PE Seal Question - Location Based

[HouTxMechPE]

Apologies in advance if this topic has been covered but I searched and did not see the exact question brought up.

I have been approached to stamp a design for a previous employer and would like clarification before doing so. The situation is as follows.

I am registered in Texas. The company that fabricates the item is located in Texas. The individuals laying the design out and calculating the allowable stresses etc are located in Texas. I would be reviewing the calculations and drawings, making any changes where necessary and verifying the item was built according to the drawings and calc etc. then sign/seal. The item is then driven to Louisiana for installation at a site there. The calc package is presented to the engineers or inspector in Louisiana for approval.

The previous employer has used a Texas certified PE before for similar items he verified or designed himself that were installed in Tennessee or Virginia but I am new to all of this so I wanted to get some feedback on the issue. Thanks for any advice.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

If the item is used by the "public" and reviewed by a local building department - then you will definitely need the correct registration and maybe even a COA - some states get funny about that.

If it used in an industrial or federal situation - things get a bit funny. For example - OSHA says scaffolds over 125' must be designed by a PE. Most such scaffolds are used in an industrial setting and the "owners" don't seem to care what state you are from - they just want to see a seal. Same for metal buildings. And of course, the local building official would never be caught in a plant or on an oil rig or pipe rack.

Regardless, I am registered in 42 states.....

 

[Ron]

If the manufactured product is produced entirely in Texas and it's installation is irrelevant to local code compliance, then no issue. If local codes come into play, then you'll need registration there or a temporary certificate for that state. Not sure if Louisiana does temp registration or not...some states do and some don't. I was licensed in Louisiana for about 15 years, but only did a few projects there. Not licensed there anymore.

 

[HouTxMechPE]

Thank you for the replies. The item is an industrial application to seal off a low pressure steam leak and is not subject to any building or OSHA standards as far as I know. I would not think there are any local codes that would come into play. The device is mainly to save the client money from steam loss and shutdown time etc.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

IMHO - if the customer is happy - you can be happy!!

They just want a name to blame/sue - if it ever comes down to that.

 

[JStephen]

That is an issue that is not addressed well in most state rules. But invariably, in practice, if the item is intended to be used in State X, then the PE seal needs to be in State X as well.

Texas rules state:
"§1001.401. Use of Seal
"(b) A plan, specification, plat, or report issued by a license holder for a project to be constructed or used in this state must include the license holder’s seal placed on the document. A license holder is not required to use a seal required by this section if the project is to be constructed or used in another state or country."

In other words, if a project is in Texas, you're required to use your Texas seal, regardless of where you physically are. And if the project is not in Texas, you're not required by Texas law to seal it.

This same principle is applied, though not often stated, in most states.