The Inspector

Note: I've written this article for a company news letter. This was published back in July 1999 entitled the Project Inspectors.

The commissioning of the switchyard is well under way and this activity needs to be closely monitored. Simultaneously, I&C activities need your presence. Looking at the piles of paper, you noticed other work requiring equal attention. You know the drill. Pass the paper. The Project Inspectors are on their way.

In FGPC, we have inspectors at site covering every department - Civil, MEP & Instrumentation and Control. Generally, they are responsible for monitoring and witnessing activities in their respective areas of responsibility. I heard you saying easy. Well, you couldn't really tell unless you know what thei typical day is like. I should know, i'm one of them.

Picture yourself a Project Inspector now, see what happens, and check if you get a kick out of it.

0730H. Sorting out the RFIs (Request for Inspections)

You look at the files of paper to know the work that awaits you. Now believe me when I say this could be an overwhelming experience.

0900H. Sun bathing

An hour has passed and still no beach. In lieu are the trucks, concrete, a structure waiting to be mold, and a couple of dozen people toiling.

1030H. Inspections

The contractors owe us quality work but we could not be sure that's what they're giving us. Inspections give us the opportunity to conduct quality checks (with K&D).

1300H. Playing the Game.

Avoid hitting if it's humanly possible to do so. But if you must, never hit soft. In this kind of job, confrontations could never be avoided. but I guess it's supposed to be that way. Point of fact, in the construction game you deal with all sorts of people - the best and the worst so to speak.

If you're in the right track, play your cards well. The contractors would be laughing hard if you turn your other cheek. Don't just play poker to call bluffs. Do chess and beat the opponents ten moves in advance.

Also, take pictures for best results.

1500H. Inspections, inspections, inspections...

We can never get enough.

1630H. The day is done...

Retiring at the comfort of your chair, you feel the confidence brought about by finished tasks. But as you recline half dreaming of a well deserved rest, you noticed new sheets on your desk. It's all too familiar, you say to yourself. Some more RFIs. Just as you begin to think it's over, your work has merely begun.

2000H and counting...

Work, work, work.

You get the picture.