Legal Forum: Replacing Obsolete Parts - What Is The Liability?
Is there a liability involved when an obsolete part is replaced? For example, a natural gas valve is obsolete and needs to be replaced. The exact part cannot be found anywhere. It is not listed in cross-references. The company that manufactured it is out of business and/or doesn’t list the part in its inventory.
The technician takes it upon himself to replace the part with what to the best of his knowledge is a safe replacement. Is he legally stepping over the line? Does he need permission to install or replace the part from the company that manufactured the obsolete part? Many times this is a no heat call in the dead of winter at night, and he has to make a decision.