Procedure
A procedure is an established method for a specific process, describing step-by-step the activities that constitute the process and indicating the persons responsible for these activities.
Categories of Procedures:
- System procedures are used to rationalize the administrative processes such as document control, contract review and internal quality audit. These procedures are the basis of the quality system and are often referred to as quality procedures. Through the system procedures, the authorities and responsibilities for particular processes are assigned to individuals (or groups) and the interfaces between them are specified.
- Technical procedures are prepared, where necessary, to standardize the construction and installation processes. Compared to system procedures, technical procedures are more detailed in describing the work involved and less so in addressing the interfaces. Examples of technical procedures are for site formation, concrete work and installation of electrical services. Technical procedures may also be required for verification processes such as weld inspection and pile testing. Another example is “inspection and testing” that is performed at various stages of construction. Procedures are established for receiving inspection of materials, in-process inspection of construction and final inspection of finished works.
A quality procedure should be based on the company’s current practice that has been proven practical and effective in assuring quality. The objective is to document such practice, establishing it as a standard method to be followed whenever the process is carried out. It virtually boils down to “write what you do; do what you write”.
The purpose of the procedure is to ensure that construction works are conducted in compliance with applicable regulations, meeting schedule, milestones and set quality requirements satisfying applicable codes, standards, approved drawings, design and other specifications.
The following is the outline for the preparation of the Construction Procedure:
- Introduction
- Purpose and Scope of Work
- Reference Specifications and Standards
- Responsibilities
- Procedure
- Records