A day in the life of an Engineer Surveyor
Ever wondered what an Engineer Surveyor does? Maybe you need to book your next engineering inspection, or perhaps it’s a career path you’re interested in.
Hutcheon Examination Services (HESL) carries out statutory safety inspections on mechanical equipment used across a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, automotive and manufacturing.
One day it might be a LOLER examination on lifting equipment, the next it could be PSSR on an air receiver – so no two days are ever the same in our line of work. However, broadly speaking, a typical day in the life of an Engineer Surveyor follows a three-stage process.
Here’s Pete to give you an insight into what they do…
Preparation of tools and documentation
“Ask any of our clients about what makes working with HESL so easy and they’re likely to mention our Central Planning Department. Life is busy and it can be tricky to stay on top of inspection requirements - but a missed deadline could lead to a fine, an accident or something even worse. Luckily, our Central Planning Department sends out annual renewal reminders.
“They’re not just knights in shining armour for our clients, they’re our heroes too. They handle the whole booking process, taking vital information to help us prepare for the inspection. Inspections are booked at a time that minimises site disruption for the client, which also makes our job easier to do without interruption or distraction.
“If HESL has worked with the client before, preparation usually means looking at previous inspection reports and familiarising ourselves with the equipment we’ll need to examine.
“All of us have our own fully kitted out vans, but if there are any specialist tools needed, we’ll make sure they’re calibrated and ready for the visit so as to avoid any delay on the day itself. We also prepare the relevant documentation. Then we hit the road!”
Comprehensive inspection at the clients’ convenience
“Every Engineer Surveyor that works for HESL has comprehensive experience and recognised professional status (EngTech, IEng.) and we’re all DBS-checked. If there are multiple pieces of equipment to be inspected, we’ll head to the site in a pair or a group to get the work done as quickly and efficiently as possible. It’s great because we can share knowledge and expertise. Sometimes solo work isn’t possible because of safety requirements.
“You don’t have to stay with us while we do the inspection unless you’re interested in what we’re doing and it’s safe to observe. We’re happy to bore you with the nitty gritty (you’ve been warned!). We could be on site for hours, days or even weeks – it just depends on the nature of the assignment.
“Don’t be surprised if you get to know my face – or another member of the team – year on year, or even more frequently depending on your inspection requirements. Each of us has a ‘patch’ so we’ll be local to you and will possibly have visited your site before. It just makes the entire process even simpler because we know the location and features of your mechanical equipment. We can do PAT testing at the same time as other inspections. Saves you booking a separate visit.
“Another advantage of using the same Engineer is if your organisation demands visitors complete a specialist site induction, because your Engineer Surveyor will already have done that.
“Keeping it local means a lower carbon footprint as we don’t have to travel as far to see you. Lots of customers are looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and we’re keen to play our part.”
Reporting within 48 hours
“Our day isn’t done when we leave your site. We take all our findings and readings from the inspection and prepare a comprehensive report. This is checked and approved by our Director, after which our Central Planning Department will email you the report within 48 hours of the inspection.
“That report will give you the information you need to arrange remedial work, if necessary, in order to comply with statutory regulations and give you peace of mind.”
Pride in the job
"The infrastructure of so many organisations depends on the safety and efficiency or their mechanical equipment, whether that’s a hoist in a care home or a spray booth in a workshop. Inspections are a crucial part of that, and I take immense pride in having the responsibility of examining them.
“At HESL, I’m never rushed into putting quantity before quality. Corners are never cut. I go home at the end of my day knowing that I’ve worked to the most rigorous standards of compliance. I need to feel as reassured as our customers. HESL generously gives me all the external, specialist training, tools, administrative and managerial support I need to do my best, every time.”
