PE Seal Question - Location Based
PE Seal Question - Location Based
(OP)
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.
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.





RE: PE Seal Question - Location Based
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.....
RE: PE Seal Question - Location Based
RE: PE Seal Question - Location Based
RE: PE Seal Question - Location Based
They just want a name to blame/sue - if it ever comes down to that.
RE: PE Seal Question - Location Based
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.