BPI QCI flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Inspection definition

A conformity evaluation by observation and judgment, with or without measurement, against specified requirements. It yields an accept or reject decision rather than a diagnosis of cause.

Test uncertainty ratio

The ratio of the tolerance being judged to the measurement uncertainty. A ratio of at least four to one is the common threshold for a measurement to be considered adequate for the decision.

Hold point

A designated stage in the work where the contractor may not proceed until the inspector has performed the required verification and recorded formal sign-off.

Witness point

A designated stage where the contractor notifies the inspector before proceeding. Work may continue if the inspector does not attend or object.

Nonconformance disposition

The formal decision on nonconforming work: rework, repair, use-as-is with justification, or reject. Each disposition requires documented authority and follow-up verification of effectiveness.

First article inspection

A full verification of the first produced unit or assembly against all requirements, used to validate the process before volume work proceeds under sampling surveillance.

Calibration traceability

An unbroken chain of comparisons linking the field instrument through working and reference standards to a national or international standard, each link with documented uncertainty.

Critical defect

A defect that creates an unsafe condition or renders the item unfit for its intended use. A single occurrence typically rejects the entire lot or installation.

Blower door reference pressure

Enclosure leakage is compared at 50 pascals, about 0.2 inches of water column. Natural leakage is often estimated by dividing the cfm50 result by roughly 15 to 20.

Normalized leakage

Leakage at the reference pressure divided by conditioned floor area or by envelope area. Comparisons require the same metric, reference pressure, and building type.

Zone pressure test

A measurement of pressure differential between conditioned space and an attached zone such as a garage, attic, or crawlspace, used to confirm separation and air barrier continuity.

Duct leakage to outside

The portion of total duct leakage that escapes to unconditioned space, found by subtracting the pressurized-house test result from the total leakage test result.

Thermal imaging delta T

Infrared surveys need a steady temperature difference across the assembly, commonly at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit, plus low solar gain and low wind for interpretable results.

Wood moisture content

The mass of water in wood expressed as a percentage of oven-dry mass. Readings above roughly 20 percent support conditions for decay and mold growth.

Worst-case draft test

A spillage or draft check performed with all exhaust fans running and interior doors positioned to maximize depressurization, confirming appliances vent properly under the harshest normal condition.

Sensible heat airflow equation

Airflow in cubic feet per minute equals sensible load divided by 1.08 times the temperature difference, for standard air near sea level.

Static pressure budget

The sum of pressure drops across the filter, coil, and duct system compared with the air handler's rated external static pressure, confirming the fan can deliver design airflow.

Scope verification references

Installed work is compared to the contract or work order, the approved drawings and specifications, and the applicable code, with the most stringent requirement governing.

Undocumented substitution

A material or method installed without prior written approval. It is nonconforming even if it performs well, because the approved scope was not delivered.

Double counting measures

Crediting the same improvement under both a prescriptive allowance and a performance-path calculation. A measure may be claimed once, on one path only.

Insulation coverage check

Verification of R-value, installed thickness, percentage of cavity filled, and contact with the air barrier. Compressed or gapped insulation fails despite a correct label rating.

Air barrier continuity

Confirmation that the air control layer is unbroken across transitions, penetrations, and framing intersections, and that it aligns with the insulation boundary to control condensation.

Delivered ventilation airflow

Measured airflow of the installed ventilation fan at its actual static pressure, compared with the design value. Rated nameplate airflow alone does not demonstrate compliance.

Code edition citation

Identifying the year and section of the adopted code edition that applies. The same assembly can be compliant in one edition and noncompliant in another.

Documented equivalency

A written determination by an engineer or program administrator that an alternative material or method meets the intent of the requirement. Field judgment alone is insufficient.

Report minimum content

What was inspected, the standard applied, the method and instrument used, the result with units, and the disposition. Omitting any element makes the finding contestable.

Evidence-grade photograph

An image that is dated, identified by location and orientation, and explicitly linked to the finding it supports. Unlabeled photographs do not constitute evidence.

Record traceability

A unique report identifier, inspector identity and credentials, date and time, and revision history showing what changed and why across the record's life.

Instrument record

Documentation of the instrument serial number, calibration date, and calibration due date. Results from instruments past due are flagged rather than accepted.

Corrective action closure

Retirement of a finding only after objective evidence of re-inspection or retest confirms the correction. A verbal assurance from the installer is not sufficient closure.

Client data confidentiality

Client information is disclosed only as authorized by the program agreement, and records are retained for the period the program specifies.

Invoice reconciliation

Matching billed quantities and measures against verified installed scope and test results, so payment reflects documented work rather than contractor claims.