Quality Control and Quality Assurance

While many projects require quality control and quality assurance inspections, few specifications, if any, differentiate between the two or provide guidance on the responsibilities of each. This article defines quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA), and discusses each in relation to the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) certification program requirements, other recognized industry standards, and transportation specifications that establish minimum standards of practice for QA and QC. Quality control is defined as performing the necessary observations, testing, and documentation to verify that the work performed meets or exceeds the minimum standards established by the project specifications or contract. Quality assurance is an audit process used to verify that the quality of work performed is what was inspected and reported by the contractor's QC. QA may including reviewing QC documentation, observation of QC testing, or actual testing on a spot or periodic basis. One sidebar includes a chart summarizing the data obtained from a review of QC/QA activities in over 50 transportation authorities (including state departments of transportation). The author includes recommendations for maximizing the benefits of both QA and QC. The benefits include avoiding duplication of documentation and inspection; reducing conflicts among the contractor, owner, and third party QA; real or perceived over- or under-inspection; and long-lasting protection of the structure or asset.