question for the FPEs

[pipesnpumps]

I am mulling over the situation where an FPE designs a project that is bid out and built without the same FPE involved in construction support. The dilemna is the designer of record is no longer involved, it is in the contractors hands. However, a FPE is needed to sign off on the prelim and final acceptance tests.

Q1: What approaches have you seen for this situation?

Q2: Would you as an FPE be comfortable simply signing your signature (but not placing PE seal) to the final acceptance test report, and providing written certification that the sprinkler system is installed in accordance with the contract requirements?

Q3: Would you be comfortable placing a submittal review stamp on the shop drawings if the sprinkler sub were to sub the engineering to you?

Thanks!

 

[rbulsara]

I am not a FPE but If I were...

Q1: The FPE, who witnessed the testing should review and accept or reject the test results. It does not have to be the same FPE, who designed the system. Some local authorities may have a say in this. Also what is a sign off? Review and comment is one thing. I would not stamp and seal any test results unless they were performed by me (or I am the testing company).

Q2: NO.

Q3: Yes, if I was contracted to review the shop drawings and I agree with it. Only thing to watch out for is the conflict of interest. Let everyone involved know what is going on.

Rafiq Bulsara

http://www.srengineersct.com

 

[pipesnpumps]

"Also what is a sign off?". The FPE would be required to simply put his/her signature on the test reports, to show that he/she has reviewed and accepted the reports.

 

[rbulsara]

OK. Still it depends on the what is in the test reports and what it says. Mere accepting the results is different than implying that you witnessed the tests as well.



Rafiq Bulsara

http://www.srengineersct.com

 

[FFP1]

I will simply state there is a significant amount of liability involved and a PE should be careful prior to ANY stamping or signing activities.