Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
(OP)
Hi. I have been referred by a previous employer to review and stamp drawings for a small art installation (it's a collaboration). It will be installed in a public park which requires PE stamping for all installations within. I hold a mechanical PE in California, where the installation will be erected. My understanding (I have not talked to the "client" yet- I am trying to go in educated on PE practices) is that it is a simple installation. Likely to be a small frame for supporting a sculpture. I have designed this sort of thing in the past, and am very familiar with the design requirements of this type of work (aside from the PE stamping- that is new to me).
Assuming a simple project that is within my expertise (as it was suggested to me), is it legal for me to stamp said drawings (assuming I review the design to my satisfaction, reserve rights to redline etc?) I've been googling, and I am not getting a definitive answer. I do not want to skirt the law. It seems like there must be a provision to do this somehow?
Again, not looking to "rubber stamp" it to make some money, looking to legally stamp it, both as an intro to consulting for me, and a favor to a small art house.
thanks in advance!
Assuming a simple project that is within my expertise (as it was suggested to me), is it legal for me to stamp said drawings (assuming I review the design to my satisfaction, reserve rights to redline etc?) I've been googling, and I am not getting a definitive answer. I do not want to skirt the law. It seems like there must be a provision to do this somehow?
Again, not looking to "rubber stamp" it to make some money, looking to legally stamp it, both as an intro to consulting for me, and a favor to a small art house.
thanks in advance!





RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
But would a stamped letter meet the requirements of the park owner?
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
Thaidavid
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
Are you capable of designing such a system? If you designed it without input from others, would the design on the table be something you would do without question? Are you able to make any changes to the design that you deem necessary for engineering efficacy? If you can't answer yes, truthfully, to each of the these, then the answer is "NO". Don't sign and seal the design. If you can answer yes to all and you do the review, then there should be no issue.
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
As far as the hitting by bus scenario, I suppose that his business successors take the liability. If it's not a business, his heirs are on the hook. But if you had insurance, they would cover it.
But getting legal advice on an Engineering website is like getting pump sizing advice from the Bar Association.
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
The former engineer is out of the picture, not the engineer-of-record, and you are taking their place.
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RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
I was hoping for a definitive reply, such as, "yes, I've done this, you simply need to have it in writing that you have taken on ownership of the project, signed by the original designer."
I'll be calling the insurance guys in the morning. I am in no way interested in tarnishing my professional reputation by skirting regulations.
I have a few more details: it's not a building, it's a simple underwater sculpture garden. But I do not as yet know of regulations that need to be adhered to for this installation. There are moorings and such to consider, but that is within my field of expertise.
It's murkey, at best. But I'd like the experience, and I'd like to help an artist install his project. So I will follow this a bit further, and see if it pans out.
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
Now you really have my curiosity. This is for divers? Any chance you can spill some details on what they are planning?
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
Personally, if I'm not somehow directly involved with the design providing input, I would be hesitant to sign and seal it.
RE: Using my PE stamp to review others' drawings?
dbill, I've taken manned submersibles (small, 1 to 10 person "submarines") through the ABS certification procedure to assure compliance with regulations. These vehicles were designed and built (80% built in one case) by other companies. Once it is ABS certified, it is suitable to be insured. This process involves thorough review of all life support calcs, lifting arrangement, hull structure etc. It also involved creating calculations to check as-built systems, creating new designs as necessary, and validation testing. This was not under the PE licence, but as far as I know, it's as stringent- it's life support for human occupation.
I only hope PE stamping allows the same flexibility. Will check with local regulators and insurance agency.
cheers