My comments stand on their own. I’m not judging anyone and not putting anyone down. My advice is simply for folks like TDH to excercize their own questioning attitude. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Consider the possible motivations and ulterior motives, especially when something sounds like a sales pitch. In the end everyone draws their own conclusions. I don’t think anyone can seriously argue with these principles.

Lets keep things simple.
If it looks like smells like and feels like a seriuos fault then it probably is. Don't get all confused about who found it and why, Blame games and ego buffing can be done later. Your original question must be sent back to the plant owner(managers). You are employed to find the faults. Your not GOD and you shouldn't be expected to give a time or day unless you have a physcic ability.
You will know if you have the expierience and training what good, bad and bloody ugly looks like. Take the evidence and hand it to the owner and ask them do they want this type of damage within the system.Present them with a bearing that has early stage deterioration and one that is heavily spalled. Explain that they can go from one extreme to the other very quickly depending on circumstances of load, speed etc. At the end of the day you keep finding the faults and let them Manage the timing.
As Jonesy has said it is better to be safe than sorry.
Please note: management get paid to make the final decision as they often get bonuses etc. they don't give you your cut for making the decision for them, but they will cut you if you get it wrong.

I have been on both sides of this situation. At the end of the day Management rules and we follow on.Keep a couple of bearings on display for those days when people ask you how long. Then you can say with a smile do you want one of these.

Hope this helps

Hooch

This also works with oil samples, great visual kick up the backside.