6 TIPS for writing a good Inspection and Test Plan (ITP)

Inspection and Test Plans are probably the most important documents for the Quality Control of a construction project.

A clear, robust and concise ITP will make things on site easy, it will define each party’s responsibilities during the works and after all it will be the “Bible” for compiling the As-Built Packages at the end of the works.

More than anything else, the ITP is the main document that will plan and manage  the test/inspection activities for providing assurance, control and documented evidence over the constructed works.

This is something that would definitely make your Clients happy at the end of the Project.

Starting the works without an (at least submitted to the Project Manager for approval) Inspection and Test Plan is an extremely bad practice and a clear nonconformity in many contracts.

It is true that the last 20 years there has been a big change in the industry regarding Health and Safety Management and the existence of a Method Statement prior to commencement of the actual works on site is now (more or less) a standard practice in every construction project.

Can we say the same for the ITPs though?  Not really…

So, these are 6 of Tips that one has to have in mind when writing an ITP.

TIP 1:

Every ITP should follow (more or less) the sequence of the works that is described in the Works Method Statement.The contractual requirements for tests and frequencies should be clear. In case of non clarity the contractor should issue RFIs (Request for information) from the Client.

TIP 2:

The ITP should have clear references to the Documents that specify the requirements. If possible, even the specific clauses should be referenced.

TIP 3:

The responsibilities (Hold Points, Witness Points,Review Points etc) for each test/inspection should have been agreed before the works start, otherwise there will be confusion and compromises from all the parties.

TIP 4:

There has to be a system of inviting the Client to witness the inspections. It is essential that the Client or Client’s representatives on site are timely informed to witness and sign-off the relevant forms.

TIP 5:

The ITP should clearly state and also have as attachments every form, checksheet and other record that needs to be completed during the inspection.

TIP 6:

The ITP should clearly state if the completed record/form has to be part of the As-Built / Handover packages.