In absense of risk assesment - how to make a warning (for record purpose)

[rotw]

Hello,

We have identified that the design applied to one component is not sufficiently proven (actually not proven at all). Problem here is that it seems quite a gray area to define that, in the design applied to the "component", for the part that is affected, and to the extent of which it is affected, there is situation of unproven design.

Anyway, to my knowledge there is no risk assessment which has been done, to mitigate.

The management (notoriously incompetent) would like to proceed with the design and buy the equipment. Being the engineer not empowered to delay or stop the process at this stage, is it advisable to make a statement somewhere (for record purposes) about the risk / potential exposure involved, so that this can serve as evidence in case of issues later?

Of course management will not like it. Can you suggest any method, approach or even a procedure you use in your own industry how to do it ?

Please also provide a suggestion if you think it is wise not to do it and keep silent. Thanks.

 

[desertfox]

Hi rotw

All I can suggest is an email to your line manager outlining the concerns you have.

something like this:-

I have identified that this component might possibly fail in service due to xxxxx which in my humble opinion as not been tested or analysed fully.
If applicable you need to state whether the failure may be life threatening or what other consequences may need to be faced in the event of failure.

 

[IRstuff]

That's what we used to call a "Pearl Harbor" memo. Assuming you don't want to quit and/or burn your bridges, that's the minimum prudent action to CYA, unless there is a possibility of people getting hurt. Is the analysis something that you can do on your own?

TTFN
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Of course I can. I can do anything. I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!
There is a homework forum hosted by engineering.com:

http://www.engineering.com/AskForum/aff/32.aspx

 

[MintJulep]

Get off your vague high horse and do the damned analysis.

Then you'll either know it's OK, or have some actual facts to report.

 

[JNieman]

IMO it's not wise to go and tell someone they're wrong unless you've actually found out that they are wrong. Until you find out, you don't know any better than they do.

_________________________________________
NX8.0, Solidworks 2014, AutoCAD, Enovia V5

 

[1gibson]

Just remember, it's not your money, don't push too hard unless it is a safety issue.

"Boss, I'm concerned that this widget is unproven and may not be reliable in this application, should we review the risks further? I would suggest A, B, C tests before acceptance."

All you really need is an answer when it fails and someone asks "why didn't we see this coming?"

 

[KENAT]

Well, this talk of getting off ones A$$ and doing the analysis is all well and good if:

A. You have the fundamental ability to do the analysis (or learn to do it in reasonable time frame...).
B. Time to do it.

In principle I agree it's better to know for sure if it's a problem (even better to have the solution at hand) but not always feasible.

Unless it's a safety issue or of comparable severity then the pearl harbor email may be about all you can do - should probably verbally discuss with your boss first.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[rotw]

IRstuff,
Actually the problem does not fall in my discipline and I admit I am interfering because I have responsibility for equipment as whole ; in the meantime I can (roughly) understand some of the key aspects, like what is the issue and what can go wrong.
Certainly I am not competent to do the analysis myself.

Guys,
I thank you very much for your feedback ; makes a lot of sense and very helpful.

 

[rotw]

Discussed today with an expert in the field, who sits in another office, in another part of the world...

The expert confirmed my thoughts that the solution opted for was not appropriate, or at least not practical...Actually it was a no brainer exercise and with some calculations expert clearly indicated the design currently envisaged would be troublesome..not sure safety issue is engaged.

Anyway that "independent" check was done of course in an underground manner - so I am thinking about what would be the next step and how to follow up...without of course burning bridges (supposedly!)...

Keep you updated..