Too many contractors view inspectors as an obstruction…

                This is one of the most tragic oversights I have found in the domain of on-site welding inspection. There are some contractors, certainly not all, not even most, but some who adopt an adversarial view of the welding inspector, often at the expense of their own long-term self-interest.

                In many contract documents and approved drawings, you may find a clause that says something to the effect, “third party inspection does not relieve the contractor of responsibility.” A diligent inspector can often point out deviations that could have very serious consequences if not properly addressed. Just something to consider next time you hear a contractor complaining about something being rejected in an inspection.

                I would submit that how a contractor regards the necessity of on-site welding inspection is a direct reflection of the ethics of the contractor. A contractor genuinely committed to building a quality product, to the parameters established in the contract documents will appreciate an inspector pointing out items that need to be addressed. A contractor who merely wants to cut corners and perform substandard work to attempt to make a fast buck and move on, will almost inevitably regard inspectors as problematic.

                Let me hear your thoughts, Leave a comment and feel free to add to the discussion. And as always, remember; your work is your signature. What do you want to say with yours…?

Glenn Howard Weidman