Quality Control Glossary for Level 3 QA/QC Training
Fundamentals of Quality Control
Purpose:
To help learners compile and understand essential QC terminology, its definitions, andpractical applications in UK engineering and manufacturing workplaces. This ensurescorrect usage of terms and alignment with UK laws and standards.
Key Terminology for Glossary-Building
| Term | Definition | UK Workplace Example | Relevant UK Law/Standard |
| Quality Control (QC) | Systematic process to ensure products/processes meet standards. | Testing concrete strength before pouring foundations. | ISO 9001:2015, BS EN 206, HSWA 1974 |
| Preventive Measures | Actions to avoid defects before they occur. | Calibrating asphalt mixing machines before use. | ISO 9001:2015, CDM Regulations 2015 |
| Corrective Measures | Actions to fix defects after detection. | Re-welding steel beams that fail inspection. | ISO 9001:2015, HSWA 1974 |
| Defect Detection | Process of identifying non-conformance in products or processes. | Inspecting bridge steel columns for misalignment. | HSWA 1974, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Sampling | Selecting a portion of products for QC inspection. | Random testing of concrete cubes on construction sites. | ISO 2859-1, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Control Chart | Statistical tool to monitor process variations. | Plotting weld dimensions to detect trends. | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Non Conformance | Failure to meet specified quality requirements. | Asphalt layer thickness below BS EN 13108 specification | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Root Cause Analysis (RCA) | Identifying the underlying cause of a defect. | Investigating recurring steel weld cracks on UK bridges. | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Traceability | Ability to trackproducts/materials through the production process. | Maintaining inspection logs of concrete batches. | BS 1192, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Plan-Do-CheckAct (PDCA) Cycle | Continuous improvement framework for QC processes. | Reviewing QC inspection data to improve concrete production. | ISO 9001:2015 |
Learner Task
Instructions:
ISO 9001:20151. Review the glossary table above.
- Expand it by adding at least 5 additional QC terms relevant to your workplace (civil engineering or manufacturing). For each:
- Write a clear definition.
- Provide a UK workplace example of its application.
- Identify the relevant UK law or standard.
- Select three terms from your glossary and write a short paragraph (50–70 words each) explaining how understanding and applying these terms helps maintain quality, ensure compliance, and improve efficiency in UK engineering projects.
- Optionally, create a visual mind map linking all glossary terms to their practical workplace application