OC management systems
The OCs must have management systems that comply with the standards for:
• Quality management systems
BS EN ISO 9001:2000
• Environmental management systems BS EN 14001:2004
• Occupational health and safety management systems OHSAS 18001:1999.
A management system refers to processes, mainly administrative, that each OC must have in place to meet its own standards and comply with the contract. These standards must be continually reviewed and updated as necessary.
5.4 Quality management
NE – BEAR
BEAR has a QMS, in accordance with the contract, which is being implemented in NE and SE. The documentation has been reviewed by PAG and Transport Scotland has given consent to its use.
PAG’s audits confirmed the establishment of the system, although non-conformance and areas for improvement were identified.
However, BEAR’s ability to resolve problems through its non-conformance reporting (NCR) system was disappointing throughout most of the year. Many actions were overdue and the NCR register was not being updated regularly with delays in recording PAG audit findings as NCRs.
PAG escalated this problem by issuing a NNC and, from the start of 2008, there was a significant reduction in outstanding NCRs.
PAG’s audit of the QMS included control of Sector Scheme approved subcontractors and found a good level
of compliance.
BEAR successfully completed 36 internal audits in the year, including internal surveillance audits for Sector Scheme 12 – Traffic Management.
Figure 52 shows the status of NCRs raised from scheduled internal audits, based on BEAR’s records at April 2008. Some improvement is needed for the close out of actions within set timescales. This is continuously monitored by PAG.
As required, four Contract Quality Management System Manager (CQMSM) audits were carried out by QMI Scotland Ltd covering activities in NE and SE. The CQMSM recorded a high level of compliance with the requirements, although it also noted a need to ensure procedures are updated on an ongoing basis to reflect current practice.
SE – BEAR
BEAR has successfully established its QMS using the same system as in NE.
PAG audits generally confirmed the establishment of the system, although some non-conformances were identified and improvements were required.
At the start of the contract BEAR was not keeping its NCR register updated nor providing a copy to PAG on a regular basis. Although this was resolved, late closure of non-conformances remained an issue and PAG escalated this with a NNC. Significant improvements were then seen in the beginning of 2008. PAG is closely monitoring this situation and will take further action as necessary.
