Project Management in the Oil and Gas Industry

part Type S masonry cement to three parts masonry sand), while ASTM 
C780 states the method of obtaining samples for compressive testing and 
the strength required for the mortar. Copies of these ASTM standards must 
be obtained to ensure full compliance with both the project specifications 
and industry standards.
7.4.3.5.4 Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Testing
Although HVAC testing is performed by a professional testing agency, 
quality control personnel need to understand how and why these tests are 
performed so they can be performed at the appropriate times. The duct-
work joint leakage test is performed after the ductwork is completed, prior 
to the insulation being installed on the outside of the ductwork.
7.4.3.5.5 Plumbing 
Tests
All pipes in the building must be checked for leaks. Testing for leaks 
involves subjecting all pressurized (supply/return/fire sprinkler) pipes to 
hydrostatic pressure testing, which is measured by a water pressure gauge. 
Usually, the test requires the pipes to hold 150 percent of the normal oper-
ating pressure for two hours. Any drop in pressure indicates the presence of 
a leak in the line. Once this leak is found and repaired, the test is restarted 
for two hours. It should be noted that leaky joints must be tightened or 
taken apart and corrected. The application of pipe sealant to the outside of 
the pipe is not an approved correction method.
7.4.3.5.6 Performance 
Tests
Performance tests are required for many of the complicated systems that 
are installed in the building. A few of these systems include the fire alarm 
system, elevators, and water chillers/air-handlers. These types of tests are 
performed by the installer of the system and are only witnessed and veri-
fied by QC personnel. Once again, it is important for QC personnel to have 
some sort of knowledge regarding what is involved with testing these sys-
tems. The project specifications will state industry standards, which must 
be followed for proper testing.
7.4.3.6 When to Inspect Work
Knowing when to inspect works-in-progress is beneficial to the QC per-
son. The following list is a summary of when and what to inspect on the 
jobsite.

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Project Management in the Oil and Gas Industry
7.4.3.6.1 Inspection Before the Commencement of Work
In some specific cases, as in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this 
portion of inspection is called the “preparatory inspection phase.” This 
inspection is made for each major work activity and is used to “verbally 
build” the item of work. A majority of the time, a preparatory inspec-
tion is held for each section. This involves holding a meeting to perform 
the pre-inspection of materials, methods, and personnel that are used to 
perform the work. Submittals and industry standards are used to verify 
that the work to be performed will be completed in compliance with the 
project documents. The use of sample panels for work such as masonry 
or stucco finishes is a prime example of this type of inspection. The work-
manship and materials of the sample panel are inspected and approved 
prior to its implementation into the construction process. Corrections 
made at this level of inspection will cost less and will not impact the 
project schedule as much as if work was started before problems were 
discovered.
7.4.3.6.2 Inspection During Works-in-Progress
In some cases, the inspection of works-in-progress must be performed on 
a continual basis. QC personnel must maintain constant watch on work 
as it begins and heads toward completion. It is very important to verify 
that work starts out correctly, otherwise, reworks to correct the problem 
will occur. It is easier, and less expensive, to correct work as the work pro-
gresses instead of discovering defects after the work is completed. No one 
likes to perform the same item of work more than once.
7.4.3.6.3 Inspection of Work after Completion
Each work activity must also be inspected upon completion. This action 
is necessary to detect any deficient work prior to the next work activity to 
be performed. A “punchlist” consisting of the list of deficiencies discov-
ered should be made and given to the parties responsible for the defective 
work. Verification that each deficiency has been corrected must be made 
to ensure that there are not any outstanding deficiencies. This stage of 
inspection will also require the performance testing of installed materials 
or equipment.