Quality control needs to be one of the pillars of your company mantra, and a stable one at that. Work needs to be completed to the highest standards throughout the entire project or cracks will start to appear before too long. Using an Inspection Test Plan (ITP) will ensure you maintain the quality control on your projects, keeping your buildings and company reputation on solid foundations.
Below we look into ITPs in more detail, explaining what they are, why they’re so important and how you can use them to maximise your quality control.
ITPs are a plan of when, what and how you will conduct inspections to ensure your work is meeting necessary standards. It details the critical points at various stages within a process for scheduled inspections and verifications to make sure the job is progressing as it should be.
They are usually prepared by a quality engineer, who tests materials and surveys the processes used. Their results are then reviewed by a quality manager and construction manager, before being approved by the project manager and submitted to the head engineer.
Your ITP is essentially a safeguard against making big mistakes that can cost you time, money and your reputation.
Further, it’s a record that your business has performed to particular standards throughout the process. This could prove vital should there be any legal issues. Because work is regularly checked and adhering to quality management standards, the end product will be significantly better than if no ITP was used.
The easiest way to get started on your ITP is to download the information pack from the Compliance Council website. It’s worth some quick research to see what’s out there. It’ll give you a good idea of structure and setting out, and this will help you tailor your ITP for your own projects.
Once you’ve got your form, it’s time to fill out your ITP. Make a list of all the critical points in each job and what needs to be done to inspect it. For each inspection, include Definable Features of Work (DFOW). This is an explanation of the particular features of each inspection and the steps which need to be followed. It’s also important that it follows the same sequence that’s described in the Work Methods Statement. This ensures that the job is done right and inspected correctly every time.
You should be clear about who is responsible for specific inspections before you begin your project. There’s already enough happening on-site for further confusion. Having this information displayed clearly on the ITP will solve this problem and ensure your ITP is carried out efficiently.
Further, involve the client as much as possible. They have a lot invested in your project, so invite them on-site so that they can see the diligence and care you take in maintaining quality control. And ensure you make a note of these dates and that they sign off that they witnessed the inspection. It could prove invaluable later.
ITPs are hugely important tools for ensuring quality control in the construction industry. Use one on every project keep your standards high.
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