Flow-Diagram Completion Exercise for Civil QC/QA Quality Planning

Purpose of Task

The purpose of this task is to enable learners to understand, visualize, and sequence key QA/QC processes in civil engineering projects using a flow-diagram format. By completing this exercise, learners will

Learn to organize QA/QC activities visually, enhancing clarity and comprehension.
Understand how inspection, reporting, escalation, and corrective action are linked systematically.
Apply UK legislation, standards, and regulations in practical QA/QC workflows.
Develop skills to communicate QA/QC processes clearly to project stakeholders.
Ensure accountability, traceability, and compliance in project quality planning and documentation.

Scenario / Context

You are appointed as the QA/QC Officer for a high-rise residential project in London, UK. Your responsibilities include:

Conducting inspections of materials and workmanship
Preparing and maintaining quality documentation such as inspection reports, checklists, and NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports)
Reporting and escalating non-conformances
Ensuring compliance with UK standards and regulations

A recent internal audit revealed delays in reporting non-conformances, inconsistent escalation procedures, and lack of traceability in corrective actions. The project management team has requested a flow-diagram showing the complete QA/QC workflow, demonstrating how inspections, reporting, and escalation processes interconnect, while complying with UK legislation and standards.

Relevant UK Legislation and Standards:

BS EN ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA 1974)
Building Regulations 2010 – Structural integrity, fire safety, finishing standards
BS EN 206 – Concrete specification, production, and conformity
BS 5950 / Eurocode 3 & 4 – Structural steel design and quality
CDM Approved Codes of Practice (ACoP)

Flow-Diagram Elements – Detailed Guidance

The flow-diagram should include the following process steps, showing clear sequencing and decision points:

Pre-Inspection Planning

Activities: Prepare inspection checklists, review project specifications, assess potential risks
Compliance: Align with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Clause 8, CDM 2015 for safe work planning
Stakeholders Involved: QA Officer, Site Supervisor

Site Inspection / Quality Check

Activities: Inspect materials, workmanship, and conformance with design requirements
Documentation: Record observations in inspection reports or checklists
Compliance: Reference Building Regulations 2010, BS EN 206
Stakeholders Involved: QA Officer, Site Engineer

Identification of Non-Conformance / Issues

Activities: Compare inspection results with project specifications and UK standards
Risk Classification: Minor, Major, Critical
Compliance: ISO 9001:2015 Clause 10 – Nonconformity and Corrective Action
Stakeholders Involved: QA Officer, Site Supervisor

Documentation & Reporting

Activities: Complete inspection reports and NCRs, include details such as location, issue description, references to standards, date, and personnel
Compliance: ISO 9001:2015 documentation requirements
Stakeholders Involved: QA Officer, Project Manager

Escalation of Non-Conformance

Activities: For major or critical issues, escalate to Project Manager, QA Manager, or Design Engineer
Timelines: Define action deadlines based on severity
Compliance: CDM 2015 Regulation 12 (coordination and communication responsibilities)
Stakeholders Involved: QA Officer, Project Manager, Contractors

Corrective / Preventive Action Implementation

Activities: Rework, retesting, additional supervision, or procedural adjustments
Documentation: Record actions taken, update NCRs or inspection reports
Compliance: ISO 9001:2015 Clause 10 – Corrective Action
Stakeholders Involved: QA Officer, Site Engineer, Contractor

Verification / Closure

Activities: QA Officer confirms the issue has been resolved and all actions implemented
Documentation: Update NCR/inspection report status to “Closed”
Compliance: ISO 9001:2015 Clause 10 – Effectiveness Verification
Stakeholders Involved: QA Officer, Project Manager

Continuous Improvement / Lessons Learned

Activities: Review inspection reports and NCRs, identify recurring issues, update quality plans and checklists
Compliance: ISO 9001:2015 Clause 9 – Performance Evaluation / Improvement
Stakeholders Involved: QA Manager, Project Management Team

Learner Task

Learners are required to:

Complete the flow-diagram for the QA/QC process of a civil engineering project, covering all steps:
- Pre-inspection planning
- Site inspection / quality check
- Identification of non-conformance
- Documentation & reporting
- Escalation
- Corrective / preventive action
- Verification / closure
- Continuous improvement / lessons learned
Include references to UK legislation and standards for each step,demonstrating regulatory compliance.
Provide realistic examples of tasks, documents, and stakeholders for each process step.
Include decision points for minor, major, or critical non-conformances.
Submit a 2–3 page narrative explanation alongside the flow-diagram describing:
- How the workflow ensures compliance with UK legislation and standards.
- How escalation and documentation improve accountability and traceability.
- How the flow-diagram supports risk mitigation, project success, and continuous improvement.

Expected Learner Outcomes

Upon completing this task, learners will be able to:

Visualize QA/QC processes in a civil engineering project using a flow-diagram.
Apply systematic inspection, reporting, escalation, and corrective action procedures.
Demonstrate understanding of UK legislation and standards in practical workflows.
Identify and track non-conformances effectively, ensuring proper documentation and closure.
Integrate continuous improvement principles into quality planning and documentation.
Communicate QA/QC processes clearly and effectively to project stakeholders.