Engineer surveyors

In 1854, the Manchester Steam Users Association was formed to help with the prevention of explosions in steam boilers and to find efficient methods in their use. To achieve this, the Association employed the first boiler inspectors, whose services were then made available to the Association s members. Within a short space of time, the members became convinced that insurance to cover the high cost of repair or replacement of damaged boilers was desirable, and this resulted in the first boiler insurance company (The Steam Boiler Assurance Company) being formed in 1858. The scope of the services for inspection and insurance later extended to include pressure vessels, steam engines, cranes, lifts and electrical plant, the insurance protection in each case being supported by an inspection service carried out by qualified engineer surveyors. 

Engineer surveyors employed by engineering insurance companies have always been regarded as being competent persons as required by these various Acts. The knowledge and experience, which has been accumulated by the companies over the years, enables them to offer to industry and commerce a service of exceptional quality. 

In addition, at age 26 engineer surveyors can apply for Associate Membership of the Bureau of Engineer Surveyors, who are a division of the Institution of Plant Engineers. Transfer to membership is possible after a further two years employment as an engineer surveyor. 

During this training, an engineer surveyor can expect to be shown examples of the defects that he is likely to encounter. Many inspecting authorities have a black museum of such defects or they are described and illustrated by photographs in the training literature. He will also be instructed, both in the classroom and on-site, about locations where defects are likely to occur. Most surveyors develop an instinct , which helps them to find defects, and this can only be acquired through practical experience of different types of plant. 

An engineer surveyor employed by an insurance company will often be used to investigate claims, and each claim investigation adds something to his experience of failures. At the same time, he must observe strict confidentiality. To quote from a quality assurance manual ... 

An essential part of the Engineer Surveyor s role is the detection of defects in plant or of operating practices, which could lead to a dangerous occurrence. This knowledge is part of his experience. Nevertheless he will never disclose to another client or to a third party the sources of his experience in such a way that breach of confidentiality could result. 

The authority should also take pains to promote a good working relationship between the engineer surveyor and the client s representative on-site. 

Qualification - Engineering Surveyor to Insurance Company TO BE ATTACHED TO THE GENERAL REGISTER... 

Tested by the undersigned Engineer Surveyor Type of earth plate Location Resistance to earth ohms) Date of test... 

Inspecting Authority Engineer Surveyor for Member Company... 

Engineer surveyors - insurance company personnel undertaking statutory inspections of boilers, pressure vessels, lifting tackle etc. They are employed by the organisation as competent persons. ... 

Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations Reg. 9 All pressure plant Engineer/surveyor report... 

It is common practice for the engineer-surveyor to make observations in his report to draw attention to other matters of a less serious nature. These observations are advisory and do not affect the continuing safe operation of the plant and machinery. 

The Code of Practice on Pressure Systems considers that competence should be related to the size, complexity and hazard associated with the plant concerned and suggests different degrees of qualification for minor, intermediate and major pressure systems. The largest employers of competent persons, the engineer-surveyors, are the specialist engineering... 

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