Engineering Frequently Asked Questions
Many clients contact us because they know they need engineering input but aren't sure exactly what service they require.
The answers below explain common questions about engineering certification, RPEQ services, machinery compliance, pressure vessels and structural engineering. If your question isn't covered, contact Black Square Engineering to speak directly with an engineer.
What does an RPEQ engineer do?
An RPEQ (Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland) is authorised to provide professional engineering services in Queensland and accepts legal responsibility for engineering work carried out under their registration.Depending on the project, this may include engineering design, independent verification, certification, inspections, compliance assessments and expert engineering advice.
Do I need an RPEQ engineer?
Many commercial and industrial projects require engineering work to be completed or certified by an RPEQ engineer.
Requirements depend on legislation, Australian Standards and the specific project. If you're unsure, we're happy to discuss your project before recommending the appropriate engineering pathway.
What information do you need to provide a quote?
Typically we ask for:
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drawings
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photographs
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manufacturer information
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relevant standards
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previous engineering documentation
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the intended use of the equipment
The more information available initially, the faster we can provide advice and pricing.
Can you certify imported machinery?
Yes.
We regularly assess imported industrial machinery to determine compliance with Australian legislation and applicable Australian Standards.
Depending on the equipment, this may involve structural assessment, guarding, risk assessment, documentation review and engineering verification before the machinery is commissioned.
Do you inspect machinery before purchase?
Yes.
Independent engineering inspections can identify structural issues, safety concerns and maintenance risks before expensive equipment is purchased.
Do you work throughout Queensland?
Yes.
Black Square Engineering services clients throughout Queensland from offices in Brisbane, Townsville and Toowoomba. We also undertake projects across Australia and overseas. Our digital capability means we can service projects nearly anywhere on earth, either digitally or we'll make the trip in person if it's required.
Do you perform residential engineering work?
Our focus is commercial, industrial and infrastructure engineering.
We generally do not undertake residential engineering services such as:
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house extensions
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retaining walls
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swimming pools
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domestic Form 15 requests
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residential certification
This allows our engineers to remain focused on complex engineering projects for industrial and commercial clients.
Can you help with Form 15 and Form 16 documentation?
Yes—where the engineering work falls within our areas of expertise.
We provide engineering certification for appropriate commercial and industrial projects requiring Form 15 documentation. The associated Form 16 is typically completed by the relevant certifier or competent person.
We generally do not undertake domestic residential Form 15 work.
What industries do you work with?
Our clients include:
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manufacturing
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mining
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ports
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construction
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transport
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energy
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defence
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local government
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infrastructure
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heavy industry
We also assist other businesses requiring specialist engineering advice. From contracted in-house engineers to review, verification or specialist works, we are the first choice for multiple engineering firms.
Can you review another engineer's design?
Yes.
Independent engineering reviews and design verification are a core part of our work.
Clients often engage us to independently verify structural designs, pressure equipment, lifting equipment or specialised machinery before fabrication or commissioning.
Are you able to inspect equipment on site?
Yes.
We regularly travel throughout Queensland and Australia to undertake site inspections, engineering investigations, compliance inspections and condition assessments.
What's the difference between an inspection and certification?
An inspection records the condition of an asset at a point in time.
Certification involves an engineering assessment against legislation, Australian Standards or design requirements and may include calculations, verification and engineering judgement.
Not every inspection results in certification.
How quickly can engineering work be completed?
Timeframes depend on:
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project complexity
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available documentation
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site access
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testing requirements
Simple reviews may be completed within days, while large verification projects may take several weeks.
Do you provide expert witness reports?
Yes.
Black Square Engineering provides forensic engineering investigations and expert reports for insurers, solicitors, government agencies and commercial clients.
What happens after engineering certification?
Engineering certification confirms that the assessed design or equipment met the relevant requirements at the time of assessment.
Owners and operators remain responsible for:
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ongoing maintenance
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inspections
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safe operation
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modifications
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compliance with applicable legislation
If equipment is modified after certification, additional engineering assessment may be required.
What happens after engineering certification?
Engineering certification confirms that the assessed design or equipment met the relevant requirements at the time of assessment.
Owners and operators remain responsible for:
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ongoing maintenance
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inspections
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safe operation
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modifications
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compliance with applicable legislation
If equipment is modified after certification, additional engineering assessment may be required.