Stamping Drawings - Engineering Ethics

[Millerific]

I was recently approached by upper management that another company has come to them and needs drawings stamped by a PE. I am the only PE currently in my company. It is a small company of only about 40 employees.

I do not feel comfortable with this, but do not know if I am overacting. I do not know what to do or who to talk to. I do most of my work as a controls engineer, designing and testing mimic panels, PLCs, VFDs and motor control systems. The drawings I would need to stamp are CCTV electrical drawings, and while I am familiar with it, I wouldn't say I am an expert. Since I am busy at the moment, they also suggested that I have one of the junior engineers under me review them and then I check over and stamp, which I think is unethical. I don't think they're trying to be unethical, I just don't know if they know you can't do that.

What should I do? I have never stamped a drawing before nor been asked to. Do I flat out tell them no? Do I ask for training? Any advice would help. Thank you!

 

[Reverse Polish]

I do not feel comfortable with this, but do not know if I am overacting. I do not know what to do or who to talk to. I do most of my work as a controls engineer, designing and testing mimic panels, PLCs, VFDs and motor control systems. The drawings I would need to stamp are CCTV electrical drawings, and while I am familiar with it, I wouldn't say I am an expert. Since I am busy at the moment, they also suggested that I have one of the junior engineers under me review them and then I check over and stamp, which I think is unethical. I don't think they're trying to be unethical, I just don't know if they know you can't do that.

You are allowed to sign and seal drawings prepared by anyone who works under your direct supervision. Of course, you take responsibility for anything you seal. Whether or not you have the knowledge to feel comfortable sealing this particular set of drawings is up to you.

 

[waterwizard]

Do they want you to review and stamp existing plans that Company B prepared? That would be a clear no, since you didn't oversee their preparation. You can look up your state board's definition of "responsible charge" to show them why you would not be able to stamp them. And maybe have a couple of ASCE ethics cases handy to show them just in case.

On the other hand if they want you to prepare and stamp plans to deliver to Company B then that would be ok as long as you feel competent to do it. Training can help here if it's something you want to learn.

I choose to share your optimism that this situation probably arose out of management's ignorance about licensing laws. Good luck!