On the job site, who does the QCM work for?

• A. The company doing the piping
• B. The owner
• C. The general contractor
• D. The designer

Answer: (A)

The person responsible for quality control on a specific trade is hired by the party doing that trade. The QCM’s job is to ensure the piping work meets the project specs, standards, and procedures, and to oversee inspections, tests, and any required corrections. Because the piping contractor is the one performing the work, they hire the QCM and empower them to manage quality activities for their team. The owner and designer set the requirements, and the general contractor coordinates overall construction, but the QCM operates under the contracting company that is installing the piping. This arrangement creates a clear line of responsibility and accountability for quality within the party performing the work.