Last month we decided it was time to upgrade the old family car.  After searching for several weeks, we decided on a very nice, 3 year-old, certified pre-owned.   While I haven’t purchased a used vehicle in several years, I felt comfortable in this decision as the price was attractive, the warranty was extended, plus I had the assurance that this car had passed the manufactures’ grueling inspection. 

After the first week of owning our new (used) car, I called the dealership to have them install one of those MP 3, auxiliary connections (a result of my purchase negotiations).  While dropping off the car, I happened to mention the brakes were squeaking when lightly applying the brakes.  I figured this was surely the result of new pads wearing in…….  I mean they couldn’t “certify” a car with bad brakes?  I had put less than 200 miles on the car, so it had to be something else, something minor, right? 

The follow up call I got from the service manager answered that question.  “Mr. Fialkowski, we replaced both front and rear brakes for you”.  “No charge, it’s under warranty”.  Boy was I glad to hear that…..

This experience had me wonder how end users in the process industry tackle their own certified Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) tests.  As most know, when we design an SIS we have to account that they system periodically, MUST BE TESTED.  So how rigorous are we with carrying out these tests, would we allow something as critical as brakes slip under the cracks?  Surely, we have developed exhaustive “punch-lists” that have been reviewed, validated and audited to minimize potential problems? 

I once heard an end user state that when their technician tests their safety valve, it would not be uncommon to bang it with a wrench to “help it along”.  If after this “adjustment” it moves to its “safe” position, he’ll note it as “test-passed”.

Makes me wonder just how my car could have passed this seemingly critical test, or am I just being too sensitive?  I mean it was under warranty….I’m just thankful it wasn’t under critical circumstances.