Groundworks inspection and test plan builder

Turn controlled project information into practical inspection stages, point types, responsibilities and records before work is covered.

Updated 10 September 2026

An inspection and test plan (ITP) states what will be checked, when it will be checked, who is responsible, what evidence will be retained and whether work must pause for release. This builder gives you an editable starting structure. Your contract, drawings, specifications, approved methods and quality plan control the final entries.

It does not set universal test frequencies, tolerances or acceptance values. Confirm every row with the designer, client or named acceptance authority before using it on a project.

Build the project ITP

Edit the common stages, hide packages that are outside your scope, add project-specific rows, then print or download a CSV working copy.

Project

Package

ITP reference

Revision

Prepared by

Date

Client or reviewer

Specification reference

Included stage groups

Pre-start Information, setting out and service checks Earthworks Formation, fill and pavement foundation Drainage Pipes, chambers and testing evidence Concrete Pre-pour checks and delivery records External works Kerbs, channels and surfacing interfaces Handover As-built information and record close-out

Visible rows

Hold points

Witness points

Review points

No.	Activity	Precondition	Inspection or test	Acceptance criterion	Responsible	Record
1	Controlled information and setting out	Current drawings, specification, datum and survey control available	Confirm revisions, limits, coordinates, levels and responsibilities	Agreed project information is current and discrepancies are resolved	Site engineer	Drawing register and setting-out check
2	Existing services before breaking ground	Utility records, survey results and permit controls available	Locate, mark and verify services using the agreed safe system of work	Permit and service controls satisfy the project method and HSG47 plan	Appointed supervisor	Permit, marked plan and survey record
3	Formation acceptance	Excavation complete to the defined area and level	Check location, level, condition, water, soft spots and required tests	Formation meets the drawing and project specification for that area	Site engineer	Formation release and marked-up plan
4	Fill or pavement foundation layer	Accepted formation and approved material source	Check material, placed area, lift, method, levels and specified test results	Layer and evidence meet the project specification before covering	Quality lead	Delivery, placement, survey and test records
5	Drainage pipe bedding and line	Excavation accepted and correct pipe and bedding materials available	Check trench, bedding, pipe reference, line, level, joints and protection	Installed run agrees with the approved drainage design and specification	Site engineer	Drainage inspection and level record
6	Chambers and drainage before backfill	Pipe connections complete and accessible for inspection	Check references, cover and invert levels, channels, connections and stated tests	Chamber and test evidence meet the approved design and project specification	Site engineer	Chamber sheet, test result and photographs
7	Concrete pre-pour inspection	Excavation or formwork ready and pour information agreed	Check dimensions, level, reinforcement, cover, cast-ins, joints and cleanliness	Pre-pour items agree with controlled drawings and concrete specification	Site engineer	Pre-pour checklist and release
8	Concrete delivery and placement	Pre-pour release recorded	Check delivery identity, time, specified site tests, placement and curing controls	Delivery and placement evidence meet the project concrete specification	Concrete supervisor	Tickets, test records and pour log
9	Kerbs, channels and ironwork before surfacing	Drainage interfaces and pavement build-up confirmed	Check alignment, levels, falls, restraints, chamber positions and access	Interfaces and receiving surface meet drawings and surfacing requirements	Site engineer	Level survey and surfacing release
10	As-built and quality record close-out	Work complete and area records collated	Check drawings, surveys, tests, approvals, changes and non-conformance close-out	Required handover information is complete, indexed and accepted as agreed	Project manager	Handover index and accepted record pack

The builder works in this browser only. Nothing is uploaded or stored.

Define the point types before work starts

These labels are common, but their contractual effect varies. Record the notice period, release authority and proceed rule in the agreed quality plan.

Hold point

Work does not continue beyond the stated stage until the named authority records release. Define who can release it and what evidence they need.

Witness point

The named party is notified and given the agreed opportunity to attend. State what happens if they do not attend, because contracts use different proceed rules.

Review point

A document, result or record is reviewed at the stated stage. Define whether acceptance is needed before the activity proceeds or whether review can follow.

What every useful row needs

A locatable activity

Name the area, layer, run, pour or drawing zone. A broad line such as groundworks complete cannot be traced later.

Controlled criteria

Reference the actual drawing, specification clause, approved method or schedule. Do not import a tolerance from another project.

Named responsibility

Separate the person who performs the check from any client, designer or principal contractor authority needed for release.

A retrievable record

State the form, drawing, test result, survey, photograph or certificate and how it connects to the inspected location.

Limits and safety boundaries

Quality plan, not risk assessment

An ITP does not replace the construction phase plan, risk assessments, permits or method statements. Link the documents where they control the same activity.

Project criteria control

The common rows are prompts only. Test methods, frequencies, tolerances and acceptance decisions must come from the project design and contract.

Record work before covering

Set points where evidence can still be checked and defects can still be corrected. A photograph after backfill cannot prove the hidden installation.

Close non-conformance clearly

Link a failure to its location, corrective action, retest or accepted disposition. Do not leave an isolated result without the decision that closed it.

Sources and further guidance

Planning for construction work: HSE explains the information, roles and construction phase planning required before work starts.
Construction administration: HSE distinguishes statutory plans, inspection reports, risk assessments and method statements.
HSG47 avoiding danger from underground services: planning, locating services and safe excavation controls.
Excavation safety and inspection: HSE guidance on competent inspection, reports and corrective action.
Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works: use the version and works-specific requirements specified by the project contract, not automatically the latest edition. MCHW does not apply to every private groundworks project.

Related guidance

HGV yard compaction records Temporary works checklist Underground services safe digging Effective project management Work with Rospower Projects