maintenance programs assigned to the QA branch for either management or monitoring. Audits fall into three categories: 1. Work   center   audit—These   audits   are   con- ducted    quarterly    to    evaluate    the    overall    quality performance  of  each  work  center.  As  a  minimum  the following areas and items will be evaluated:   Personnel and skills   Technical publications   Maintenance instructions   Adherence    to    directives,    procedures,    and inspections   Adequacy  and  availability  of  process,  test,  and inspection procedures   Availability and calibration status of PME   Proper use of PME   Certification  of  personnel  performing  special processes such as welding and operating yellow gear   Handling, packaging, protecting, and storing of material and parts   Cleanliness and condition of spaces   Compliance with fire and safety regulations   Configuration  of  components  and  equipment, and accuracy of associated logs and records   Equipment logs and records   Material condition of equipment   FOD prevention program compliance   TCP compliance   Corrosion control program compliance   Tag-out program compliance   General and electrical safety programs compliance 2. Special audits—These are conducted to evaluate specific maintenance tasks, processes, procedures,  or  programs.  They  provide  a  systematic, coordinated method of investigating known deficiencies,  evaluating  the  quality  of  workmanship, and  determining  the  adequacy  of  and  adherence  to applicable  technical  publications/instructions.  Special audits are also used by QA to monitor those programs specifically assigned to the QA branch for monitoring. Special  audits  are  conducted  at  the  direction  of  the maintenance officer or QA supervisor on an as required basis. Audit forms, with appropriate checklists, for each work center is developed by QA. Upon completion of an audit, the findings are reviewed with the branch and work  center  supervisors;  and  a  report  of  the  findings, with recommendations when required, is submitted to the maintenance officer. Records of audits are maintained for 2 years. Adequate   follow-up   procedures   must   also   be established to ensure that discrepancies found during a QA audit are resolved. Attention from all levels within the V-2 division organization is essential. 3. Annual type commander audit—The cognizant type    commander    maintenance    management    team conducts  an  annual  audit  of  each  carrier's  ALRE  QA program. The   Aircraft   Launch   and   Recovery   Equipment Maintenance Program (ALREMP), OPNAVINST 4790.15,   establishes   the   maintenance   policies,   pro- cedures,  and  responsibilities  required  to  provide  an integrated   system   for   performing   maintenance   and supporting related functions on ship's installed aircraft launch  and  recovery  systems  and  associated  support systems and equipment. To  obtain  the  full  benefits  of  the  QA  program, teamwork    must    first    be    achieved.    Blending    QA functions with the interests of the entire division creates a  more  effective  program.  Every  maintenance  person and  supervisor  must  be  permitted  to  use  an  optimum degree  of  judgment  in  the  course  of  daily  operations and  the  performance  of  daily  work  assignments.  A person's judgment plays an important part in the quality of  the  work  he  performs.  QA  techniques  supply  each person   with   information   on   actual   quality,   which provides a challenge to improve the quality of his work. The resulting knowledge encourages the best efforts of all maintenance personnel. REVIEW QUESTIONS Q14. True or False: CDIs are permanently assigned to the QA branch? Q15. Who is responsible to ensure that the proper level   of   QA   inspection   is   assigned   to   a maintenance action? Q16. Who designates QAIs and CDQAIs? 6-17