Works Progress and Quality Management Flashcards
How do you check that the product being used by the contractor is correct?
- Check the specification
- Reference British Standards
- Check Manufacturers data
- Physically inspect
What do you if the contractor comes to you with an alternative product?
- Check the suggested difference
- Ensure the same standard is reached or improved
- Consider costings
- Consider guarantee
- Consider suitable application
When you carry out site inspections, what do you include in the inspection report?
- Date
- Time
- Weather
- No operatives on site
- Health and safety
- Progress
- Discussions had on site
- Action points
- Progress
- Requests for information
What tests on concrete can you carry out on site?
- Slump test
- Rebar cover
- Schmidt hammer
How can progress be recorded on a project?
Check the work on-site against the programme
Why is it important to record progress?
- To ensure the programme is evolving and to try and meet the construction programmed.
- Proof that you were monitoring the progress against the project timescale should any disputes arise.
How regularly might site visits be undertaken and why?
- Dependent on complexity and size.
- As a CA I normally carry out bi-weekly inspections unless prompted for more.
What is clerk of works?
A CoW inspects the workmanship, quality and safety of the works on site and reports back to the CA or client.
How do you prepare site reports?
I will list out who carried out the inspection, who I met with, the date, time, weather, what I went to see, if there are any issues with what I had seen, if previous issues had been addressed and the agreed date for the next inspection. I then formulate this in an easy to read format that can be tracked using bullet points which can be referenced easily.
What would you normally find on a pre-start meeting agenda?
Attendees/Apologies
Key dates
Roles
Contract Information
Site Security
Access
Legislation
Contact Information
Method of communication
Further Visits
Confirmation of payment terms
Other Business
A sub-contractor tells you he hasn’t been paid. What do you do?
Make a note of this for the records and remind the contractor that the contract is with the contractor and needs to handle it through them. This could be an early warning sign regarding cash flow issues for the main contractor.
What is ISO 9001?
The ISO 9000 family of quality management systems is a set of standards that helps organisations ensure they meet customer and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service.
What does ISO stand for?
International Organization for Standardisation
How can you check quality control?
- Sample panel
- Snagging
- Site inspection
- Compare specification
- Check against reports
How would you monitor the quality of work?
- Undertake regular site inspections
- Ensure work are to a Code of Practice
- Ensure compliance with materials and workmanship section of specifications
- Include British Standards in the specification
- Review product data sheets
How do you ensure good workmanship?
- Thorough workmanship/specification produced on NBS and shared with tender package
- Ask for mock-ups and samples
- Visually inspect on site
What would you look for to ensure materials were of good quality?
- Manufacturers details
- CE Marks
- British Standards
- Kitemark
- TRADA Certification
How is works monitoring different from CA?
Development monitoring - you are appointed to oversee a third parties interest
CA - you are a party to the contract and you are appointed to administer the terms of the contract in an unbiased manner
How did you advise the client of the implications of the instruction?
Via the issuing of written change order, following a design impact assessment
How do you ensure the quality of a contractor?
- Select a competent contractor (PQQ)
- Warranties and guarantees
- Mock up and samples
- Check compliance with specification
What might be undertaken as part of a development monitoring role?
- Initial assessment (collateral warranties, consultant/contractor selection)
- Ongoing monitoring of construction, finances, progress, quality, insurance, statutory approvals, design
- PC (should it be awarded?)
- End of Defects (should cert be issued?
What is the difference between a clerk of works and a CA?
CA ensures the contract is followed/administered and manages the day to day running of the contract.
Clerk of works is a site based position and carries out more frequent site visits.
How are patent and latent defects different?
A patent defect is obvious and a latent defect is not.
