Chapter 17: QA/QC in Project Management & Handover
This chapter focuses on how QA/QC integrates with project management, especially during planning, execution, monitoring, and final project handover stages in the mechanical engineering and construction industries.
📌 1. QA/QC in Project Life Cycle
| Stage | QA/QC Involvement |
|---|---|
| Project Planning | Define quality objectives, prepare ITP & QAP |
| Procurement | Vendor inspection, material test certificate review |
| Fabrication/Execution | In-process inspections, NDT, welding inspections |
| Testing & Commissioning | Hydrostatic, pneumatic, and functional testing |
| Handover | Dossier submission, punch list clearance, client approval |
🧾 2. QA/QC Documentation During Handover
At the end of a project, QA/QC engineers prepare and compile a Final QA Dossier or Quality Handover File, which includes:
Approved Drawings and As-Built Drawings
Material Test Certificates (MTCs)Welding records (WPS, PQR, WPQ)
NDT Reports (UT, RT, PT, MPI, etc.)
Inspection Reports (Dimensional, Visual)
Hydro/Pneumatic test reports
Calibration certificates
Non-conformance reports & corrective actions
Manufacturer and third-party certificates
Equipment manuals and warranty documents
Client will not accept project completion without this QA file.
⚠️ 3. Punch List & Snagging
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Punch List: A list of minor outstanding works or defects at project closing.
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QA/QC Role: Track, document, and ensure timely closure of punch points with corrective action.
✅ 4. Quality Audit & Final Inspection
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Third-party or client audits are conducted.
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QA/QC team must ensure:
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Documents are traceable and sequential.
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Inspection Logs match field execution.
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No major NCRs are pending.
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🏗️ 5. Field Example:
At a refinery shutdown project, delay in submitting QA documentation (hydro test reports, welder logs, MTCs) delayed client approval by 3 weeks, affecting commissioning timeline and penalty clauses. Proper QA/QC coordination from the start would have prevented this.
🧠 6. Project QA/QC Checklists (Mechanical Focus)
| Activity | Checklist Required |
|---|---|
| Pipe Welding | WPS, Welder ID, Fit-up, NDT reports |
| Hydrotest | Test pressure, hold time, result |
| Equipment Installation | Alignment check, grouting report |
| Pressure Vessel Delivery | MTC, RT, PWHT, dimensional check |
🔧 Best Practices for QA/QC at Handover
Start building dossier from Day 1.
Follow ITP and QAP strictly.Regular internal audits before client audits.
Maintain revision control on documents.
Train team on document filing and tracking.
Chapter 17: MCQs – Project QA/QC & Handover
Q1. What is a "Punch List" in QA/QC?
A) A list of workers on-site
B) A checklist of material suppliers
C) A list of pending works or defects to be completed before handover
D) A document to approve procurement
🟩 Correct Answer: C
Q2. Which of the following documents is not usually included in a QA Dossier?
A) Material Test Certificates
B) Approved Drawings
C) Welding Procedure Specification
D) Bank guarantee letter
🟩 Correct Answer: D
Q3. What is the final outcome of the QA/QC process in a project?
A) Client handover file with complete documentation
B) Lab test of paints
C) Electrical wiring
D) Final cost analysis
🟩 Correct Answer: A
Q4. What is the risk if QA/QC documentation is not submitted on time?
A) Site becomes safer
B) Workload decreases
C) Project delays and client non-approval
D) Faster shutdown
🟩 Correct Answer: C
Q5. Which of these documents verifies the material's origin and quality?
A) NCR Report
B) Material Test Certificate (MTC)
C) ITP
D) Alignment report
🟩 Correct Answer: B
Q6. The primary responsibility for QA/QC handover documentation lies with:
A) Safety Officer
B) Accountant
C) QA/QC Engineer
D) Procurement Engineer
🟩 Correct Answer: C
Q7. Which of the following is a QA activity in project management?
A) Performing hydrotest
B) Issuing purchase orders
C) Preparing Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)
D) Transporting equipment
🟩 Correct Answer: C
Q8. What happens if a pressure vessel is delivered without RT and PWHT records?
A) It will be accepted quickly
B) No impact
C) It may be rejected or returned
D) It will be approved on-site
🟩 Correct Answer: C
Q9. What is an NCR?
A) National Code Requirement
B) Non-Conformance Report
C) New Contractor Record
D) Normal Calibration Report
🟩 Correct Answer: B
Q10. When should QA/QC documentation begin on a project?
A) After construction ends
B) Just before audit
C) From project start
D) After handover
🟩 Correct Answer: C