Quality Control and Quality Assurance We are currently implementing ISO 9001:2008 and are in the process of applying for certification. PML have complied with the ISO standard for many years now and have recently decided to gain the most current certification, the new ISO 9001:2008 standard. We are PML are currently being audited for the new ISO 9001:2008 (QMS) Quality Management System. Our QMS is currently being reviewed by Tom Prior from Prior and Associates an approved quality consultant, who has recommended us for certification of for the most recent standard and we are due for audit in February 2009. The Scope of the PML QMS: The PML Quality Manual embraces all of our business activities from prospecting right through to satisfactory conclusion of each project. Policy: At PML we undertake to deliver a service that surpasses the standards anticipated by our customers. Everyone at PML appreciates the importance of consistently delivering high quality customer care as a basic requirement of their jobs. Our quality management system is regularly reviewed to ensure we always meet our quality standards and improve them were required. The PML Quality Manual - At PML we have an extensive and comprehensive quality manual. Our quality manual includes our activity charts, documented procedures and flow charts which describe the main activities of PML and through various forms and records. PML Customer Satisfaction - PML demonstrate through the quality management system a commitment to identifying our customer requirements and through various service delivery activities, to achieving customer satisfaction. Ensuring Quality on site - The PML Quality Manual embraces all of our business activities from prospecting right through to satisfactory closure of each project. At PML we undertake to deliver a service that surpasses the standards anticipated by our customers. Everyone at PML appreciates the importance of consistently delivering high quality customer care as a basic requirement of their jobs. Our quality management system is regularly reviewed to ensure we always meet our quality standards and improve them were required. Management ensures that all personnel should be competent on the basis of appropriate education, training, skills and experience. Competences are evaluated by means of the employee performance appraisal process and on an ongoing basis by managers. Our focus on customer service, project transparency and management accountability guarantees civil engineering and construction works are delivered to the highest standard. At PML we ensure whilst on site that all our Quality Systems and Quality System Procedures including quality planning are adhered to and that all works are passed through our stringent Inspection and Testing procedures. We have strict quality polices which encompass monitoring; • Evaluation of Subcontractors • Purchasing polices • Purchasing Data • Verification of Purchased Product • Supplier Verification at Subcontractors Premises • Customer Verification of Subcontracted Product • Control of Inspection, Measuring and Test Equipment • Control of Non-Conforming Product • Corrective and Preventive Action Measures are put in place • Quality Records are kept up to date at all times. • Internal Quality Audits are carried out on a daily and weekly basis • Training is a priority on site to ensure all staff are fully competent All of the quality assurance techniques we employ on site are continually monitored and updated in regards to new legislation and EU directives. Measurement and Analysis - PML measures and analyses all of its activities through project team meetings, management meetings and customer service team (CST) meetings. The CST is a group drawn from different areas of the company, which oversees the QMS and communicates with departments on quality matters. Management Review of the QMS - Management reviews PMLs QMS at least once per year, to ensure its continued suitability, adequacy and effectiveness. This review shall include assessing opportunities for improvement and need for changes to the QMS including quality policy and quality objectives. The input to management review includes information on; A. Results of audits B. Customer Feedback C. The effectiveness of our services procedures and product conformity. D. Status of preventative and corrective actions. E. Follow up action from previous management reviews. F. Changes that could affect the QMS. G. Recommendation for Improvement. The output from the management review should include any decision and actions related to; A. The improvement of the effectiveness of the QMS and its processes. B. Changes to our services in order to meet customer requirements. C. Resources needs e.g. personnel, premises, equipment. QMS Effect on Employee Performance and Motivation - Through leadership, the open door policy and the fostering of a culture of collaboration and respect, management ensures that the work environment has a positive influence on motivation, satisfaction and performance of people in order to enhance the performance of the organization. Communication of the QMS - Management ensures that appropriate communication procedures are established within the organization and that communication takes place regarding the effectiveness of the QMS. Management operates an open door policy and instant access to management is always possible. Management has created the PML CST. Management reviews the performance of the CST by reviewing the minutes of all meetings. The CST comprises of the management representative, the quality manager and a spokesperson for each department. It meets bi-monthly and while it reviews all aspects of the QMS, it focuses on • PIRs • Customer Satisfaction Feedback • Internal Audits • Quality Objectives • Quality Policy Implementation Our QMS affects a comprehensive range of aspects within PML to ensure that we are operating at our desired level, which is continually monitored and inspected in order to develop our system further with the aim of making substantial improvements. • CONTRACT REVIEW • DESIGN CONTROL • DOCUMENT AND DATA CONTROL • PURCHASING • CONTROL OF CUSTOMER SUPPLIED PRODUCT • PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY • PROCESS CONTROL • INSPECTION AND TESTING The company maintains documented procedures for inspection and testing activities in all areas of its operations. These ensure that specified requirements are met at all stages of the process. • Receiving Inspection & Testing All materials that are received by the Company for use on contracts will be monitored for compliance with the accompanying documentation. This verification will include at least a quantity count, marks and description and a visual inspection of damage to external packaging. No material may be processed prior to Goods Inwards inspection. • In-Process Inspection & Testing Inspection and testing shall be carried out at specified stages of each contract. Any defects shall be reported to the relevant Project Manager who will ensure that corrective action is taken to eliminate the re-occurrence of the defect. • Final Inspection & Testing Final inspection and testing is carried out on all contracts in accordance with the current regulations and any specific contractual requirements. Inspection & Test Records Individual Project Managers are responsible for identifying and maintaining adequate inspection and test records to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the documented Quality System. CONTROL OF NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT CORRECTIVE AND PREVENTIVE ACTION The Company maintains a system of recording and analysing the causes of nonconformance and the necessary corrective and preventive actions. This information is taken from quality records, operational records and customer complaints. In addition, corrective and preventive action records will be examined as part of the Management Review Meeting to identify recurring or major problems, and changes to procedures will be initiated as necessary. HANDLING, STORAGE, PACKAGING, PRESERVATION AND DELIVERY INTERNAL QUALITY AUDITS Each section of the Quality Management System, as defined in this manual, must be systematically and regularly audited in accordance with documented procedures. The frequency of audit of any element of the system must be increased if results of previous audits warrant it. Commitment to innovation and staff development has allowed Padhraic Moneley Limited to gain a reputation as a dynamic and flexible organisation that continues to lead the field of civil engineering professionalism in Ireland. We are leaders in the civil engineering field within Ireland, with experience ranging from the most technically complex structures, to roads, wastewater and energy sectors and marine works including land reclamation, building, and more recently urban regeneration. New markets, continual technological innovations and environmental demands has allowed Padhraic Moneley Limited to build on its comprehensive range of engineering capabilities and skills that allow it to be one of the most dynamic civil engineering and construction companies in Ireland. Commitment to Integrated Management Systems Quality assurance and client satisfaction are the foundations of Padhraic Moneley Limited. We strive to manage the quality of our service activities in the most efficient and effective manner that satisfies our customers expectations. We recognise that failure to meet quality objectives can have consequences that may adversely affect our existing clients, potential clients and ultimately the organisation. Padhraic Moneley Limited has been committed to the creation and maintenance of a quality management system. The achievement of quality necessitates a commitment to quality principles at all levels in the organisation and constant review and improvement of the established system of quality management. As part of our commitment to quality we are currently striving for the ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification. These management systems ensure that clients’ requirements are met and that this can be demonstrated at any point in a building project. At Padhraic Moneley Limited we are constantly adapting our processes and procedures in response to the changing business climate and the development of new forms of contract. Senior management is committed to developing staff through a formal programme of continuous professional development (CPD), which is itself subject to external oversight by the relevant professional bodies. Lifelong learning and up to date knowledge and skills are imperative to ensure effective practice within the Civil Engineering and Construction industries. Corporate responsibility is about sustainable business practices. We aim to exceed customer expectations by continuously reviewing processes, developing technology and training and motivating our workforce. Our prime objective is to operate to the highest standard of safety at all times. We fulfil environmental obligations and make socially responsible behaviour a core value. We share our knowledge, operate with integrity and solve problems through close customer collaborations. PML Racial Equality Statement Policy Statement PML (Padhraic Moneley Limited) will ensure that along with other aspects of diversity, racial equality for staff, sub-contractors and clients is mainstreamed and embedded in all our policies, practices and procedures and their outcomes. It will continue its work to eliminate racial discrimination and to promote racial harmony and equality of opportunity. PML (Padhraic Moneley Limited) will act by: Regularly examining and reviewing policies, practices and both formal and informal procedures for inequitable outcomes. The progress and outcomes of its Race Equality Policy will be reviewed annually in accordance with new legislation. Identifying and addressing patterns of under-representation and differential career outcomes in staff groups, including under-representation in senior management and supervisory levels. Promoting activities that encourage racial harmony. Acting promptly in response to any complaint of racial harassment or inequitable treatment. Developing and monitoring action plans as necessary, incorporating these into existing review cycles and mechanisms where possible, covering all relevant areas such as: • recruitment and progression of staff. • access and participation. • management and governance. • staff contract status, appraisal and training. • complaints and disciplinary action. • community links and partnerships. • external service delivery. Drawing up action plans to promote racial equality. Annually publishing this policy, related planning documentation and monitoring outcomes. Ensuring that the following roles are understood and implemented: Senior Management will approve the Race Equality Policy and receive regular updates on the implementation of the policy. The CEO has responsibility for ensuring the action plan is appropriately developed and implemented; that staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Act and fully trained in them; and that non-compliance is dealt with appropriately. All staff are required to attend/have access to appropriate training to ensure that they are aware of the requirement to promote racial harmony and do not unwittingly discriminate. Staff are responsible for conforming to the requirements of this Policy. Trade Unions are responsible for actively engaging in policy development and promoting the policy among their members. Ensuring that all staff are aware that PML takes race equality extremely seriously and disciplinary action may be taken against staff and stakeholders who do not conform to this policy.