How to conduct Internal audits on construction projects

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Internal audit is a requirement of quality management systems and ISO standards. Internal audits verify that processes are being carried out according to the procedures described in the project quality management plan. Internal audits are one of the methods of ensuring that systems are implemented correctly, conform to standards and are functioning effectively.

Conducting internal audits is essential to: determine whether the plan is effective verify that on-site processes and practices match quality plans and procedures verify that on-site controls are effective test whether quality objectives and performance targets have been met ensure the continuous improvement of overall management of quality. The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing internal audits of the quality management plan. The project manager: prepares the audit schedule for their projects in conjunction with the Quality Manager. approves the internal audit schedule for the project, and any amendments to the schedule. is the management representative for the audit and must attend the audit. An Audit team nominated by the Quality Manager or Project Manager carries out internal audits. The audit team would comprise a lead auditor and audit team members; auditors must: be suitably qualified to carry out audits: the minimum qualification is a certificate from a course run by an approved service provider be independent of the process or area been audited prepare checklists for the audit and make other appropriate preparations. The Lead auditor has the following responsibilities: overall responsibility for the audit team and audit activities
2012 Ensafe (www.ensafe.com.au)

preparing audit checklists liaising with the auditee representative Writing and approving the audit report Auditee representative (representative of the area being audited) assists the auditor to carry out the audit by answering the auditors questions and providing information as requested (keeping in mind that the auditor is there to help). arranges for any facilities requested by the auditor, such as work space and meeting space. ensures that personnel are available to answer the auditor's questions and provide any documentation required.

The process of auditing

The audit team leader assembles an audit team appropriate to the scope of the audit and instructs the team members on their part in the audit. Auditors prepare a checklist for the audit. Before the audit the Auditor must ensure that the checklist is appropriate to the items being audited

On the day
The lead auditor convenes an opening meeting with the auditee representatives and the audit team. This is to outline the process and make final adjustments to the scope of the audit. Auditors proceed with the audit and look for objective evidence (from records and observations) of compliance with requirements. They note their findings on the audit checklist. On construction works the audit team also walks through the worksite and site compound to see any nonconformities on works in progress and then confirm finding checking project records.
2012 Ensafe (www.ensafe.com.au)

Identified nonconformities are to be made known to the auditee representatives as they are found, with an allowance to rectify the issue prior to the closing meeting; similarly, examples of good practice should be noted throughout the audit process. The severity of the nonconformity must also be discussed and agreed to at this time. For non-conformance of a critical nature, the auditor must report the finding issuing a Corrective action request (CAR) at the closing meeting. When the audit is finished, the lead auditor convenes a closing meeting to present the audit findings. Ideally, the same people who attended the opening meeting attend the closing meeting.

Verifying the quality standards of finished products

In construction works internal audit would also verify conformance to Inspection and test plans for activities that require this checks. This process ensures that quality of end product is according to contract specification or applicable standards.

Audit report
The lead auditor prepares an audit report and submits to the audit representative. It is important that audit reports are prepared timely. The lead auditor may schedule at this time a follow-up audit to verify that audit findings have been addressed timely and nonconformities have been rectified effectively. Follow- up audits are normally scheduled within 14 days of issuing the audit report.

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2012 Ensafe (www.ensafe.com.au)