Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/617280
ing firm. If this contractor happens to become the low bidder, they will then attempt to submit this item into the submittal package. If the specifications are not adequately tight enough to allow rejection of the item, or if the substitution generally meets the performance requirement from the original specifi- cations, it is often difficult to require the use of what the designer intended. This type of change can have serious con- sequences for the project if the substitution turns out to be in- adequate, defective, or not built to the applicable standards. This in itself is a strong justification for the designer to dis- play a certain degree of product bias and insist on using the product the designer had specified. This is a critical reason why full and complete review of submittals is needed. Once the submittals are approved by the municipality, it becomes difficult if not impossible for the engineer to insist a specified product be used. In some cases, the substitution of an item with inferior quality can present life-safety issues. This is particularly criti- cal in structural and electrical engineering. Structural components of known weakness or under- strength have been known to result in collapse, with fatalities often the outcome. Some electrical components—manufac- tured to inadequate standards if at all—have resulted in explo- sions, fires, and system failures. Essentially, this is where sufficient oversight and sticking to your guns is important and any product bias should be enforced. Summary As you can see, I believe bias in our business is generally ingrained into what we do every day. Whether we like it or not, the vast majority of us practice some form and degree of bias in our selection process. The important thing is to remember who controls the funds and to always try and make the recommendations and deci- sions on the basis of who will benefit the most, and how and when we use it. When you are responsible for making selection decisions or recommendations for others, the choice you make becomes one you may live to regret or enjoy for many years. Until next month, work safe and smart. Finally, please do not send letters or emails chastising me for my support of one method of tank over another or valve over a VFD, etc. All my examples I presented are just that— examples. There is no intended or implied endorsement of one product over another. WWJ Ed Butts, PE, CPI, is the chief engineer at 4B Engineering & Consulting, Salem, Oregon. He has more than 35 years experience in the water well business, specializing in engineering and business management. He can be reached at epbpe@juno.com. Twitter @WaterWellJournl WWJ January 2016 37 ...the instrument of choice for professionals worldwide Water Level Meters s Well Casing Indicators Well Depth Indicators s Data Loggers s Temperature Meters Conductivity Meters s Interface Meters s Pressure Transmitters Tag Lines s Borehole Inspection Cameras Made in Canada www.heroninstruments.com s 1-800 -331-2032