Quality Planning & Documentation: What Would You Do? Scenario

Purpose of Task

The purpose of this task is to:

  • Develop learners’ ability to apply knowledge of quality planning and documentation to realistic ethical, procedural, and safety dilemmas encountered on civil engineering projects.
  • Enhance critical thinking by requiring reasoned responses based on UK legislation and standards.
  • Encourage reflection on accountability, stakeholder responsibilities, and regulatory compliance.
  • Strengthen understanding of how quality documentation, reporting, and escalation procedures support risk mitigation and project success.

Scenario / Context

You are a QA/QC Officer on a large-scale bridge construction project in the UK. During routine inspections and review of project quality documentation, you encounter several issues:

Scenario 1 – Ethical Dilemma:

A subcontractor has falsified test results for concrete strength in a section of the bridge to meet project deadlines. The project manager suggests overlooking the discrepancy to avoid delays.

Scenario 2 – Procedural Dilemma:

During inspection, you notice that the inspection reports and checklists are incomplete, and some mandatory fields required by BS EN ISO 9001:2015 and CDM 2015 are missing. The contractor insists the report is sufficient to avoid slowing work.

Scenario 3 – Safety Dilemma:

While reviewing quality documentation, you find that temporary scaffolding has been approved for use without proper safety certification. HSWA 1974 Section 2 & CDM Regulations 2015 require verification, but construction is scheduled to continue.

Task Instructions – Learner Response

Learners are required to analyze each scenario and provide a detailed response demonstrating:

  • Identification of the ethical, procedural, or safety issue.
  • Reference to relevant UK legislation, standards, or codes of practice, including but not limited to:
    • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA 1974) – employer duties and safe work systems
    • Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM2015) – design risk management, supervision, and coordination
    • BS EN ISO 9001:2015 – quality management system requirements, including documentation, non-conformity handling, and corrective actions
    • Building Regulations 2010 – structural and safety compliance
  • Step-by-step reasoning on how you would respond, including:
    • Escalation to relevant stakeholders (e.g., Project Manager, QA Manager, Safety Officer, Principal Designer)
    • Documentation procedures to record observations and decisions
    • Corrective or preventive actions to ensure compliance and safety
  • Reflection on impact of your actions on:
    • Project quality and safety
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Stakeholder accountability and project reputation

Example Guidance for Learner Response

Scenario 1 – Ethical Dilemma:

  • Identify Issue: Falsified concrete test results.
  • Relevant Laws/Standards:
    • HSWA 1974 Section 2 – duty of employer to ensure safety of work
    • ISO 9001:2015 Clause 10 – non-conformity and corrective actions
  • Action:
    • Escalate immediately to QA Manager and Project Manager
    • Issue a formal NCR (Non-Conformance Report) referencing the falsification
    • Suspend use of the section until re-testing is completed
  • Reflection: Ethical compliance maintains safety, ensures legal responsibility, and preserves project integrity.

Scenario 2 – Procedural Dilemma:

  • Identify Issue: Incomplete inspection documentation
  • Relevant Laws/Standards:
    • ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.5 – documented information requirements
    • CDM 2015 Regulation 12 – supervision and coordination
    • Request completion of all mandatory fields before approval
    • Train staff on proper documentation practices
    • Escalate recurring non-compliance to QA Manager
  • Reflection: Accurate documentation ensures traceability, supports audits, and reduces risk

Scenario 3 – Safety Dilemma:

  • Identify Issue: Scaffolding lacks safety certification
  • Relevant Laws/Standards:
    • HSWA 1974 Section 2 & 3 – safe systems of work and employee safety
    • CDM 2015 Regulations 8–11 – risk assessment and monitoring
  • Action:
    • Stop use of uncertified scaffolding immediately
    • Inform Safety Officer and Principal Designer
    • Ensure scaffolding certification is verified before use
  • Reflection: Immediate intervention prevents accidents, ensures regulatory compliance, and mitigates project risk

Learner Task

Learners are required to:

  1. Analyze all three scenarios (Ethical, Procedural, Safety) in the context of UK legislation and standards.
  2. Prepare a detailed written response for each scenario (approx. 3–4 pages total) including:
    • Identification of the issue
    • Relevant UK legislation, standards, or codes
    • Step-by-step actions including escalation, documentation, and corrective measures
    • Reflection on impact on project quality, compliance, and stakeholder accountability
  3. Include realistic references to project documentation, such as inspection reports, NCRs, risk assessments, and quality manuals.
  4. Submit as part of the evidence portfolio demonstrating practical application of quality planning, documentation, and regulatory compliance.

Expected Learner Outcomes

Upon completing this task, learners will be able to:

  1. Recognize ethical, procedural, and safety dilemmas in civil engineering projects.
  2. Apply UK legislation and standards (HSWA 1974, CDM 2015, ISO 9001:2015, Building Regulations 2010) to respond effectively.
  3. Demonstrate decision-making skills to maintain project quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
  4. Record and escalate issues appropriately using formal quality documentation.
  5. Reflect on the impact of QA/QC interventions on project success, risk mitigation, and stakeholder accountability.