Multifaceted question: how do you respond to being asked to update another firm's study?

I'm getting this more and more often. This ranges from a complete overhaul, basically starting from scratch, to updating an existing study because new equipment has been installed or their existing labels are set to expire, to being asked to print arc flash labels for new gear.

What do you guys tell potential customers who are essentially asking for a partial study based on existing information? I'm looking for help to explain why, even when presented with a previous complete arc flash report, I can't "just print out some labels" or "just model the newly installed equipment using the provided report's information".

I'll add that I'm often approached when the customer asks the previous firm to update their study and they're given a quote they don't like.

Back when I used to perform studies, this was always an issue. Liability was the main focus. If you "inherit" an existing study, my view is you just took on the responsibility for its accuracy. I would schedule time for a walk through if possible to verify the existing data. Much easier than beginning from nothing. This requires educating the customer about the importance of data accuracy.

If this is an addition to a previous study, then a disclaimer might be in order. Similar to "assuming" the electric utility company provided correct data.

To simply print labels from someone else's study, some may state - just add a disclaimer, but if the existing data has errors that results in serious consequences, that could create legal problems. Again, review of the existing study/data would be important.

Not a magic bullet, but some points to ponder.

Just a few personal opinions and not a legal interpretation.