Consequent on the modernization strategy initiated by the MTQ (Quebec Department of Transport) the service centres of the Mauricie region have tried to translate the shift towards a user-oriented approach into road network related actions. The focus of one specific action has been the development of activities impacting the status of the winter road network, an area requiring a user-oriented approach. To this end, the ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Management System for Winter Road Conditions was adopted. By introducingthis system, the Mauricie region service centres have ensured improved implementation, maintenance and efficiency in compliance with the requirements of the ISO 9001: 2000 standard. This Quality Management System (QMS) ispredicated on five actions, discussed in detail. These include: identification of the processes that make up the Quality Management System and their application to the organization, followed by a determination of their sequence and interaction; determination of the criteria and methods requiredto ensure operational efficiency and control of these processes; ensuringthe availability of the resources and information needed for the proper operation and monitoring of these processes; monitoring, measurement and analysis of these processes; and implementation of the actions required to achieve the planned results and continual improvement of the processes. Theend result of meeting the requirements of the ISO 2001: 2000 standard is that the organization will be in a position to provide quality products and services to meet Winter Road Conditions. Strict management means that ISO certification leads to: traffic lanes clear of snow and ice at all times; operations carried outside peak hour; uniform levels of maintenance; speedier snow clearing along protective barriers; the application of preventive measures; increased monitoring of highways and roads; and adequate broadcasting of road conditions. It is concluded that certification in Winter Road Conditions, whether applied to maintenance carried out by MTQ personnel, or to the supervision of contracts awarded in the private sector, encourages the participation of all employees. Moreover, it ensures the implementation of the Department's mandate to provide for the free movement of persons and goods. For the covering abstract see ITRD E143097.
Abstract