QA/QC Terminology-to-Application Matching Guide
Principles of Quality Assurance
Purpose:
To help learners connect QA theory with practical civil engineering applications in the UK, reinforcing understanding of terminology and regulatory compliance.
SECTION 1 — Key QA Terms and Their Workplace Applications
| QA Term | Definition / Explanation | UK Workplace Application | Relevant UK Law / Standard |
| Quality Assurance (QA) | Systematic approach to ensure consistent quality of products/services by monitoring processes. | Checking concrete mix design before pouring foundations to ensure compliance. | BS EN 206, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Quality Control (QC) | Inspecting final products to detect defects. | Testing steel beams for welding compliance before installation. | BS EN ISO 3834 |
| NonConformance (NC) | Any deviation from specified quality requirements. | Delivery of reinforcement bars with incorrect diameter. | ISO 9001:2015, HSWA 1974 |
| Corrective Action | Action taken to eliminate the cause of a non-conformance. | Replacing defective concrete or reinforcing steel to meet specifications. | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Preventive Action | Action taken to prevent potential non-conformance. | Implementing SOPs for material inspection and storage. | ISO 9001:2015,CDM Regulations 2015 |
| Audit | Systematic review of processes to ensure compliance with QA standards. | Internal audit of QA documentation for bridge construction. | ISO 19011:2018, ISO 9001:2015 |
| PDCA Cycle | Plan-Do-Check-Act; iterative process for continuous improvement. | Updating inspection checklists after identifying recurring errors in steel welding. | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Traceability | Ability to track products or materials throughout the supply chain. | Maintaining delivery notes and certificates for cement batches used in foundations. | BS 1192, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Risk Assessment | Identifying potential quality failures and implementing mitigation measures. | Assessing the risk of curing failures in concrete during winter and using protective blankets. | CDM Regulations 2015 |
| Customer Satisfaction | Ensuring products/services meet client expectations. | Verifying road surfacing thickness meets BS EN 13108 standards for UK highways. | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Ethical Practice | Maintaining honesty, integrity, and compliance in QA decisions. | Reporting non-compliant welding despite pressure to proceed. | RICS Code of Conduct, HSWA 1974 |
SECTION 2 — Learner Task
Instructions:
- Match theoretical QA terms with on-site civil engineering applications in the UK, using the table above.
- For five selected terms, provide a step-by-step description of how the term is implemented on a UK construction project.
- Include the UK law or standard that governs each activity.
- Draw a diagram or flowchart linking each term to its practical application, showing the QA process from identification to resolution.
- Reflect in 100–150 words on how understanding these terms ensures compliance, efficiency, and safety in civil engineering QA practice.