When Foreman Asks: “What's the Problem?”
Use this to explain the issue clearly instead of rambling or freezing.
You need to bring a field issue to a journeyman, foreman, detailer, or PM.
Stop if
- Use this anytime the next move changes route, size, access, schedule, support, coordination, or inspection.
Watch out
- Do not say only 'it doesn't fit.'
- Do not hide the issue and keep installing.
- Do not offer a field fix as if it is already approved.
- Do not blame another trade before you have facts.
Check
- Wide context
- Close-up problem
- Measurement
- Drawing/shop detail
Steps
- Lead with the exact system/location/problem, then show the measurement/photo.
- State location: floor, room, gridline, area, elevation, or equipment tag.
- State the duct/system: supply, return, exhaust, grease, smoke, VAV, RTU, main, branch, size if known.
- State the problem in one sentence: blocked, too low, missing access, wrong size, damper blocked, hanger conflict, print mismatch.
- Give the measurement: how much clearance is missing or what dimension is wrong.
- Show photo and drawing reference.
Say this to your foreman
Ask the decision question: 'Do you want me to hold, adjust, or install as shown?'
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