Handbook for Bridge Inspections - TSP2

3.5 Inspection Resources and
Safety Precautions
3.5.1 General Requirements of the Inspectors
In order to have reliable inspection data, it is very important thai
the data entered into the system is as correct as possibl e.
Inspection data is fundamentally based on judgements made by
the inspectors, and their quality depends very much on the skill s
and bridge experience they have gained. Therefore, it is important
that the inspeclors have specific quali fications such as accuracy
and reliabili ty, and arc properly trained in BMS.ln additi on, an
inspector has to be a careful worker, and he/she must be in good
health and responsibl e (docs nol take unnecessary risks).
Before the inspection starts, it is very important that the inspector
clarifies tbe obligati ons and responsibi lities of the staff in volved in
the in spection process. Each person in volved in the inspecti on
must know what hi s or hers duties are. It is the inspector's responsibility
to provide all personnel involved in the inspection with relevant
inspection tools and safety equipme nt.
Tra ining
However, it is the Bridge Engineer's responsibility to train and
equip the inspection personnel properl y within all aspects of
inspection procedures and safety routines and to provide adequate
tools and equi pment to the inspectors. Generally speaking, the
Bridge Engineer should be responsible for all aspects within the
fi elds of securing Health, Environment and Safety at the inspection
site.
3.5.2 Inspection Tools
In order to perform Ihe different types of inspections, different
lools and equipment have to be used. These include non-sophisticated
tools which wi ll be termed ordinal)' and spec ialised tools for
specific unique jobs which will be used depending on the type of
inspection and site conditions. There are nonnally no inspecti on
lools and equipmenl for an infonnal inspection but for the other
types of inspections, the lools and equipment li sled in chapter 3
should be made availabl e:
3.5.3 Safety Precautions
The safety of bridge inspectors and road users during the inspection
fall s within the responsibility of the Bridge Engineer. It is
important that he/she ensures that they frequent ly get appropriate
training in safety procedures and especially w hen new inspectors
have been employed.
Possibilities of injury arise mainl y from:
* Traffic on the deck or approaches.
* A fall from the superstructure to the river or road below.