According to the IBC, who approves a person's qualifications to act as a special inspector?

The correct choice, which states that the building official approves a person's qualifications to act as a special inspector, aligns with the requirements set forth in the International Building Code (IBC). The building official plays an essential role in ensuring that all personnel involved in the inspection process meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to established standards. This includes verifying that special inspectors possess the required certifications and expertise to inspect specific areas of construction, such as structural steel and bolting.

The authority of the building official is established to maintain consistency, safety, and compliance with the building code. By having a designated official responsible for the approval of qualifications, the IBC ensures that only those with the appropriate training and credentials are tasked with significant inspection roles, ultimately contributing to the integrity of the construction process and the safety of the built environment.

In the context of the other roles, project managers, site supervisors, and structural engineers may have important responsibilities within a construction project, but they do not hold the authority to formally approve qualifications of special inspectors as per the standards outlined in the IBC. Therefore, it is the building official who is key to the scrutiny of qualifications related to inspection duties.