The primary purpose of an Inspection and Testing Plan (ITP) to get a construction project is always to have a straightforward solitary document that reports all inspection and testing wants associated with a particular construction activity or procedure. For example, on a construction project, it could be the construction of a foundation, an excavation or the concreting of a section in the superstructure, procurement of construction materials or usage of plant and machinery. Similarly, the ITP not merely clearly defines the work as well as the supplies to become inspected and tested but additionally indicates who’s responsible for ITP functions including when, where and how it has to be carried out.

In addtion, it has Hold and Witness Points, sources to applicable standards, acceptance or rejection guidelines as well as the precise record keeping and reporting specifications. Therefore, a well prepared ITP can be implemented successfully although making certain any construction activity has the required quality and workmanship in accordance with relevant standards. Most importantly, an ITP envisions appropriate record keeping which ensure traceability that is a mandatory requirement in any Quality Control/Assurance system for example ISO9000:2002.

Generally, the main contractor within a construction project is responsible for creating and implementing appropriate ITPs. Similarly, the main contractor is accountable for ITPs for the construction actions carried out by its sub-contractors. It really is mandatory to appoint a senior responsible person; from the contractors side; on creating and approving or subsequent modifications to ITP for any project. He/she who is appointed ought to be effectively experienced and possess sound practical knowledge on the all elements of construction. A lot more importantly, this responsible person must know how you can submit compliance as well as a conformity certification to the client including what corrective measures or responses are needed to resolve any non-conformity concern.

The actions involved in building an appropriate Inspection and Testing Plans for a construction project are:

All involved in creating an ITP must have thorough familiarization with all the contract documents and related technical specifications. In other words, he/she ought to have a thorough knowledge of contractual clauses and obligations (pertaining to testing and inspection) topic for the prevailing contract.
Prepare a detailed list of any ambiguities or inconsistencies or lack of information and specifications pertaining to raw supplies and workmanship.
Inform the Client or Clients Representatives such shortcomings in writing prior to commencement of any activity.
Study the scope of work or the Bill of Quantities in detail. Later, prepare a list of areas that demand an ITP. It really is usually a good practice to prepare separate ITPs for each and every work location or trade or section.
Decide on the Hold and Witness Points stipulated within the contract which includes any subsequent directions given by the Client or Clients Representatives.
Prioritize the locations or requirements that may have a significant impact on the quality from the final work or product. When preparing such priority list one should ask what if questions to be able to ascertain the influence on the final quality as well as the acceptance of the item or work in case of non-conformity. Be certain to contain any references to tests, submitting information for the client, getting approvals and deciding on Hold and Witness Points.
Once the places or items are prioritized depending on the implications resulting from non-conformity, it is essential to prepare person ITPs for every prioritized area to ensure that detailed checklists and recording on inspection and testing are determined.
Share the ready checklist and also the recording with other individuals who are related using the particular construction. Depending on the positive and negative inputs given by the construction team, the proposed ITPs will have to be revised to ensure wider acceptance (by the construction team) which will enable smooth implementation of ITPs with out any snags.
Prepare every ITP with reference to contract document as well as the Quality Management System (QMS) if it is already in location.
Timely submission of every ITP as well as the associated certification towards the Client is essential, so that he/she has sufficient time to comment before commencement of any work or activity earmarked beneath the ITP. The comments given by the Client has to become noted and have to be included within the ITP. If it is not achievable, it has to be notified for the client in writing with out delay.
It is essential to separate all work locations from the construction project so that appropriate control and monitoring of ITP actions are feasible. It is far better to mark these places on drawings or included in a schedule.
Release ITP checklists for each construction work region or sections included inside the schedule or marked place on the drawings.
Create awareness (by way of coaching) on each and every ITP among those who are directly responsible or involved in it. A clear process has to be place in spot for prior notification of Hold & Witness Point for the right individual.
Finally implement every ITP (Inspection & Testing) while notifying the respective customers and regulatory authorities who are responsible for Hold & Witness Points. Maintain correct recording of ITP results on checklists which are approved by the responsible persons.

On reviewing the above mentioned, it is noted that when developing an effective ITP to get a construction activity, one has to essentially address the next:

What, when and how to test?
The type of construction activity and its complexity.
Ease of inspections and sampling
The severity of non-conformity or failure: cost of rectification, the effect on construction progress, ease of rectification, the effect of failure on other elements as well as the threat to worker safety including the public.
Finally the resource availability.