Quality Hold and Witness Points

Quality hold and witness points are stages in construction where work must be inspected before proceeding.
A hold point means work must stop until a formal inspection is carried out and approval is given to continue.
A witness point means the client or engineer is invited to inspect but work may continue if they do not attend.
Hold and witness points are defined in the Inspection and Test Plan for each element of work.
Skipping hold points without approval can result in costly rework, remedial works, and non-conformance reports.
Common hold points include formation checks, reinforcement inspections, concrete pre-pour checks, and pressure tests.
The person carrying out the inspection must sign off the inspection record before work can proceed past the hold point.
Non-conformances found at hold points must be rectified and re-inspected before the work is approved.
Material traceability and certification must be available at the point of inspection to demonstrate compliance.
Quality and safety are linked — poor quality work often creates safety hazards for workers and future users.

Prevent costly rework	Catching defects at hold points prevents expensive rework — covering up poor work always costs more to fix later.
Client confidence	Formal inspection records demonstrate compliance with the specification and build client confidence in the finished product.
Safety through quality	Poor quality construction creates safety hazards — correct reinforcement, concrete, and connections protect the structure's integrity.

Do

Don't

Check the Inspection and Test Plan to identify all hold and witness points for your work.
Notify the inspector in advance when a hold or witness point is approaching.
Prepare all required documentation, test results, and material certificates before the inspection.
Stop work at hold points until the inspection is completed and formal approval is given.
Ensure non-conformances are corrected and re-inspected before proceeding with the work.
Keep accurate records of all inspections, test results, and approvals on site.
Verify that materials have the correct certification and traceability documentation.
Communicate hold point requirements to your team so everyone understands when to stop.
Allow adequate time in the programme for hold point inspections without causing pressure.
Treat quality inspections as an opportunity to confirm good work, not as a burden.

DON'T proceed past a hold point without formal inspection and written approval.
DON'T fail to notify the inspector in time — late notification delays the programme.
DON'T present work for inspection without the required supporting documentation.
DON'T cover, backfill, or build over work before the hold point inspection is complete.
DON'T leave non-conformances unresolved — they must be corrected before approval.
DON'T lose or misplace inspection records — they are required for handover and the H&S file.
DON'T use materials without proper certification — unverified materials may not meet specification.
DON'T rush past quality checks to save time — poor quality always costs more in the end.
DON'T pressure inspectors to approve substandard work — request the correct resolution.
DON'T treat quality as separate from safety — good construction protects everyone.

See also: Non-Conformance Reporting | Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) Awareness

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