The definiton of Witness

[MarcoSG]

I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this issue.

"The QVE shall witness that the reinforcing steel was installed"

I would say live video feed or even recorded video would be fine for an engineer to show that they visited and witnessed the steel installation or almost any other QVE situation. I actually would think it would be a better way as there is a video record of the installation. However the owner is interpreting this in a different way and writing us up for a deviation/infraction for submitting QVE certs with out actually witnessing. What they are say is that video or even watching a live feed is not considered witnessing the event. Any comments or suggestions would be good.

 

[cvg]

I have a live feed on a current construction project where they are forming and placing steel and concrete. my opinion is that the video feed I get on this project is grossly inadequate for "witnessing" anything. I certainly wouldn't certify any of the steel that I saw being installed based on it. However, If I had an inspector on the job, taking video with narration and I was able to view that, it might be acceptable

 

[MarcoSG]

Yes, it would be an inspector or worker on site to video record it after all steel is in place. To me this would be no different than viewing it in person. If you felt that something was missed you could tell them to get more video/pictures. This is meant to be a more general thread for situations like these too.

 

[Ron]

Without an on-site delegate under your supervision...absolutely not.

With an on-site delegate, video would be helpful to direct further observation; however, should be used to supplement, not supplant.

 

[rowingengineer]

For deep sea underwater, targets (army bomb targets) and side of multistory highrise buildings inspections, I have accepted video/photographs as I wasn't willing to risk my amateurism in critical safety situations.

http://www.nceng.com.au/

"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning."

 

[bimr]

You need to read your Contract. Witness may mean that you have inspected the element after the activity has been completed. It may not mean that you are present during an activity.

I would not accept a live feed of a site as "witness". There is not adequate clarity on the video to confirm bar size for example.

Example:
Witness Point: A point defined in this procedure and identified during the construction of a given element in which the QVE inspects the activity point that has been reached.

Go back to your Contract and read the definitions.

 

[MarcoSG]

There is no definition of witness in this contract and most contracts that I deal with. This would allow you to see bar sizes and other things. And the definition above does not say whether it would have to be in person. What I am saying Bimr is that the video would be more than adequately clear such as a High Definition Camera of all components that I would inspect in person. Basically a person directed by me to walk around with a camera examining points of construction.