Specifications and Standards (Palmer Linings 2007)

Engineering Specifications and Standards
Engineering of refractory structures

In Australia, the Queensland Professional Engineers Act (2003) defines a professional engineering service as one that requires, or is based on, the application of engineering principles and data to a design.  However, if the engineering service is carried out in accordance with a prescriptive standard, eg Australian Standards, and does not require advanced scientifically based calculations, then that part of the service is not required to be undertaken by a registered engineer.

Our clients need to be aware that there are no Standards covering the design of refractory structures but the design of these structures does require advanced engineering calculations. 

The Act also requires that all projects in Queensland need to be under an RPEQ (or specific components of projects) which are classed as “engineering services”. This will include civil and structural, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering design, construction and production services, geotechnical investigations, geotechnical design, mining engineering investigation and design. In fact most of the services members offer will be subject to the Act.  The advice given to us is that maintenance shutdowns are also included.

Clients should also be aware that Safety in Design (which is part of Occupational Health and Safety Acts) is a continually evolving area of OH&S.  Under this legislation the following definitions apply:

• a designer is a person or legal entity involved in preparing design for structures
• anyone who specifies or alters a design
• anyone who specifies the use of a particular method of work or material
• anyone specifying or designing how demolition, dismantling work, structural alterations or the formation of openings
• design of a structure means any hard copy or electronic drawing, design detail, design instruction, scope of works or specification.

In conclusion companies should only use competent professional engineers when undertaking refractory repairs or modifications.  This is particularly important if design changes are carried out at any stage during maintenance or repairs which is often the case.