Defects management in construction – an introduction

Duration

5.75 hours. If e-learning only, the duration is to be at least 50% of this.

Purpose/scope

The purpose of this standard is to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to support the following: to identify, prevent, report, and resolve defects effectively throughout the project lifecycle. 

By implementing a defect management process, the course aims to enhance project quality, reduce costs associated with defect rectification, ensure timely project delivery, and enhance stakeholder satisfaction. The standard emphasises collaborative identification and reporting as a key strategy for preventing defects and promoting a culture of proactive defect management within construction projects.

Scope:

• strategies, policies, and methodologies for identifying defects early in the construction process
• effective ways to engage stakeholders and subcontractors in defect management implementation
• preventative defect management techniques through regular meetings, site reviews, and inspections
• importance of recording defects, issuing detailed reports, and motivating relevant parties into action
• consequences of poor defect management on project timelines, costs, and overall quality
• case studies illustrating the impact of defect management strategies on project outcomes
• practical tools like risk analysis charts and defect management policies to facilitate effective defect prevention
• strategies for motivating teams, promoting completion, and developing a culture of proactive defect management within construction projects

This standard aims to empower participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to proactively manage defects in construction projects, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.

Learner pre-requisites

There are no learner pre-requisites as part of this standard, however a basic knowledge of construction terminology and techniques would be beneficial.

Instruction/supervision

As a minimum, course trainers must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

• an award in education and training (or equivalent, as per requirements for approved training organisations)
• at least 2 years industrial experience relevant to the scope of the standard
• a verifiable CV.

Delivery

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for learners to achieve learning outcomes and must comply with relevant legislation

The learning environment, class size and learner/trainer ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable learners to achieve the learning outcomes

The following delivery methods may be used in the delivery of this standard:

• a blend of face to face and virtual.

This standard is predominantly theoretical training.

This standard is considered to be set at an intermediate level.

Assessment

Informally Assessed

For the successful completion of training, the trainer must be satisfied that the learner has achieved all learning outcomes

Methods of assessment considered appropriate for training delivered against this standard are:

• short answer questions (verbally asked and answered during the session)
• scenarios and case studies of realistic working environments.

Quality assurance

Assured standard

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard.

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the training standard.

Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk-based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.

Classification

Lifetime

(Please note standards using this classification will only be grant aided once per learner)

Working group approval date

14/06/2024

Review cycle

On request or 60 months (5 years) from approval date.

Learning outcomes

The learner will be able to: 

Understand the importance of early defect identification and the financial and operational consequences of poor defect management.

Delivery guidance:

• delivered through group discussion, questioning and case study reviews of realistic work situations.

Assessment criteria:

• all short answer questions and case study reviews to be completed satisfactorily by the learner.

Develop and implement effective strategies, policies, and methodologies for identifying, preventing, and reporting defects throughout the construction process.

Delivery guidance:

• delivered through group discussion, questioning and case study reviews of realistic work situations.

Assessment criteria:

• all short answer questions and case study reviews to be completed satisfactorily by the learner.

Engage all relevant stakeholders, including subcontractors, in the collaborative identification and resolution of defects.

Delivery guidance:

• delivered through group discussion, questioning and case study reviews of realistic work situations.

Assessment criteria:

• all short answer questions and case study reviews to be completed satisfactorily by the learner.

Utilise practical tools, such as risk analysis charts and defect management policies, to facilitate proactive defect management.

Delivery guidance:

• delivered through group discussion, questioning and case study reviews of realistic work situations.

Assessment criteria:

• all short answer questions and case study reviews to be completed satisfactorily by the learner.

Establish regular inspection and review processes to detect issues early and prevent them from escalating into major problems.

Delivery guidance:

• delivered through group discussion, questioning and case study reviews of realistic work situations.

Assessment criteria:

• all short answer questions and case study reviews to be completed satisfactorily by the learner.

Implement effective defect reporting and documentation procedures to ensure timely resolution and accountability.

Delivery guidance:

• delivered through group discussion, questioning and case study reviews of realistic work situations.

Assessment criteria:

• all short answer questions and case study reviews to be completed satisfactorily by the learner.

Develop a culture of continuous improvement by learning from past defect management experiences and implementing lessons learned.

Delivery guidance:

• delivered through group discussion, questioning and case study reviews of realistic work situations.

Assessment criteria:

• all short answer questions and case study reviews to be completed satisfactorily by the learner.

Additional information about this standard

This standard aims to empower construction professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance project quality, reduce costs, and deliver successful construction projects.

Related Training Standards 

• TS1909 Defect prevention – external walls
• TS1897 Defect prevention – finishes
• TS1896 Defect prevention – foundations
• TS1899 Defect prevention – roofs
• TS1898 Defect prevention – substructure
• TS1908 Defect prevention – superstructure
• TS2089 Defect prevention – Defect prevention induction
• TS2599 Defect prevention – Defect survey and repair
• TS2077 Defect recognition, cause and effect for heritage wood occupations
• TS1099 Defect recognition, cause and effect for heritage stonemasonry.