which work would require a stamp or licensed engineer?

[msucog]

i've looked through many threads without seeing an answer to my question.

which work would require a stamp? let me clarify with this: first of all, disregard the whole moonlighting issue and potential conflicts with your employer. now, let's say a non-licensed engineer does part-time work only on the weekend or during "non-work" times (with their own equipment, supplies, etc). this work includes say hand auger borings and dcp on field soils and providing the results to those that requested the data. in other words, the person is hired to gather the data and present it to the client...no engineering design, no recommendations, etc.

would that person (or small one man company) be required to hire a licensed p.e. to perform this work? what sort of coverage might be needed (since the employer's insurance obviously wouldn't cover the person or their work)?

any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...

 

[IRstuff]

Depends on your state, whether there's industrial exemption, whether what you're doing is considered to be engineering, and whether you're considered an employee.

From your description of the work, it doesn't seem to rise to the level of engineering. You appear to be taking samples, testing, and reporting results.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[JStephen]

Ditto to IRStuff's 2nd paragraph. Check your state engineering rules, which should be available online. If it's not engineering, it's not an issue. Be careful that any ads or business cards don't imply engineering registration or offer engineering services if you're not registered.

 

[DonPhillips]

If that data was used by your client to support a higher bearing capacity for a foundation design, I would require a seal on the report. Your "client" would have to go back to you to get something sealed or I would not accept the data.

From a liability perspective, if what you describe is the limit of your work, and you have a disclaimer on your documents that "this data has not been analysed and is not intended to be used to determine the properties of the soil" or something to that effect, you protect yourself if someone uses that data to build on.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[msucog]

thanks for the input. all that is along the lines of what i suspected. checking the specific state's rules is a great idea to see if they elaborate on the particular question at hand.