Quality Assurance and Compliance in the Construction Sector

As the number of Regulations increases in the construction sector, quality assurance and compliance in projects are an essential part of any successful construction process. By implementing extra steps to ensure that quality specifications are met, risks associated with a project can be managed more effectively and efficiently. Quality assurance practices have been proven to help save time and money by avoiding costly repairs and delays on construction sites.

The purpose of this article is not to replace the quality standards of the contract or the applicable industry regulations and standards, but to highlight the importance of construction companies establishing their own internal quality standards in the pursuit of excellence.

A better way to understand the importance of quality processes and compliance regulations in the construction sector is to imagine a scenario where they are absent. A lot could go wrong, and without quality systems and quality control measures in play, clients would have no guarantees of the quality of the works supplied, which could result in a major setback or a project ceasing.

Quality assurance focuses on properly executing a project to ensure it meets all expected quality standards at completion. Implementing this will result in creating high-quality projects that adhere to specifications.

This can be achieved by following a written Quality Assurance Framework. The Quality Assurance Framework will act as the company standard for setting and establishing quality-related activities for all divisions and projects.

A Quality Framework should be a simple document, easily understandable by customers, employees, and subcontractors and one that describes what the company does to manage quality.

This document should also describe WHAT the company does to assure quality. The HOW should be included in a policies and procedures document.

It is highly recommended that every construction company’s Quality Assurance Framework includes at least six elements: 
   1. Quality Organisation and Management
   2. Documented Standards and Specifications
   3. Formal Qualifications of Employees
   4. Formal Qualifications of Subcontractors and Suppliers
   5. Documented Field Inspections
   6. Control and Prevention of Nonconformances

These are usually explained and implemented as per the company’s Rules and Regulations. 

Quality Assurance is the strength of the company’s quality programme. Once a structure is developed, then the planning and building becomes much easier and faster.

The Framework is an important tool used for communicating the quality approach to customers and subcontractors outside the company as well as internal customers/employees.  In most cases, the Framework is also useful for tender bid qualifications when owners ask for a brief description of your quality control methods.

Zovuyo Cele 

Membership Assistant

References

Ed Caldeira, (2014) “Construction Quality Assurance/Quality Control Blog”, [Online] Available at: https://www.firsttimequality.com/Blog/bid/23509/6-Essential-Elements-of-a-Construction-Quality-QA-QC-Plan-Framework. Accessed 17 August 2023