Figure 6-2 - QC plan.

The second step in ensuring quality is the proper selection of construction methods that are essential to safe, quality construction. Construction methods must be determined very early in the planning stage of the project, as they impact on equipment, tools, material, labor, training, and safety requirements. Construction methods selected in the planning stage will also, to a great extent, determine the quality of the finished product. Commonly accepted construction practices have resulted from people doing the same work for many years. This is usually the most effective way to accomplish safe, high-quality work. Use these accepted practices where you have the skills and equipment to do so and discuss these methods with the crew, the chain of command, and the QC inspector.

Identify Required Training and Equipment

The crew leader must be aware that many activities require specialized training or qualifications. Some activities, such as welding certifications or cable splicing, may only be satisfied through formal instruction. Formal training for a great many activities is simply impractical. It is frequently necessary to identify the skills required and find alternate sources of training. The most common source of informal training is on-the-job training (OJT). Use OJT when you can identify at least one person who knows how to perform the task correctly (either yourself, a crew member, or a QC rep) and schedule enough time to show the remaining crew the proper techniques. Remember that one purpose of projects is to provide training for our people. Teaching your crew the proper methods and techniques should be high on your list of priorities. Besides the required training, the required equipment must also be available to accomplish the task according to the method selected. Finishing a large concrete pad without the use of a power trowel (whirly-bird) might prove to be difficult. Renting one with project funds may be an option if you do not have one at the deployment site.