PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
(OP)
Is it me or is the PE designation heading for a catastroghy. I am asking for feedback on the issue when PE's sign/seal documents on systems in an industry they know nothing about. My latest encounter to this issue was where a PE and PMP whose main fortay was inspecting the stress in screws for window frames. He moonlights in the plumbing and fire protection engineering industry. He asked me what the difference was between an RPZ and a double check aasembly. It is very frightful when this person is signing/sealing on firesprinkler systems and backflow application documents. Please give you feedback and thoughts on this ever rising troubling issue.





RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
But if the engineer deviates too far, and something goes wrong, or the client is dissatisfied and reports that engineer, they could be called to account for their work. If you read the engineering board reports on their disciplinary activities you do see engineers "convicted" by the boards sometimes.
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
As JAE noted, such a venture will increase ones chance of a board reprimand, fines or forteiture of a license. Further, in the event of a design defect on something with such life safety implication, the personal/professional liability is extremely high.
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
If you are sure of the facts and consider the engineer's actions to be contrary to the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public, then your obligation in most states is to report that.
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
But he should not be signing off until he has mentor to look over his shoulder for a while.
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
jrk7490...
Do your homework and make sure you have all the facts correct and can apply those facts within your state's laws and rules. Know your law and rules inside out.
I would suggest that you then have a clear discussion with him, in private, about the law and ethics of what he is doing. If he has made statements that indicate he doesn't have a good handle on what he's doing, bring those up to him. Explain to him what can happen if he makes a "design" error (e.g. life safety), what his liability exposure might be (unlimited....all assets on the line), and that as a licensed professional he could be held criminally liable for his actions in the event of a failure.
Tell him that if he continues to do work such as this you will have no option but to report him, as you take the profession and your state's laws seriously, and your state law requires that you report such activity.
Good luck....this is never easy.
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields
I have to fill out a form once per year telling my insurer what sort of projects I'm doing, and for whom. Doesn't this guy have to do the same thing?
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com
RE: PE limits for sign/seal on projects out of their fields