In-Progress Monitoring and Inspecting

1. In-Progress Monitoring and Inspecting QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012

2. Learning Objectives IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING 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.

3. In-Progress Monitoring & Inspecting IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND 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

4. Reasons to Inspect In-Progress Units IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING • 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

5. Spot Checks of In-Progress Units IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING • Ensures appropriate measures are installed correctly • Helps reduce call-backs • Saves time • Increases productivity • Increases contractor profit potential • Verifies auditors and installers are in sync • Ensures the client is satisfied with the progress of the work

6. Discuss and Finalize Work Scope IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING Review Auditor’s Report Discussing what you expect based on the work order will help installers get it right the first time. • Discuss best methods of handling difficult situations • Identify opportunities missed by auditor

7. Program Policies and Procedures IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING 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. • Weatherization field guides • Weatherization best practices manuals Photo courtesy of New Mexico Housing

8. Measures are Performed/Installed Correctly IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING A monitor/inspector can observe a worker’s: • Thoroughness. • Speed. • Consistency across projects. Photo courtesy of NRCERT

9. Identify Training Needs IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING • 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: • Adopt best practices for installation. • Switch to more appropriate materials. • Perform specific diagnostic tests. By noting deficiencies in the field, a monitor can recommend targeted trainings.

10. Testing the Equipment IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING Monitors/inspectors may inspect and test the following while on-site (although not required). 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)

11. On-Site Insulation Blower Pressure Inspection IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy

12. Health and Safety Protocols IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING 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? • Are they wearing the proper safety gear? • Is equipment functioning properly? Photo courtesy of WW Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

13. Personal Protective Equipment IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING • 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

14. EPA-Certified Renovator IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING • Monitors can ensure auditors, monitors, crew members, and contractors have attained EPA-certified renovator status. • They verify that a certified renovator is assigned to a particular job site. • They verify the certified renovator is associated with a qualified firm.

15. Recommended Minimum In-Progress Inspections IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING • 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.

16. Summary IN-PROGRESS MONITORING AND INSPECTING 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.