The terms GEP (Good Engineering Practice) and SEP (Sound Engineering Practice) have similar meanings and are used inter-changeably. These terms are very broadly defined and often used very loosely. In the widest sense they refer to actions or processes that are done properly, thoroughly and by implication safely and reliably.

Some short definitions include:
“Standards that are nothing more than good engineering practices put in writing regulate the concept of ‘good engineering’. Certain standards may not always represent the good engineering practice in its entirety. It should also be kept in mind that what is mandatory at all times is not the standards, but good engineering rules.” (Acknowledgement: USA DOE or Department of Energy)
“Good Engineering Practice (GEP) is established methods and standards that can be applied throughout an engineering activity, project or equipment life-cycle to ensure delivery of appropriate and cost effective solutions”. (Acknowledgement: GMP Templates)

There is very little GEP documented outside of formal industry standards and checklists or condensed rules that would made up GEP or SEP. Many standards such as those for hazardous products storage or hygienic equipment are thorough and do cover a good range of sound practices for those particular engineering designs or applications and installations. In this respect some standards are in fact GEP’s or SEP’s.

Few standards themselves refer to SEP, although the South African pressure regulations do refer to SEP with respect to the lowest pressure rated vessels.

The relevant paragraph states: “Sound engineering practice (SEP) applies to equipment that is not subjected to conformity assessment but that shall be designed and manufacture in accordance with sound engineering practice in order to ensure safe use. Such equipment shall ensure that design and manufacture take into account all the relevant factors that influence safety during its intended lifetime. The equipment shall have instructions for use and shall bear the identification of the manufacturer. The responsibility for compliance with the relevant statutory regulations for pressure equipment lies solely with the manufacturer”.

E4A provides a series of GEP’s in the form of checklists that cover a fairly broad range of practices, but also act as points to consider or apply in design or workplace activities. These GEP’s or SEP’s are based on gathered experience of our mentors and other experienced persons and are updated regularly as we obtain other shared insights and suggestions.

Our GEP’s and SEP’s are collectively termed GEP’s for simplicity and we draw your attention to the important condition that all our GEP’s are provided strictly as guidelines without any guarantees or warranties provided or implied.