Characteristics

When compared with a safety management system, defining quality may seem to be a little harder to establish. Among the many definitions, it can be said that quality is:
• The extent to which a set of characteristics fulfills the requirements.
Using a risk-based, process approach, similar to how we would build safely, will allow us to manage quality through:
• Identifying the characteristics required; and
• By regularly checking that the requirements are being met
For a practical application of this we could use precast concrete elements, the characteristics to consider for managing quality could include but not limited to:
• Reinforcing and cast-in element requirements and position
• Concrete strength
• Concrete quality, colour, and level of surface finish
• Structural tolerance for installation and construction joint weather sealing
• Etc
Once we have identified all the relevant characteristics, we can then develop a suitable ITP and associated quality control activities to regularly check that the requirements are being met and inspection and test records are being maintained.