This post is intended for QC Engineers and those aiming to strengthen their profile in the Quality Control field. Following these guidelines will help you develop solid QA/QC skills in construction.
WHY COMPANIES ARE LOOKING FOR ISO CERTIFICATION
Quality Assurance and Quality Control have become essential parts of any organisation today. Customer satisfaction—whether of a product or service—depends entirely on the effectiveness of a company’s Quality Management System. Because of this, most organisations try to get certified for ISO 9001, a globally recognised system that helps them demonstrate credibility, consistency, and customer focus.
As customer awareness increases, companies must stay competitive and show that they follow a structured approach to quality. One of the key objectives of ISO 9001 (Clause 5.1.2 & Clause 9.1.2) is customer satisfaction, and therefore the role of QC Engineers and Inspectors becomes even more important—whether in construction or any other industry.
THE IMPORTANCE OF QC ENGINEERS ON SITE
Every ISO-certified company defines clear roles and responsibilities for key personnel. The construction industry is huge—buildings, highways, bridges, metros, tunnels, and each of these interacts with multiple trades like Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC.
To handle QA/QC across these activities, companies look for efficient and knowledgeable people. Good QC Engineers are always in higher demand than supply, making the role competitive and valuable.
Here are some practical tips that QC Engineers can adopt:
1. UNDERSTAND THE ORGANIZATION AND HIERARCHY
Learn how your company functions. Go through the Quality Policy and Quality Objectives immediately after joining.
Understand the organisational structure—who you report to, who reports to you. These are part of the QMS and help you understand the workflow.
2. UNDERSTAND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
A QC Engineer must be very clear about his/her roles. Construction projects are complex, activities are interlinked, and coordination between trades is essential to maintain progress.
Since QC is often perceived as “slowing down work,” it becomes important to plan, organise, and conduct inspections proactively—ensuring both quality and progress are maintained.
3. STUDY THE PROJECT QUALITY PLAN (PQP)
Projects executed under ISO 9001 usually have a PQP prepared specifically for each job.
The PQP explains how the contractor plans to meet:
- Project specifications
- Client requirements
- Regulatory requirements
It also includes the project’s quality formats. PQP is usually submitted to the consultant/client for approval. QC Engineers must understand it thoroughly.
4. REFER TO SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications are the backbone of any project.
Whether a project-specific spec is provided or the contract refers to Indian Standards (IS Codes) or CPWD specifications, every activity must follow these requirements.
Your first task is to check if a project specification exists. Get a soft copy or borrow it from the document controller, and study the important sections.
5. STUDY DRAWINGS THOROUGHLY
Projects may have hundreds of drawings depending on complexity.
A QC Engineer must ensure that the team is using the latest approved revision—usually marked as Good for Construction (GFC).
Using outdated drawings is a common cause of rework, so your attention here is crucial.
6. CHECK IF INSPECTION AND TEST PLANS (ITPs) ARE AVAILABLE
ITPs are one of the most powerful tools for QC Engineers.
An ITP includes:
- Inspections required
- Frequency
- Acceptance criteria
- Formats
- Responsible parties
Contractors must prepare ITPs for all major activities and obtain approval.
In India, only big contractors consistently follow ITPs, but clients/PMCs often issue them.
7. READ METHOD STATEMENTS
Method Statements describe how each activity will be executed—from start to finish.
They include:
- Stages of work
- Manpower and equipment
- Quality requirements
- Safety measures
By reading these, QC Engineers get a clear idea of how the work is planned and what checkpoints to monitor.
8. MAKE ROUTINE SITE VISITS
Daily site visits help you understand real-time progress.
You can highlight deviations early, advise corrections, and build confidence with the site team. This proactive approach reduces errors and makes inspections smoother.
9. PLAN YOUR INSPECTIONS
Progress is the top priority in any project.
QC Engineers must plan inspections so that:
- Work is not delayed
- Multiple inspections are handled efficiently
- Communication with the site team remains smooth
Good coordination and time management make a big difference.
FINAL NOTE
This list is not complete, but it gives a solid foundation for QC Engineers to be proactive on-site.
Other responsibilities include:
- signing checklists
- logging inspections
- raising NCRs and observations
- assisting auditors during internal/external audits
A QC Engineer who masters these skills becomes a valuable asset to any ISO-certified company.
