THE RADIX RAMBLE - The Fundamental Meeting Pillars for Quality Control

In construction undertakings the preparatory, initial, and final meetings are the three phases of control that are at the core of any Construction Quality Management system. These meetings are each pivotal moment at which expectations are set with all project players. Because of their critical roles in the quality management process, let us look at each meeting to understand them better.

1. Preparatory Meeting

This meeting is held prior to beginning work on each definable feature of the construction scope at hand. This meeting should encompass the following:

a. Review design specifications and references.

b. Review contract plans.

c. Check that all materials and equipment have been tested, submitted, and approved.

d. Check to assure that all required inspection and testing documentation have been provided.

e. Conduct an inspection of the work area to confirm all preliminary work is completed.

f. Perform a physical examination of critical construction materials to assure they conform to approved drawings and submittals.

g. Review appropriate Hazard Analysis Activity reports.

h. Establish level of workmanship.

i. Discuss procedures of construction.

2. Initial Meeting

This meeting is held at the beginning of each definable feature of work. In this meeting we verify that the preparatory work has been implemented and work performed to the level of workmanship that was mutually agreed to.

a. Review of preparatory meeting minutes.

b. Conduct a check preliminary work.

c. Verify work to be performed is in compliance with the contract.

d. Resolve differences.

e. Review Safety Plans.

3. Final Meeting

Final meetings are designed to confirm that all physical performance checks are conducted, and all deficiencies have been corrected prior to starting additional features of work. These meetings are held with the understanding that multiple features of work can occur simultaneously, and all these definable features of the scope need to be observed and documented.

In day-to-day duties, Quality Control personnel can easily fall into the trap of working to detect deficiencies, when in fact their role is to prevent deficiencies. By working closely with the contractor and following these procedures. The project will be completed safely, on time, and on budget.