Direct Answer
A structural steel QC plan should include: drawing control procedures, material receiving and traceability (MTR tracking), welder qualification and tracking, WPS/PQR library, welding inspection checklists (pre-weld, in-process, post-weld), bolting inspection procedures, surface preparation and coating inspection, dimensional inspection records for each assembly, and shipping and delivery documentation. It should be a living document, updated as the project evolves.
Full Explanation
A QC plan serves two purposes: (1) It guides your team through the correct fabrication sequence with quality checks built in. (2) It creates a project record that demonstrates compliance if questions arise during inspection or dispute. AISC Certification requires a QC manual that is the template for project-specific QC plans. Even without certification, a well-structured QC plan reduces inspection failures by ensuring issues are caught internally before the special inspector arrives.
What This Means for Your Shop
Many fabricators treat QC as an afterthought — documentation assembled after the fact. A QC plan developed at project kickoff is a production tool, not just a compliance document. It prevents errors by making the right sequence explicit.
Common Mistakes
Creating a generic QC plan that doesn't reflect the specific requirements of the project (seismic system, NDT requirements, coating system). A generic plan misses project-specific inspection points.
Recommended Process
Develop a project-specific QC plan at contract award. Key sections: (1) Project overview and special requirements (seismic, coating, NDT). (2) Drawing control procedures specific to this project. (3) Welder assignment list and qualification confirmation. (4) Inspection hold points for each fabrication stage. (5) Responsible parties and sign-off requirements.