TIAC’s Quality Assurance Program set to revolutionize insulation projects in Quebec.
By / Natalie Bruckner
In a quest to raise the bar of quality in insulation projects, the Association d’isolation du Quebec (AIQ) has embarked on a transformative journey by implementing TIAC’s Programme Assurance Qualité (PAQ)/Quality Assurance Program (QAP) in Quebec. That program is now one step closer to official launch.
After years of discussions, AIQ last year embarked on this ambitious journey by diving deep into research and development to set the groundwork for the QAP—a program inspired by the success of the BCICA’s program that was launched in 2014.
Today, with 14 people having completed the 50-hour course and six quality controllers ready waiting in the wings, the AIQ eagerly awaits one of the five engineering firms who have expressed an interest to bite the bullet and take the lead by integrating the QAP into an upcoming project proposal.
“Over the past five months, our focus has been on creating awareness and fostering understanding among engineering firms regarding our process,” says AIQ member and Advisor to the TIAC Board, Remi Demers. “We have utilized platforms like Teams and Zoom for meetings, along with informative lunch-and-learns. The objective is to ensure that engineering firms grasp the significance of our program. Encouragingly, two out of the five engineering firms have already committed to including the QAP in their specifications. Now, it becomes a waiting game as we patiently navigate through this lengthy process. Drawing inspiration from the experiences of BCICA, we understand the importance of persistence and follow-up.”
Under the AIQ’s QAP program, contractors who are AIQ members will now integrate the QAP pricing into their bids. Once a contractor secures a project, an exciting chain of events is set in motion. A notification is promptly dispatched to the AIQ office, which springs into action, assigning a highly skilled and certified quality controller (QC) to the project at hand. The QC assumes a pivotal role, meticulously monitoring the quality of the job through regular site visits, acting as a beacon of guidance for the contractor, and diligently reporting any issues or concerns to the engineer overseeing the project. The QC does not give recommendations.
According to Demers, the QC effectively complements the engineer’s responsibilities, offering an additional layer of expertise and assurance. Demers passionately emphasizes the importance of insulation, an often-underestimated aspect of construction, stating that although it constitutes a mere on per cent of a project, it can give rise to a staggering 10 per cent of issues if not executed with utmost precision. With the QC’s vigilant presence on-site, contractors are empowered to navigate potential pitfalls while the engineer receives real-time updates and expert recommendations, fostering a harmonious collaboration that lays the foundation for exceptional outcomes.
The realization of the QAP program is the culmination of dedicated efforts and meticulous planning by the AIQ’s QAP steering committee. Collaborating closely with Denis Beaudin, TIAC’s former technical consultant and creator of the QAP training manual, the committee developed the comprehensive quality controller training program that ensures unparalleled competence. This rigorous program, hosted for the first time at Ahuntsic College late last year, spans an intensive 50-hour online instruction phase, which includes a four-to-six-hour in-person test. During the test, participants are immersed in realistic on-site scenarios, required to analyze, evaluate, and prepare detailed reports.
The training program’s success became apparent when Demers proudly shared the remarkable achievements of its graduates. “The participants exhibited exceptional skills, surpassing expectations during the test phase by identifying more failures than anticipated,” Demers says, attributing their exceptional performance to the inspiring teaching methods employed by the faculty. “It is evident that the training program has instilled a deep sense of purpose and dedication, empowering the quality controllers to dig deeper and ensure uncompromising standards,” he says.
AIQ recognizes that widespread adoption of the QAP program hinges on engaging engineering firms and garnering their support. To achieve this, AIQ has assembled a dynamic team comprising Steve Huculiak, Mathieu Hamel, Jean-Francois Tessier, and Beaudin, who have taken on the responsibility of promoting the program to engineering firms across the region. Huculiak, senior account manager at Nadeau Isolation, has been instrumental in organizing meetings, presentations, and fostering open dialogue with industry professionals.
The team’s efforts immediately yielded encouraging results. “The feedback from engineers has been really positive,” Huculiak says. “They have been putting it into their writings straight away, while others are watching and waiting. It’s like a hot potato right now! As soon as we have the first program on the road, I think that’s when the snowball effect will happen.”
As with any transformative endeavor, the path to success is often accompanied by challenges. AIQ acknowledges that the process of convincing engineering firms to embrace the program can be lengthy and requires persistent reminders. However, the AIQ team remains undeterred, continuously pushing forward and reminding stakeholders of the benefits and advantages associated with the QAP.
The question of why the QAP is essential can be answered succinctly: quality. “The construction industry often remains unknown to many, and AIQ believes that proper promotion and implementation of the program can lead to significant financial savings and positive environmental impact,” Huculiak explains.
“By emphasizing the importance of quality assurance, the AIQ aims to create a level playing field that discourages companies from cutting corners and promotes a greener and safer approach to construction,” adds Demers. “The benefits extend to all stakeholders, from contractors and engineers to owners and the environment at large.”
AIQ’s QAP represents a paradigm shift in the insulation industry, with a steadfast commitment to ensuring unparalleled quality in construction projects. With the dedication and expertise of its members, AIQ has made substantial progress in the development and promotion of the program. The tireless efforts of Demers, Huculiak, Beaudin, and the AIQ team have garnered support from engineering firms, laying the groundwork for a future where the QAP becomes an industry standard.
As AIQ continues to push forward and overcome challenges, the team envisions a future where the QAP transforms the construction landscape, promoting excellence, and safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders. “With quality as its guiding principle, AIQ aspires to forge a new era of construction, where every project is executed with unwavering precision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable practices,” Demers says.
Learn more at | isolation-aiq.ca/services/programme-assurance-qualite ■
