Inspection Test Plan

Why is an Inspection Test Plan Important?

Health and safety is a serious issue in the construction industry. In 2022, there are a reported number of 1,008 fatal work injuries in construction in the US. This is why it’s integral for construction businesses to establish safety programs, to ensure safety and the quality of the project. Below are 5 Construction Pitfalls that are Avoided with an Inspection and Test Plan

• Failure to identify problem areas early – Construction projects have critical components with inherent risks. Project managers should identify these risks beforehand and address them proactively to avoid incidents.

• Failure to stick with the schedule – Proper scheduling is essential for project success. Without it, tasks like renting equipment, hiring subcontractors, ordering supplies, and obtaining permits can become disorganized and cause delays.

• Going over the budget – Projects may often exceed budgets due to lack of accountability, extended timelines, or scope creep. Many budget overruns can be anticipated and mitigated with proper planning.

• Not Securing All Required Construction Permits – Permits ensure safety and regulatory compliance, protecting both occupants and workers. Securing permits early prevents delays and keeps insurance valid in case of accidents.

• Inadequate Supervision – Inadequate supervision can lead to overlooked steps, construction defects, and increased risk of injuries. Proper oversight is crucial to maintaining quality and safety standards.

These pitfalls can be easily avoided if a quality system such as an inspection and test plan is present. It is good practice to have one prepared before starting the works as it will provide the construction business and its client a clear and concise plan in managing inspection and test activities that will provide quality assurance, control, and documented evidence of constructed works.

6 Best Practices in Writing an Inspection Test Plan (ITP)

To help construction businesses provide a clear guide on the “when,” “what,” and “how” of the inspections using an inspection test plan, here are 6 best practices on how to create an Inspection Test Plan :

1. List down activity and task inspections

Work activities should be written chronologically or better yet following the sequence of works described in the method statement. Under each activity, provide an appropriate description by putting in the succeeding inspections.

2. Include code and reference documents

Each inspection will have different requirements or standards to meet. An inspection test plan must be able to clearly reference these documents. Code and standards are commonly referenced to the following:

• Contract documents/specification
• Contract drawings
• Approved workshop drawings and/or calculations
• Regulatory requirements
• International standards
• Manufacturers’ recommendations

3. Set the inspection criteria

The contractor, consultant or engineer, and client or employer will be involved in the inspection criteria and should determine their responsibilities before work starts. Here are the common inspection process criterias used in an Inspection Test Plan (ITP) :

• Surveillance (S) – Random site attendance; no signature needed on the inspection request or documentation.
• Execution (E) – Mandatory site attendance; signature always required on the inspection request and checklist.
• Witness (W) – Site attendance expected; signature required on the inspection request and checklist. If absent, the signatory can follow up and sign later.
• Hold Point (H) – Mandatory site attendance; signature required on the inspection request during inspection to proceed with work.
• Review (R) – Document review only; no signature needed on the inspection request or documentation.
• Records (RE) – Documentation to be recorded; no signature required on the inspection request or documentation.

4. Setting the acceptance criteria

The acceptance criteria will be the basis of how a certain task will be approved or accepted. It is usually defined in the inspection plan directly or in reference to standards such as the International Codes and Standards. Acceptance criteria can also be based on the agreement between the client/employer.

5. Accompany Inspections Plan with a Checklist

An inspection checklist is usually attached to the inspection request. Inspection and test plan checklists are designed to assist customers in assessing the contractor’s ITP. It indicates checks done in each work area before and during the inspection.

6. Use an Inspection Test Plan (ITP) Template

Cut down on the time spent in doing the documentation from scratch. Use a ready-made and ready-to-use inspection test plan template. Templates can help give you a good idea of the structure and approach, and you can customize them easily according to your business needs.

What to Include in an Inspection Test Plan Template?

An Inspection Test Plan Template (ITP) should outline the necessary inspections and tests to ensure that all activities are conducted systematically. Here are essential fields that should normally be included in an Inspection Test Plan Template :

• Basic details of the project and the contractors involved
• Separate fields for Work Process, Material Inspections, and Blocks Laying/ Installation
• Activity descriptions about the tests performed and verifications by responsible parties
• Reference documents if necessary
• Sign-off and signature for the Inspector

Here’s a sample template report would look like :

Inspection Test Plan Template Sample PDF Report | SafetyCulture