Date: 201706
Local time of day: 0001-0600
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: A321
Flight phase: Parked
Reporter function: Technician
Human factors: Communication Breakdown
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Maintenance
When detected: Routine Inspection
Result: General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Company Policy; Procedure
Primary problem: Company Policy

Narrative: I was assigned Aircraft X. The aircraft was scheduled a service check and a tap test which requires an inspector. The inspector was notified of the tap test so I continued with my service check and other scheduled maintenance items.At approx. XA30; the inspector was done with the tap test. He had stamped the job card but not the sign-off card associated with the tap test. I informed him that he's responsible for signing/stamping his work performed. He replied; 'Inspectors don't stamp sign off cards'; 'accomplish by blocks'; or 'enter things in [the computer]'. I informed my Supervisor of the situation; and he stated I will call the inspection department. I also went into the [Procedures Manual] for classification. I printed out some information and presented it to my supervisor.A few hours later; the supervisor came to me with feedback from the inspection department; stating 'they don't have to stamp/sign the sign off cards'; we have an internal (local) agreement with the inspectors. I responded the [Procedures Manual] states 'whoever performed the task must stamp/sign for their work'. He replied; 'well this is how we do it here and it always been that way' and I responded; ' that doesn't make it right' we must follow the [Procedures Manual]. I was then told to sign the sign off card but I declined. My supervisor stated; 'I'm ordering you to sign it' but once again I declined.Later; he approached me with the sign off card and it was stamped by the inspector (accomplished by block); the mechanic (entered in [computer] by block); and the supervisor (work was completed block) which was the way the I interpreted it from the [Procedures Manual].The event occurred for several reasons but I will address two. There has been a hot topic between mechanics and inspectors signing off the proper blocks on sign off work cards. According to the [Procedures Manual] it explains how to stamp off blocks and defines who is responsible for the work. I do understand 'accomplished by' vs 'checked by' blocks but this particular sign off card states 'the person who did the inspection' which is a '-8 must stamp accomplished by block'. It also has three different places were 'a person who was associated with the task' has the ability to stamp. Also the [Procedures Manual] states that inspectors can stamp 'accomplished by' blocks.The other reason is complacency; learned behavior; and lack of recognition towards company policies [Procedures Manual] is unacceptable. The [Procedures Manual] is in place for us to follow and get clarification when there's an interpretation concern. We are not to assume and make our own local agreements or deviate from company polices/procedures. The [Procedures Manual] can became vague in some instances as well. The Job cards; sign-off cards; and tally sheets must be consistent or match each other station wide. To avoid multiple recurring issues of this event; I suggest we revisit the [Procedures Manual] and highlight (red ink) the department (maintenance; inspection; or supervisor) responsible or add a note as a 'remember' who is responsible for what blocks. My suggestion is whomever performs a task must stamp/sign it off completely. This includes job cards; sign off cards; and tally sheets. I would also recommend adding a 'checked by' block for the inspectors to stamp on [computer] sign off cards. This will eliminate the high confusion between the mechanics and inspectors. The inspectors must be held accountable and show consistency on all paperwork. For instance; when an inspector accomplishes an inspection and the job card has 'accomplished by' and 'checked by' blocks for both individuals to stamp; who is solely responsible for the sign off card associated with the job card? This will better assist records and QA audits in my opinion.




Synopsis: Maintenance technician reported an inspector refused to sign-off the final document associated with the work per the procedures manual.