Reject or Repair? Hold Damaged Duct Until the Decision Is Clear

Fast answer

Quarantine a damaged or questionable piece so it is not installed while the repair-versus-remake decision is still open.

What to check

1. Tag or separate the piece from approved material.
2. Record the piece mark, location, damage, dimensions, and schedule impact.
3. Identify whether the issue affects fit, pressure boundary, reinforcement, coating, liner, appearance, listing, or equipment connection.
4. Route the decision through the foreman and the required shop, manufacturer, project, or engineering authority.

Do not

Do not install a questionable piece because the crew needs production or because replacing it may take time.

Ask the foreman

“This piece is isolated and documented. The damage affects the flange and liner; who is making the repair-versus-remake call before we install around it?”

Why it matters

Once surrounding duct is installed, a simple delivery problem can become a major removal problem.