Quality Assurance

Cherne's Quality Assurance process starts with establishing procedures based upon client and project specific requirements, as well as industry standards. Site and project-specific quality programs are custom designed for each project. Quality standards are documented in project-specific manuals which incorporate various elements of ANSI/ASME NQA-1, ANSI/ASME B31.1, ANSI/ASME B31.3 and ANSI/AWS D1.1, and are supplemented by ASME Code QC and Construction QC Manuals.

After the requirements are identified, detailed project execution plans are developed. Up-front Quality planning allows field staff to review and understand site-specific technical requirements. These requirements are then better anticipated and included in work packages issued for the craftspeople to follow in executing the work.

Monitoring of work processes, including timely inspection and testing for compliance with standards is the next step required to ensure that the work that we do meets the requirements established. This is accomplished through a variety of audit testing procedures including x-raying welds, nondestructive testing of various processes, and work monitoring by experienced QC staff. Cherne QC staff members are knowledgeable of the construction process and skilled in the application of the codes, standards and regulations. They share the company values of doing the work right the first time and of performing the necessary planning and research to consistently provide for the high quality work expected. We maintain the ASME "A", "PP" and "U" Certificates of Authorization and the National Board of Pressure Vessel Inspectors "R" Certificate of Authorization. We have an excellent reputation with regulatory and enforcement authorities.

And lastly, we capture the data collected through testing and monitoring into a database which allows us to track variances and identify their root causes. Cherne's QC staff members provide daily-verified input into the system. Examples of test status tracked include NDE, PWHT, pressure tests, final alignments and loop checks. We use this Quality Performance Management System to drive continuous improvement of the work that we do. This database, developed in real time with project execution, is routinely analyzed for trends allowing us to develop responsive corrective measures.