Quality control is a major concern in field service operations.
The industry is synonymous with risks, of which there are various sorts. Field service workers need to be indeed resourceful to know how to cope with any eventuality.
No small part of this feat is on the businesses that employ them. It goes absolutely without saying that they need to provide safety and quality control training and ensure adherence to all relevant regulations. That’s why it’s such an important practice for field services.
How to Train Your Teams
Training should focus on preventing injuries to begin with. Employee safety should always come first and serve as a precursor for quality control.
For starters, businesses need to build awareness in their employees. No topic is too obvious to skip, meaning that training programs need to cover everything from initial observations to equipment checks.
Here are some ideas on what to include:
- · Check the ground for spills or objects that you could trip over
- · Encourage workers to use tools and equipment safely to prevent injury
- · Encourage others to use mechanical assistance to help lift objects
- · Take note of the gear and safety measures necessary for target operations
- · Keep emergency exits open and unobstructed
- · Always use solid ladders (not improvised ladders)
- · Before utilizing railings, make sure they are securely fastened by testing them first
- · Know where the first aid kits are located
- · Know which employees have received first aid training in case of an injury
- · Use the necessary signage to identify hazardous materials and areas
Injury Prevention
Construction safety is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which enforces safety standards that make construction sites safe for workers.
Typical standards that businesses should stick to include:
OSHA’s Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926)
Subpart C – General Safety and Health Provisions
Subpart D – Occupational Health and Environmental Controls
Subpart E – Personal Protective and Life Saving EquipmentSubpart L – Scaffolds
Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M)
Guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems
Electrical Safety (29 CFR 1926 Subpart K)
Safety requirements for electrical systems and equipment used in construction work
Cranes and Derricks in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC)
Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1926.59):
Staying in communication regarding hazards associated with chemicals used on construction sites
Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1926.103):
Regulates the use of respiratory protection equipment
Confined Spaces in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA)
Fire Protection and Prevention (29 CFR 1926 Subpart F)
Quality Control
Quality control implies developing robust strategies that establish proven procedures that guarantee that deliverables meet the desired standards.
In other words, the process begins before a project commences. Hiring experienced architects, engineers, and urban planners is recommended, as these professionals can draft sustainable blueprints in line with building codes, zoning regulations, structural integrity, and environmental impact.
New Tech to the Rescue
Among other tech solutions, BIM and drones have proven to be rather useful in terms of quality assurance.
Namely, drones can perform site surveys, logistics, and real-time monitoring.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) creates comprehensive digital representations of buildings’ characteristics. Simply put, BIM provides physical aspects of the building and its material properties, construction details, cost estimates, and performance specifications. It supports construction planning, scheduling, and sequencing via its detailed 3D models.
Inspection Protocols
Quality control means sticking to tight inspection protocols. To develop the latter, it is recommended to consult qualified, resourceful inspectors.
Another important aspect is establishing protocols for non-destructive testing techniques to evaluate structural integrity without causing disruption to the site. Typical technologies used for this purpose include ultrasonic testing, ground-penetrating radar, and infrared thermography.
Compliance With Regulations and Standards
Businesses need to familiarize themselves with local building codes, zoning ordinances, and environmental regulations to ensure full adherence throughout the project lifecycle.
Additionally, sustainability is a big deal, so adhering to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards is recommended.
Sustainable construction minimizes environmental impact and boosts the viability of the building.
Implement Quality Control Processes
Implementing solid quality control processes can help a good deal. Basically, start by ensuring that all construction projects are performed on time and within budget.
Quality assurance leans on protocols that prevent defects, while quality control involves measures to identify and rectify issues as they arise.
Efficient QA/QC processes should detail procedures, responsibilities, and checkpoints at each stage of the project. Regularly monitor and evaluate performance metrics to ensure adherence to quality standards and identify areas for improvement.
Environmental Impact in Focus
Quality control needs to keep environmental impact in mind. Basically, businesses need to mitigate the impacts of their activities.
There are various environmentally friendly practices, including recycling construction waste, using low-impact materials, and minimizing energy consumption during the construction process. Additionally, implementing green infrastructure elements such as green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavement can uphold the agenda.
Lastly, businesses should minimize pollution from construction activities, which is done by enforcing environmental monitoring and compliance. Coupled with a skilled workforce, these steps should do wonders in this regard.