Sometimes during startup projects, the customer “discovers” additional testing that must be done. The general contractor then contacts the salesperson at the company engaged to perform the startup testing. This makes sense, but what sometimes happens next does not.
A change order goes through. Suppose your boss says, “They just want some point-to-point testing done on their fire alarm system.” You’re qualified for point-to-point testing, but working on fire alarm systems comes with its own set of qualifications. You really don’t want to head down that path, because next thing you know they’ll want something that can create a liability for your company.
And your personal safety is at risk if you aren’t qualified to do the work but perform commissioning tests on specialized systems such as alternative energy systems (e.g., wind, solar) battery systems, generators, MCCs, protective relays, or switchgear.
Be clear about your limits. It’s better for your company to subcontract some testing to a qualified firm than for you to get electrocuted.
