Memo #6 – Drawings not to be issued “IFC” markings without approvals

Here is a memo we received from one of our clients. Such memos are not infrequent:

I am pushing for stamped drawings, however from the IFAs issued there should be no changes made. I need to begin the steel ordering process tomorrow. There is a lead time on the ordering of the steel, and by that stage we should have the finalised drawings. Anything that gets altered can be held at the processing of steel stage.

Can you please issue the full pack for the Spiral tonight.

Thanks

Question: what should you do?

1. Do whatever the client says, because the client is always right?
2. Stamp with IFC and send to the client?
3. Ask your boss what you should do?
4. Send the drawings without the IFC stamp?
5. Send the drawings with an IFA stamp + a disclaimer on the drawing + another disclaimer in the same email?

To answer this question, you need to first understand the approval work-flow in building and construction projects:

Process in Building and Construction

1. You do the shop drawings.
2. You submit them for approval.
3. The architects and engineers then approve the documents.
4. AFTER they have been approved (not before, but after), then you can mark: “For Construction” and release the drawings.

Please follow this process. It is very important from an insurance and legal liability point of view.

Why is the process important?

In every building and construction job, there is risk. If something goes wrong, then fabricators and builders are likely to start blaming people – lawyers will blame anyone who is not insolvent so they can recover the loss. If people fabricate from IFC drawings without a stamped approval, then we will not be covered by insurance: the entire firm could go under.

When things aren’t approved: the things are likely to be in a rush, and things are likely to be poorly planned and coordinated. When the builder starts blaming you for releasing IFC without stamped approval, even though he demanded it: what are you going to say in response? We want to avoid problems and disputes at all hazards. To keep it simple:

DO NOT MARK AS IFC WITHOUT STAMPED APPROVAL

So what should I do?

1. Release the drawings as IFA with the following annotation:

2. Add in the following disclaimer ON THE DRAWING:

Fabricate at own risk. No stamped approvals? Then no insurance. If anything goes wrong, for whatever reason, whether negligence or otherwise – Tek1 cannot be held liable. You must then indemnify Tek1 against all loss, however they may arise.

Summary:

DO NOT MARK AS IFC WITHOUT STAMPED APPROVAL

Why? Check the insurance documentation here (internal link):