). Part 1 covers Administrative and Structural. Part 2 covers Accessibility, Fire & Life Safety, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing. No longer available. Seminar has been discontinues and is now replaced with Project Inspector Overview Class. Not sure what printed material will be supplied. Call 916 324-3602.

2. ASD Steel Construction Manual (reference standard for fabrication, erection, and bolting of steel). $439

3. AWSD1.1 (Structural Welding Code-Steel) $376

4. AWSD1.3 (Structural Welding Code-Sheet Steel) $122

5. AWSD1.4 (Structural Welding Code-Rebar) $146

6. ACI manual of Concrete Practice (detailed information for concrete and masonry work). 6 volumes. $747

7. CRSI Manual of Standard Practice (methods of placing rebar for concrete construction and masonry construction). $39

8. Masonry Institute of America- Masonry Codes and Specifications (manual of recognized codes and specifications for masonry construction). $30

9. Masonry Institute of America- Reinforced Concrete Masonry Construction Inspector’s Handbook (Detail information on reinforced masonry construction). May not be available any longer?

10. Uniform Building Code Volumes 1 and 2 (Title 24 building code is based on the Uniform Building Code but includes modifications including added requirements and sections of the UBC that have not been adopted by DSA). Note: The UBC has been replaced by the International Building Code. At this date, Title 24 continues to reference the UBC. $16 each

11. International Building Code Referenced Standards (ASTM material, construction, and inspection standards referenced by the International Building Code). $140

12. NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (fire and life safety requirements). $86

13. NFPA 101 Life Safety Handbook (illustrates fire and life safety requirements with graphical presentations). $124

14. NFPA 13-99 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook $124

15. National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72 (fire alarm installation code). $52

16. ADA Americans with Disabilities Act California Compliance Manual  (handicap access requirements detailed). $65

17. SMACNA Seismic Restraint Manual (anchorage, support, bracing of HVAC duct and equipment) $177

18. Simpson Wood Connectors (manual of catalogues covering Simpson manufactured wood connectors).

19. Hilti Firestop Inspection and Installation Manual (Manufacturers data and detailed instructions for using Hilti Firestop products).

20. Hilti Fastener Catalogue (manufacturers catalogue for Hilti fastener products).

21. Ramset/Red Head Architects and Engineers Manual (manufacturers fastener data).

22. 3M Fire Protection Products manual (manufacturers data and recommendations for installing 3M fire caulk products).

23. WWPA Grading Rules (Grading rules and stamps for grading wood timber).
24. Metal Stud Manufacturers Association handbook (metal stud data and details).

25. Grace Thickness Handbook (manufacturers data on application-thickness for Monokote fireproofing).

Total Cost of books as shown above: $2699.00+. Note: discounts are available as members of various associations (e.g. ACI). Product literature is sometimes available for free or at a very minimal price upon request from the manufacturer. Visit the “code book” and “association” links provided in the “resource” section of this web site to locate retailers.

Worried about the cost? You don't need every book listed here all at once. Build your reference library over time. Remember, this is a career; you're investing in your future!