These are just two little words that cause so much debate… “at least.” Although this is a prevalent phrase found in many Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP), I have found it to be one of serious debate, and it should NOT be. First, lets see how dictionaries officially define the phrase:
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at least 1. not less than; at the minimum. “clean the windows at least once a week” Similar: at the minimum, no less than, not less than 2. if nothing else (used to add a positive comment about a generally negative situation). |
So when a RAGAGEP uses the phrase, they establish a time frame that COULD BE less, but will NOT be more. For example, the frequency of many of our Mechanical Integrity inspections will often state, ” do ________ at least every _____ weeks/months/years”. These frequencies can arise from the manufacturer’s requirements or an adopted RAGAGEP.