Overview
The implementation of major engineering projects usually begins with the development of conceptual feasibility studies followed by the performance of site selection and suitability investigations, the development of site-specific designs and finally by the construction and operation of the structures or facilities in question. It is not unusual for such major projects to take a decade or longer to implement, cost multi-millions or even billions of dollars. In addition, the various phases of the project are often implemented by a plethora of contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, constructors and other specialized technicians.
To maintain project continuity and to develop a strong level of confidence that the structure or facility that is ultimately constructed will perform satisfactorily in use the owner(s) usually require that a formal program of “Quality Assurance (QA)” be implemented to track project progress. The aim of the QA program itself is to provide the owner(s) with a level of confidence that the structure or facility in question has been conceived, designed, constructed and will be operated safely in accordance with its intended use. The underlying assumption is to be in a position to certify that all work has been performed in conformance with the best prevailing engineering standards that are applicable at the time the project is implemented.
Given the above considerations, this course introduces you to the concepts and describes the principles involved in the development of a well-balanced and formal Quality Assurance (QA) Program. Many of these concepts are also equally applicable to projects and activities ranging from the design and construction of large and small structures, systems, subsystems, the manufacturing of components or complete products to providing professional services such as the implementation of site assessments and environmental and hazardous waste investigations. As such, the principles and concepts presented here are equally useful and of interest to all types of engineers, constructors, architects, contractors, building inspectors, surveyors and environmental and geological scientists.
The payback of a well designed QA program includes:
- Delivering higher quality products and services
- Reducing the time and money wasted in re-performing activities or correcting errors
- Enhancing your professional reputation for delivering quality work on schedule and within budget
- Minimizing crisis management and the associated stress
- Reducing loss time accidents or injuries
- Enhancing protection from the damaging effects of lawsuits and litigation
This course addresses all the recommended QA criteria that are formally published in the Code of Federal Regulations, which are:
- Organization
- Quality Assurance Program
- Design Controls
- Procurement Document Control
- Instructions, Procedures and Drawings
- Document Control
- Control of Purchased Material, Equipment and Services
- Identification and Control of Materials, Parts and Components
- Control of Processes
- Inspection
- Test Control
- Control of Measuring and Test Equipment
- Handling Storage and Shipping
- Inspection, Test and Operating Status
- Nonconforming Materials, Parts or Components
- Corrective Action
- Quality Assurance Records
- Audits Surveillance and Managerial Controls
Each of these 18 criteria is addressed, and for each criterion, three questions are answered: “What does this criterion address?” “Why is this criterion important?” and “How is this criterion implemented?”
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of the course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
At the end of this course, you will understand the purpose and benefits of implementing a formal Quality Assurance (QA) Program for your projects. You will become familiar with the 18 components of such a program. For each of the 18 components, you will learn:
- What aspect of design, construction, manufacture or site studies the component addresses
- Why this aspect is an important part of a Quality Assurance Program
- How this component is actually implemented
You should then be able to evaluate, for your own projects or activities, which of these components are applicable, to what extent or degree the component should be applied, and what benefits you might realize if the component is properly implemented. For the design and construction of critical facilities, in which the health and safety of the general public is involved and for which the protection of the environment is a priority, all of the 18 criteria need to be implemented.
Course
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