SCHEDULE Q BASED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Define Schedule Q?

Company minimum requirements for the Contractor and Sub Contractor quality system

2. How many attachments in Schedule, which are they?

Six Attachments

Attachment I – Contractor and Sub Contractor quality personnel qualification requirements

Attachment II – Company Standards and Procedures containing quality requirements

Attachment III – Quality requirements for Contractor supplied materials

Attachment IV – Quality requirements for the construction phase

Attachment V – Summary of quality system deliverables

Attachment VI – Procurement phase quality requirements

3. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Manager?

He shall have a university degree or equivalent and a total of seven years inspection experience or a high
school diploma with a ten year inspection experience. As minimum, he shall have five years directly
relating to supervision of construction activities.

4. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Supervisor?

He shall have a university degree or equivalent and a total of seven years inspection experience or a high
school diploma with a ten year inspection experience. As minimum, he shall have three years directly
relating to supervision of construction activities.

5. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Inspector?

Inspector shall be high school graduate, or equivalent shall be able to read, write and speak English
language, shall be fully conversant with applicable industry standards and specifications.

6. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Welding Inspector?

AWS, CSWIP 3.1 or company approved equivalent. He should have knowledge in ANSI B 31.3, 31.4 and
31.8, ASME section V and IX, API 620 and 650, AWS D1.1, ASNT level II

7. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control PWHT Inspector?

Inspector shall have direct knowledge all aspects of heat treatment with the types of equipment’s. He
shall be able to verify process parameters to approved heat treatment procedures. Also knowledge in
ASME B 31.3 and Section VIII Division 1.

8. Minimum qualification and experience for the post of Quality Control PMI Inspector?
 Inspector shall have knowledge about all aspects of PMI test methods and the operation of PMI test
equipment used on the job.

9. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Civil Inspector?

Inspector shall be knowledge in International Building Code (IBC). Also have knowledge in construction
techniques with emphasis on soil mechanics, foundations, retaining walls, structural steel masonry,
building interiors, building finishes, roof systems and asphalt.

10. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Batch Plant Inspector?

Inspector shall have direct experience in inspection of asphalt/concrete mix ingredients in accordance with
the applicable ASTM, AASHTO or ACI procedures and guidelines. He shall be able to assess the plant
QC laboratory to determine that their equipment, procedures/techniques, sample recording and result
reporting compliance with the applicable standards.

11. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Coating Inspector?

Inspector shall demonstrate a through working knowledge and proven ability of all phases and types of
critical coating applications and methods and recognized industry standards and critical coatings.
Inspector shall be certified to NACE Level 1 and qualified per the requirements of SAEP 316.

12. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control HVAC Inspector?

Inspector shall demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of codes such as Sheet Metal and Air
Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) codes Uniform Mechanical Code. ASME
31.9, NFPA 90a, ASHRAE Handbooks and/ or equivalent standards.

13. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Electrical Inspector?

Inspector shall demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the National Electric Code/NFPA 70, IEC
or equivalent standards. He shall also have working knowledge of electrical installations including
materials, methods, specifications and hazardous location identification for oil and gas or petrochemical
industries.

14. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Telecommunication Inspector?

He shall be working knowledge in OSP (Outside Plant) installation as well as PDS (Premise Distribution
System installation, and be familiar with North American or International Telecommunication standards,
Building Industry Consulting Services International - Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
(BICSI-TDMM), National Electrical Codes and National Electrical Safety Codes or their equivalent.

15. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Instrumentation Inspector?

He shall be familiar with international standards such as, ISA RP12.6, ISA RP12.2.02, ISA TR12, ANSI
MC96.1, IEEE 518, IEEE1100, IEC 60529, NEMA ICS 6, NEMA 250, NEMA VE 1, NEMA VE 2,
NFPA 70/NEC and UL 94. As a minimum, he shall be able to inspect complete loop checking, wiring
continuity and color coding, start up and troubleshooting.
16. Minimum qualification and experience for Quality Control Cathodic Protection Inspector?

Inspector shall have two years documented experience in the field of cathodic protection for the required
specific application. He shall be able to demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of international
codes and standards related to inspecting cayhodic protection system and its components, such as anode
installation, cable installation and positive and negative cable hookups to rectifier. He shall be able to
interpret and assess cathodic protection design packages to ensure compliance with the contractual
requirements.

17. Minimum qualification and experience for NDT Coordinator?

Individual having documented prior direct NDT and welding inspection experience as well as documented
experience in the coordination of NDT works on major construction sites.

18. Which are the Company standards and procedures containing quality requirements?

SAES – Saudi Aramco Engineering Specifications

SAEP – Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAMSS – Saudi Aramco Material System Specification

SAIC – Saudi Aramco Inspection Checklist

SATIP – Saudi Aramco Test and Inspection Plan

SATR – Saudi Aramco Test Report

19. Which Aramco procedure describes material and equipment inspection requirements?

SAEP – 1151

20. Which information’s are included in an ITP?

Process Description

Quality Control Requirements

Notification requirements for RFI shall be a minimum 24 hours for site work and 48 hours for weekend
inspections and remote area locations.

Responsibilities

Applicable procedures

Acceptance criteria

Percentage of tests to be done (including increased inspection levels when performance requirements are
not met.)

Verifying documents

Review, Witness and Hold points

21. Which company procedure describes selection of sampling of the welded joints for RT shall be performed
by Company inspectors?

SAEP- 1160

22. Define Hold Point?

Hold Point is defined as an inspection point beyond which an activity must not proceed without the
approval of a designated organization or authority

23. Which company procedure is required for the submission of hydro test packages?

SAEP – 1160

24. Describe quality personnel requirements at Construction site as per Schedule Q?

Quality Control Manager 1 No’s

Quality Record Controller 2 No’s

Quality Control Supervisor, One supervisor per discipline 8 inspectors

Material/Equipment Receiving inspection, one inspector

Foundation Concrete, one inspector per 25 workers

Steel Structure, one inspector per 25 workers

UG piping, one inspector per 15 workers

Plumbing, one inspector per 25 workers

HVAC, one inspector per 15 workers

Piping, one inspector per 15 workers

Valve Testing, one inspector

Coatings/insulation, one inspector per 3 crews

Buildings, one inspector per 25 workers

Earth work paving/fencing, one inspector per 50 workers

Batch plant/concrete/asphalt, one inspector

Equipment Mechanical, one inspector per 15 workers

Lowering/Padding/Bedding and Backfilling, one inspector

Shop Welding, one inspector per 15 welders

Field Welding, one inspector per 10 welders

PMI, one inspector technician per analysis unit

 PWHT, one inspector per 10 technicians

NDT Coordinator, Shop 1, field 1

RTFI, one company certified RTFI

Electrical Cathodic Protection, one per 20 workers/technicians

Instrumentation, one inspector per 25 workers/3 crews

Safety Relief Valve, one inspector per crew

Communication, one inspector per site

25. What is ISO?

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national

standards bodies (ISO member bodies).
26. What are the special process procedures as per schedule Q.?

Welding/Brazing
Nondestructive Testing/examination
High Voltage Cable splicing/termination
Alloy verification (PMI)
Coatings
Concrete & Asphalt Mix Design
Cable and Conduit Seal Installation
Gasket Installation
Concrete Installation
Structural Bolt Tensioning
Gap Control for socket weld and back welded
threaded fittings.
Hydro-testing
Heat Treatment
Hot Tap Procedures (Calculation Sheets)

Refractory Installation

RTR Pipe work

HVAC Testing & Balancing

27. What is ISO 9001: 2008?

Quality management system
The organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain a quality management
system and continually improve its effectiveness in accordance with the requirements of this
International Standard
28. Documentation requirements as per Schedule?

CONTRACTOR shall plan, organize, control and execute all WORK in accordance with
CONTRACTOR’s Quality Plans, Inspection and Test Plans (ITP) and documented procedures.

29. Management responsibility as per Schedule Q?

CONTRACTOR's top management shall review the project specific Quality System every six
months to ensure that the system is suitable, adequate and effective.

30. Project realization/execution as per Schedule Q?

CONTRACTOR shall comply with the Design Phase requirements of CONTRACTOR’s
approved Quality Plan and this Schedule “Q”.
CONTRACTOR shall comply with the Procurement quality requirements of CONTRACTOR’s
approved Quality Plan
CONTRACTOR shall comply with the Construction quality requirements of CONTRACTOR’s
approved Quality Plan
CONTRACTOR shall comply with the Pre-commissioning quality requirements of
CONTRACTOR’s approved Quality Plan

31. Measurement, analysis and improvement as per Schedule?

CONTRACTOR shall submit each week a two-week look ahead schedule of all planned quality
activities to the Company Representative during the Procurement, Construction and Pre-
commissioning WORK Phases.
CONTRACTOR shall conduct internal audits covering WORK Phases with duration of six
months or longer.
CONTRACTOR shall submit a quality audit schedule to the Company Representative for review
and approval within thirty (30) calendar days from the effective date of this Contract. As a
minimum, full quality system audits shall be carried out at fifteen percent (15%) and sixty percent
(60%) of completion stage for the Design, Procurement, and Construction WORK Phases.
CONTRACTOR shall issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for all violations by the
CONTRACTOR, subcontractors, manufacturers and/or suppliers to Contract requirements and
COMPANY approved CONTRACTOR quality plan(s), inspection & test plans, and procedures.
CONTRACTOR shall submit a copy of each NCR to the Company Representative within 48
hours of issue.

The Waiver justification shall include a discussion of the impact of approving the deviation. Document
and support cost benefits or penalties by addressing the following items, as applicable

Decrease in facility safety or reliability

Increase in acquisition cost or life-cycle cost
lengthening of overall project schedule
Adverse environmental impact.
 ONTRACTOR shall prepare and submit a monthly Quality Management Report in a format
acceptable to COMPANY to demonstrate effective implementation of the CONTRACTOR's
Quality System.
All the procedures and ITP shall be reviewed Twenty one (21) calendar days prior to pre-
inspection meeting or start of fabrication

32. What is NCR, CAR, DR?

 NCR: (Non Conformity report): A record reporting the variation from the specified
requirements.
 CAR: Corrective action report: A record reporting the action taken to eliminate the effect and
causes of an existing non –conformity, defect or other undesirable situation in order to
prevent recurrence.
 DR: Deviation report: A record of the concessions granted by client or owner to certain
deviation from project specification.
33 The term “Company” means as per schedule Q?

The term “Company shall mean either Saudi Aramco, Aramco Services Company, or Aramco Overseas
Company as indicated on the signatory sheet of contract.

34. Quality Management System Requirements as per Schedule Q?

Quality Management System in accordance with the latest version of ISO 9001 (Quality Management
Systems Requirements), which is incorporated herein by reference and this schedule Q definitions
contained in ISO 9000, (quality management systems fundamentals and vocabulary) latest version shall
apply. In case of conflict between ISO 9001 and this schedule, the requirements of this schedule shall
have precedence.

35. Resource Management as per Schedule Q?

Contractor shall provide resources to implement the quality system as set forth in this contract. For all
procurement, construction and pre-commissioning activities, sufficient Company approved quality
personnel identified in attachment VI of schedule Q shall be on site prior to start of the applicable work

36. Assignment of quality personnel as per schedule?

Contractor, subcontractor and third party agency quality personnel assigned to the work shall meet the
minimum qualification requirements of Attachment 1 of schedule Q and must be technically competent to
perform their duties.

37. Control of Non-Conformance as per Schedule Q?

Contractor shall include in the quality plans procedures to prevent inadvertent use of documents, materials,
parts, components, services or workmanship not conforming to requirements of the contract. Contractor
shall investigate the root cause of non-conformities and initiate corrective actions to prevent recurrence of
non-conformities maximum seven days of the issue date.
38. Control of Construction activities as per schedule Q?

One month prior to start of the applicable work, contractor shall submit for review and approval of detailed
inspection and testing plan along with related procedures/work instructions for all construction processes to
be executed by contractor or subcontractors.

39. As per schedule Q inspection requirements for Friday and holidays inspections?

Contractor shall request company representative written approval one week in advance concerning
required inspection during holidays and Fridays.

40. Qualification Requirements for RTR piping installers as per schedule Q?

RTR piping installers shall be trained and qualified in accordance with the RTR manufacturer’s
requirements.

41. Identification and Traceability as per Schedule Q?

Contractor shall implement an identification procedure for all materials, parts and components, including
partially fabricated assemblies. Identification of an item shall be addressed either by using tags, stamps,
color coding, stencils or labels. The location and the method of identification shall not affect the function
or quality of the item being identified.

42. Preservation requirement as per schedule Q?

Contractor shall include procedures for handling, storage and preservation of material as specified in all
applicable specifications, manufacturer recommendations and company standards. Individuals responsible
for special handling, storage and preservation shall be fully qualified to do so, and supplied with
predetermined work and inspection instructions.

43. Control of Monitoring and Measuring Devices?

Contractor shall include procedures for the control of inspection, measuring and testing equipment.
Specific tools and equipment shall be identified to make and perform tests in the field with instructions for
their use, calibration and storage. Contractor shall maintain a log of all testing, measuring and inspection
equipment calibration status and expiry date.

44. Radiation Safety

Contractor is the principal party responsible to assure that subcontracted NDT service providers involved
with Industrial Radiography on the project comply with Company’s safety requirements defined in SAEP –
1141 and GI 150.003.

45. Construction and precommissioning phase project specific quality requirements?

As a minimum, contractor shall assign, or require its subcontractor to assign company approved quality
personnel to the work at site in accordance with Exhibit 1. With company approval, inspectors may be
qualified to inspect more than one discipline; in this case, however, he may not fulfill more than one full
time position at any time during the execution of the contract. For example, an inspector qualified to
inspect work both in electrical and instrumentation disciplines can only be allocated to fulfill either one of
the inspection positions at a time.
46. What are specifications?

Specifications (Specs) are guideline details for construction requirements to assure minimum
quality standards are listed and met.

47. Control of Non-Conformance as per Schedule

 Contractor shall include in the quality plans procedures to prevent inadvertent use of design
documents, materials, parts, components, services or workmanship not conforming to requirements
of the contract.
 Contractor shall segregate all non-conforming materials and assemblies to a clearly designated
rejection site
 All NCR’s including vendor, contractor should forwarded to Company records of all recorded non-
conformities within 48 hours of issue.
 Contractor shall investigate the root cause of non-conformities and initiate corrective actions to
prevent recurrence of non-conformities maximum 7 days of the issue date
 Contractor shall maintain a summary of the open non-conformities and submit it at the regular
project progress meetings
 Contractor shall respond to all non-conformities issued by Company in writing within 48 hours of
receiving notification of non-conformance, including his proposed corrective actions.
 Contractor shall rework or repair and re-inspect items in accordance with company approved
procedures. Contractor shall notify the company representative prior to final closure of any non-
conformity.

48. Analysis of Data as per schedule Q?

Contractor shall prepare and submit a monthly quality management report in a format acceptable to
company to demonstrate effective implementation of contractor’s quality system

 Listing of quality audits, internal and subcontractor, in progress, and planned for the next month
 Status of open corrective actions for non-conformities, audits and management reviews.
 Quality personnel listing by discipline as specified in schedule Q Para 5.1.1
 Listing and status of engineering waivers requested.

49. Design and Procurement Phase items as per schedule Q?

 Listing of supplier surveys performed and results

 Planned surveys for the next month
 Listing of pre-inspection meetings conducted and planned for the next month
 Listing of supplier inspections performed and those planned for the next month.

50. What do you mean by QA?

It provides the objective needed to give a maximum confidence for quality

51. What do you mean by QC?

It involved with the monitoring of a process and eliminating the causes of any deficient output.
52. Construction Phase items as per schedule q?

 Listing and disposition of all defective or rejected material or equipment received at jobsite by
contractor and subcontractor
 Welding rejection rate reported in accordance with SAEP – 1160. A chart showing the historical
performance during the project shall be included.

53. Narrative section for process improvement activities?

This section shall describe contractor and subcontractor activities during the month to continually
improve its processes, correct and eliminate non-conformities, prevent potential problems, and improve
schedules, etc. It shall include trend analysis for processes identified in paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.4 of
schedule Q.

54. Monitoring and measuring of processes as per schedule Q?

Contractor shall continuously monitor and measure contractor and subcontractor’s critical processes
throughout the work.

 Lessons learned from previous projects

 Concrete operations
 Welding operations
 Coatings
 Hydrostatic and Gravity testing operations.

55. Measurement, Analysis and Improvement as per schedule Q?

Contractor shall include as part of his plan for measuring, monitoring, analysis and improvement of his
processes, as a minimum, the plan shall address the interaction of the following:

 Customer satisfaction
 Internal and external audits
 Internal and external non-conformities
 Repeat violations
 Process performance measures
 Data analysis
 Management reviews
 Preventive action
 Corrective action

56. Determine customer satisfaction as per schedule Q?

Contractor shall determine and evaluate the degree of Company’s satisfaction through quarterly
evaluation of company assessments, non-conformance reports and inspection log entries.
57. Internal Audits as per schedule Q?

 Contractor shall conduct internal audits covering work phases or contracts with duration of six
months or longer.
 Contractor shall submit a quality audit schedule to the company representative for review and
approval within 21 calendar days from the effective date of this contract.
 All audits shall be executed by quality system auditors not directly responsible for the area being
audited, or by a company approved third party agency.
 Contractor shall investigate root causes and initiate corrective actions for non-conformities
identified in each audit. Contractor shall verify implementation and closeout of corrective actions
prior to the next scheduled audit.
 Contractor shall submit to the company representative a copy of each audit report within 14
calendar days of its completion.
 The company representative or his nominee shall be invited to participate in all audits. Audit
notifications and agenda shall be submitted to the company representative 14 calendar days in
advance.
 Company shall be entitled to have the company representative or his nominee(s) to schedule and
conduct quality assessment of the contractor’s quality functions and obligations as outlined in
schedule Q. The quality assessment schedule will be communicated to the contractor at least one
month prior to the schedule quality assessment(s)

58. What do you mean by Witness Point Inspection?

An inspection point, defined in an appropriate document, beyond which an activity can proceed after
notifying the designated organization or authority.

59. What do you mean by Review Point?

A review point, defined in an appropriate document, is the point at which a work activity cannot
proceed without first ensuring the review and approval of applicable documents or personnel
qualifications by a designated organization or authority.

60. Quality Control Procedure (QCP)?

A QCP is a documented procedure detailing the processes necessary to complete a specific work
activity.

61. Inspection & Test Plan (ITP)?

An ITP is a document based on the detailed manufacturing, fabrication and construction program and
identify each process description. The ITP will set out related sequence of activities to be inspected,
examined and tested.