Quality Control

Quality Control and Quality Audit are terms that could be considered as being closely linked to the same process, but are they? Let’s take a look!

Most would be familiar with the term Quality Control as a process engaged by a manufacturer or service provider, to ensure for example, an individual product or service meets all its specified requirements.

Quality Audit on the other hand, is not a familiar term and certainly one that is not expressed in the same context as Quality Control however, it is a process that examines the complete systems of a manufacturer or service provider.

Domestic Oil & Gas Installations:

A Quality Control process undertaken upon a domestic oil or gas installation should examine the following aspects: -

·        An engineer’s interaction with the customer

·        Documentation issued by the engineer

·        A visual inspection of the oil or gas supply installation

·        A visual inspection of the oil or gas appliance

·        A visual inspection (where accessible) of the flue installation

·        A visual inspection only of the heating system (where applicable)

·        Inspection of ventilation provisions

·        A visual inspection of the appliance electrical control system

·        Tightness & Let-by testing

·        Oil tank inspection

·        LPG bottle or bulk tank inspection

·        A service strip-down of an appliance (where necessary)

·        Light and test of a burner or burners

·        Assessment of gas Input ratings and where applicable burner/oil pressures

·        Flue flow tests and spillage tests (where applicable)

·        Combustion analysis (where applicable)

·        Regulatory compliance or follow unsafe situations procedure(s)

Note: The process as detailed in the list above, may vary between a company/organisation and a customer should check before engaging their services.

Quality Audit:

Companies / organisations who have achieved, or are seeking ISO accredited certification for example, 9001 (Quality Management System), 14001 (Environmental Management System), & 45001 (Occupational Heath & Safety Management System), would be familiar with the term Quality Audit.

Note: Detailed explanations of the ISO certifications listed above, is beyond the scope of this document.

A Quality Audit examines individual aspects of the entire business process of a company / organisation, in the provision of their services to a client/customer for example.

·        Regulatory compliance and industry best practice guidance

·        Documentation produced that is both adequate and accurate

·        Examining the effectiveness and efficiency of the service(s)

·        Inspecting the quality of the products and/or services

·        Identifying non-conformities and the corrective actions necessary

Quality Auditing is an essential tool employed to assess the effectiveness of the Management System within a company / organisation, to report the findings to the Management, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Quality Audits are not reserved solely for those who are or wish to seek accredited certification through the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).

Quality Auditors who implement the procedures detailed within ISO 19011 for 3rd Party audits upon private sector facilities (outside of ISO), enables the establishment of a common framework for managing both internal and external audits in accordance with best practice.

In conclusion:

It is not to say that a ‘Quality Control’ process is by any means ‘sub-standard’, quite the opposite in fact. Assessing the quality of a product or service is itself an essential process, especially regarding oil & gas systems and appliances.

A Quality Control inspection can (as we ourselves undertake) provide an opportunity to see first-hand, what happens on site at the customers premises.

Quality Control inspections are an integral part of ensuring safety, reliability and compliance of engineers and other personnel involved in the installation, service and repair of oil and gas fired heating / cooking appliances and their associated systems.

Quality Control or Quality Audit?

It is simply a requirement to be either reactive or proactive!