[AT] Gas Can Rant

[charlie hill]

Dennis, the fact that all of the blow molded plastic tank makers seem to be 
doing the same thing
leads me to believe that the problem is more insidious and most like due to 
an EPA regulation or
some other bureaucratic action.  If that is not it I'd be inclined to blame 
the trial lawyers next.

Charlie

-----Original Message----- 
From: Dennis Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 1:10 AM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: [AT] Gas Can Rant

I am almost 100% positive that the problem was managers defining the task in 
some stupid way to the engineers designing it. I am sure that the task was 
to find a way to limit fuming while the can was setting, and make it 
automatic where humans did not have to do anything to it. I am equally sure 
that ease of normal use of the can was NOT part of the requirements. If 
there was any use requirement it was to some fixed opening that did not move 
like a weed eater fuel tank. May have been given some city dweller that 
never used a weed eater, or filled a mower fuel tank.
The engineers would be given bonuses if they strictly followed the stupid 
written tasks, and would loose the bonus and be rated low performers if they 
thought "outside of the box". What would you do??
I have seen this in industry many times to some lesser extent. (42 + years 
as engineer) Trying to go back and reassess or re-define the problem 
normally gets lost in time constraints or deadlines. Some companies are 
starting to allow problem reassessment, but it is a painful process. Adding 
politicians and bureaucrats to the mix just makes things worse.

Dennis


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