in-progress monitoring and inspecting

1 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012 eere.energy.gov

In-Progress Monitoring and Inspecting

QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012


Learning Objectives

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the benefits of performing in-progress inspections and who performs them.

• Verify appropriate measures are being installed correctly.

• Describe the importance of ensuring safe work practices are being observed.

• Discuss the need to ensure equipment is up to date, inspected, and functioning properly.

IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING


In-Progress Monitoring & Inspecting

• A monitor or inspector arrives on a job site while the weatherization installers are on the same site performing their assigned duties.

• The inspector may test equipment and make suggestions but will not perform work.

Who conducts in-progress monitoring and inspections?• Local agency WAP inspectors• Grantee WAP monitors• DOE WAP project officers


Photo courtesy of US Dept. of Energy


• Opportunity to discuss and finalize work scope

• Ensures equipment is functional

• Ensures program policies and procedures are followed

• Prepares the agency for inspection visits by grantee or federal monitors

• Opportunity to become familiar with day-to-day field operations

Reasons to Inspect In-Progress UnitsIN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING


• Ensures appropriate measures are installed correctly

• Helps reduce call-backso Saves timeo Increases productivityo Increases contractor profit

potential

• Verifies auditors and installers are in sync

• Ensures the client is satisfied with the progress of the work

Spot Checks of In-Progress UnitsIN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING


Discuss and Finalize Work Scope

Review Auditor’s Report

• Discuss best methods of handling difficult situations

• Identify opportunities missed by auditor

Discussing what you expect based on the work order will help installers get it right the first time.



Program Policies and Procedures

Monitors/Inspectors:

• Verify installers are planning to install weatherization measures recommended by the audit or priority list.

• Ensure health and safety protocol is being followed.

• Verify installers have the requisite resources with them on-site.o Weatherization field guides

o Weatherization best practices manualsPhoto courtesy of New Mexico Housing



Measures a re Per fo rmed/ Ins ta l led Cor rec t ly

A monitor/inspector can observe a worker’s:

• Thoroughness.

• Speed.

• Consistency across projects.

Photo courtesy of NRCERT



Identify Training Needs

• A monitor can get a good sense of work quality issues in the field.

• If a monitor observes inconsistency across a grantee’s service territory, s/he can make training recommendations to help installers:

o Adopt best practices for installation.o Switch to more appropriate materials.o Perform specific diagnostic tests.

By noting deficiencies in the field, a monitor can recommend targeted trainings.



Testing the Equipment

Insulation Blower Machine

• Pressure test (to ensure dense pack capability)

• Examine hoses for cracks and blockage points

Combustion Safety Equipment

• Properly calibrated (date of last calibration)

• Not antiquated

Blower Door Apparatus

• Properly calibrated (date of last calibration)

• Appropriate number of rings available

• Appropriate hoses present and intact

• Digital manometer preferred (with functional cruise control)

Monitors/inspectors may inspect and test the following while on-site (although not required).



On-Site Insulation Blower Pressure Inspection

Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy



Note:• Are workers practicing lead-

safe weatherization (LSW)? • Is an EPA-certified renovator

on site?• Are installers adequately

trained and carrying the proper safety equipment to job sites? o Are they wearing the

proper safety gear? o Is equipment functioning

properly?

Health and Safety Protocols

Photo courtesy of WW Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity



Personal Protective Equipment

In-progress monitoring and inspecting can verify the presence and correct use of:

For Workers• TyvekTM suits• Gloves• Respirators• Booties• Steel-toed boots

For the Job Site• Poly tarp• Wet spray applicator• Hazard tape and signage• Accurate MSDS• First aid Kit

Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy



EPA-Certified Renovator

• They verify that a certified renovator is assigned to a particular job site.

• They verify the certified renovator is associated with a qualified firm.

• Monitors can ensure auditors, monitors, crew members, and contractors have attained EPA-certified renovator status.



• Choose a minimum in-progress inspection rate.

• Increase the frequency of inspections with technical staff.

• Continue to spot check jobs.

• Hold regular meetings with field staff.

• Educate yourself to all aspects of field operations.

Recommended Minimum In-Progress InspectionsIN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING


Summary

Inspectors should:

• Choose a minimum in-progress inspection rate.

• Hold regularly scheduled meetings with field staff.

• Educate themselves to all aspects of field operations.

• Ensure equipment is functional and up to date.

• Ensure program policies and procedures are followed.

• Ensure appropriate measures are installed correctly.

• Reduce call-backs and identify training needs.


in-progress monitoring and inspecting

Documents

progress inspections

progress units

progress visits

progress monitoring

weatherization installers

job site

work scopeensures equipment

completed units