Navigating the complexities of engineering practice in Malaysia can be challenging for both new and seasoned professionals. The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to provide clarity on various aspects of professional engineering practice. This blog post will explore some of the key FAQs that cover critical areas such as submitting plans, endorsements, supervision, and compliance with the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) system.
What Types of Plans Can a Professional Engineer (PE) Submit?
A common question among engineers is regarding the types of plans a PE can submit. According to BEM, a PE without a Practicing Certificate (PE) cannot submit any plans to authorities, except under specific circumstances outlined in Section 8A of the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015). A PE can submit plans or drawings related to equipment, plants, or specialist products invented or sold by them or their employer. However, the liability for these submissions remains with the PE, even if they did not prepare the plans themselves.
Can a PE Endorse Proprietary Roof Truss Systems?
Only a Professional Engineer with a Practicing Certificate (PEPC) can be the submitting person to the Local Authority for proprietary roof truss systems. While a PE may endorse the system sold by them or their employer, the PEPC who submits the plan bears full responsibility for any failure of the roof truss system.
What is the Role of a Submitting Person in a Project?
The Submitting Person (SP) is typically a PEPC who submits plans to the Authority. This role is crucial as the SP is responsible for ensuring that all submitted plans comply with the necessary regulations and standards. In scenarios where a project involves multiple consultants, the SP is also responsible for coordinating with sub-consultants and ensuring that all interfacing works are properly managed to maintain the project’s integrity and safety.
How Should Engineers Handle Liability When Taking Over a Project?
When an engineer takes over a project from another engineer, particularly when the previous engineer’s services were terminated, the “last man standing” rule applies. This means that the new Submitting Person assumes full liability for the project, including any work completed by the previous engineer. Therefore, it is crucial for the new engineer to thoroughly review all prior work before taking over the project.
Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC): What You Need to Know
The CCC system replaced the Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO) in Malaysia and is now the standard for certifying that a building project complies with all statutory requirements. Only a PEPC can sign the CCC, confirming that the project is complete and ready for occupancy. The CCC must be issued to the owner, with duplicates submitted to BEM and the Local Authority within 14 days.
Common Issues with CCC:
- Delays in Issuing CCC: Local Authorities (LAs) may sometimes verbally instruct the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) not to issue Form F until they have conducted a site inspection, even when all supporting Forms G1 to G21 are signed. In such cases, the PSP can still issue the CCC, as the law does not permit LAs to impose additional conditions post-submission.
- Discrepancies Between Form G and CCC: If there is a discrepancy, such as a second engineer taking over after the original engineer has signed off parts of the project, the liability falls on the engineer who signs the CCC.
- Submission of As-Built Plans: If there are variations from the approved plan, as-built plans must be submitted to the Local Authority before issuing the CCC. This ensures that any changes made during construction are properly documented and approved.
Handling Supervision and Endorsement
Engineers often have questions about their responsibilities regarding the supervision of works and the endorsement of reports, particularly when other engineers are involved in the project. BEM clarifies that the engineer responsible for the design must supervise the construction or delegate supervision to a qualified team under their control. Furthermore, the endorsement of reports or drawings should only be done by engineers who have directly supervised or verified the works.
What Happens If an Engineer Leaves a Project Midway?
If an engineer responsible for a project resigns or retires, another engineer from the same Engineering Consultancy Practice (ECP) can take over the project. However, the new engineer must inform BEM and the Local Authorities and submit updated drawings and reports. The liability for the project then transfers to the new engineer, who must ensure all previous work meets the required standards.
Alternative Designs and Temporary Works
In construction, it is common for contractors to propose alternative designs or to carry out temporary works. The PEPC engaged by the contractor is responsible for designing, endorsing, and supervising these temporary works. However, the Submitting Person for the project must ensure that these temporary works do not adversely affect the permanent works or the safety of workers and the public.
Important Considerations for Submitting Engineers
- Subsurface Investigation (S.I.): The Submitting Engineer must specify and supervise the subsurface investigation, as this information is crucial for the structural design of the project.
- Supervision of Construction Works: Even if the client’s team conducts the supervision, the Submitting Engineer is still responsible and liable for ensuring the works comply with the approved plans and relevant laws.
- Certificates and Compliance: Engineers should not certify completion of works they did not supervise. This is particularly important in projects that may have been abandoned and later revived without the original engineer’s involvement.
Additional Details from BEM’s FAQs
- Forms G1 to G21: These forms are part of the statutory requirements under the CCC system, and they must be signed by the relevant professionals before the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) can issue Form F (CCC). Each form corresponds to different aspects of the construction work, such as earthworks, foundation, and superstructure.
- Liability for Construction Defects: If defects are discovered post-construction, the PEPC who signed off on the CCC may be held liable, particularly if it is determined that the defects were due to negligence or failure to adhere to the approved design.
- Collaboration with Other Professionals: In projects involving multiple disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, the PEPC must ensure that all disciplines are coordinated and that their work does not conflict with each other. This is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of the project.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): BEM also emphasizes the importance of CPD for all registered engineers. CPD is mandatory for maintaining registration and ensures that engineers remain updated with the latest developments in their field.
Conclusion: Navigating Professional Responsibilities with Confidence
Understanding the frequently asked questions and the guidelines set by BEM is crucial for professional engineers in Malaysia. These guidelines not only clarify roles and responsibilities but also ensure that engineering practices uphold the highest standards of safety, integrity, and professionalism. By adhering to these practices, engineers can confidently navigate their professional duties while safeguarding public interest and maintaining the integrity of the engineering profession.
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