Thursday, May 17, 2007

RE: Special Inspections and Insurance

These are totally separate things, and as an EOR, should be kept that way.  Here in California, if you are the EOR, you avoid use of the term “inspection”, particularly “special inspection” like the plague.  This is primarily a liability issue since if you inspect something, you are certifying that work (not necessarily the entire project).  Also, as a licensed engineer, you are not necessarily qualified to inspect work performed.  Unless your company is specifically involved with providing qualified inspections, limit yourselves to structural observation only.

 

Hope that helps,

 

 

Doug Mayer, SE

Structural Engineer

 

TaylorTeter

Partnership

 

 

From: Mark E. Deardorff [mailto:mdeardorff@burkett-wong.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 6:22 AM
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: RE: Special Inspections and Insurance

 

In my part of the country, special inspections are performed by registered deputy inspectors, not the EOR. We visit the job site occasionally but unless we are required to do "structural observation" per the code we do not approve or any other way assent to the construction as according to plans and/or code.

 

Mark E. Deardorff, S.E.

Structural Engineer

Burkett & Wong Engineers

3434 4th Ave

San Diego, CA 92103

P 619.299.5550

F 619.299.9934

mdeardorff@burkett-wong.com

 

 

From: Andy Richardson [mailto:chuzman@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 4:45 AM
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: Special Inspections and Insurance

List,
I am wondering what implications the chapter 17 special inspections program has on insurance.  I see special inspections as a good opportunity to get the engineer in the field, whether or not it is deemed necessary by the contractor or owner.  I believe that having the engineer involved in this process will 1.  improve workmanship, and 2. catch problems.  It also helps us learn for the next job!  Anyway, the principal and owner here feels that because it is "inspection" that we are "certifying" the project is built to plans, which goes beyond mere observations.  Further, he believes that these inspections will increase our insurance significantly.  In fact he is not sure we can be covered for this. How have others dealt with this issue?

Thanks, Andy

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