ITPs and Quality Management Plans are something we commonly get asked about. This page provides information on these items and should help to answer some questions.
Inspection and test plans
Inspection and test plans are a widely used tool throughout several industries. ITP's should be developed specific to each project or product incorporating the requirements of the applicable specification. J2M Systems can help you develop your ITP's so they include all the important monitoring activities to maintain compliance. Our quality consultants include engineers that can interpret most specifications and produce quality ITP's and checklists.
Inspection and test plans are the Safe Work Method Statement of quality. They are generally in table or checklist form and include a list of steps for completing the job. Each step is reviewed and the compliance requirements are identified. This typically includes the standard to be followed, materials to be used, any testing/inspection requirements, hold or witness points. Each step will include a signoff to confirm it was completed in accordance with the specification. The NSW Government Quality Management System Guidelines include an appendix on developing ITPs that is usefull.
Most specifications include hold and witness points where inspection must take place. These must be captured within the Inspection and test plan. An example of this would be the requirement to have an engineer or certifier inspect steel reinforcement prior to pouring concrete or a client to inspect a mould before a manufacturing casting process. These would be identified on the inspection and test plan as a hold point. You could provide a place for the inspector to sign off on the ITP or you could use a seperate hold point release form that is then attached to the ITP.
Quality Plans
Quality management plans are used to outline the specific quality requirements for a product or project. The quality plan is used as a tool to plan everything needed to ensure a project, product or service is delivered in accordance with requirements. This document should ultimately be seen as the instruction manual for quality management related to the particular project/product/service. Our quality consultants have written hundreds of quality plans in many different formats. We are familiar with the requirements of both government guidelines and Australia Standards related to quality plans.
What should be in a Quality Management Plan?
The Quality Management Plan (QMP) should be consistent with the overall corporate quality management system for the company. The NSW Government Quality Guidelines specify the following for inclusion in a quality management plan:
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Project or contract objectives;
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Resources to be used, including management structure/personnel and their training;
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Personnel responsibilities and authorities
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Process controls to be used to deal with the work and risks involved, including quality procedures and ITPs;
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Methods to be implemented to monitor and audit the implementation of the plan on the project;
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Methods to be used to identify non conformity and implement corrective and preventive action;
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Methods to be used for document control and records management.
What does a Quality Management Plan look like?
A QMP is typically a word document made up of about 20 - 40 pages depending on the level of detail. It is written in the tone of a procedure setting out what needs to be done. For example 'the site manager will complete weekly inspections of the site using the site inspection checklist'. When J2M Systems develop QMPs we generally try to keep it clear, consise and straight to the point so that they can be easily read and understood by personnel working on the project. It is of no benifit to write a quality plan like a text book because no one will actually read it.
Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and Management Plans
