By 803056
Date 10-30-2012 18:39
Edited 10-30-2012 18:41
Your statement is correct; the third party has no authority to direct the fabricator, i.e., dictate the ways or means.
I rarely offer advice even when the fabricator asks for my opinion. The fabricator is responsible for getting the work done in a timely manner and in accordance with the code. As one of my clients once told me, "You work for me. I am paying you, not the fabricator. If the fabricator needs help, let him hire his own welding consultant."
That being said, when I see the fabricator is not using tabs at the end of the welded joints, I typically ask that one or two joint that I have selected be ground flush with the edges of the member to reveal the weld cross section. It is not unusual to see incomplete fusion, slag, etc. at the ends of the joints where the tabs were not used. I then leave it up to the fabricator to determine how the affected joints will be repaired. After a few time consuming repairs, tabs are used without me having to direct them to do so.
I rarely intercede even when the fabricator is sawing the plank he is sitting on. To interfere only makes me part of the problem and increases my liability. My third party responsibilities are dictated by the code and by the "Statement of Special Inspections". I answer to the Owner and the Engineer, not the fabricator or the general contractor.
I have a brother-in-law from Texas. He says, "Some people are so stupid they shouldn't be allowed to reproduce."
I extend his philosophy to businesses, "Some businesses are so stupid they shouldn't be in business." About then Darwin takes over and usually puts the poor business out of its misery.
As implied by the post, most fabricators do not appreciate third party inspector’s attempts to "help". Rather, the TPI is labeled as hard-nosed, unreasonable, interfering with work, etc. My advice to TPIs everywhere, save your breath, save your sanity and let the fabricator move forward. Report all nonconformance’s to the Owner and the Engineer in a timely manner and let them sort out the problem. It will be more costly in terms of time wasted and money spent, but that is what most fabricators prefer. The fabricator is copied with the reports, so there is ample time for them to take the necessary corrective action without the TPI making demands, providing helpful insight, directing work, or thumping his chest.
The fall out is that the fabricator will say the TPI is trying to cast the fabricator as inept, but that is a small price to pay if the TPI keeps his sanity. The TPI has a job to do, i.e., he is the eyes for the Engineer on the shop floor or in the field. It is the Engineer's responsibility to accept the noncompliant work "as is" or to insist on corrective actions is taken by the fabricator. It is the fabricator's responsibility to develop corrective action that satisfies the Engineer. The TPI's responsibility is to verify the corrective action was accomplished in a manner consistent with the approved plan.
Best regards - Al