Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Conduits through Embankment DamsAvailable data may not be reviewed and evaluated prior to the inspection,depending on the inspector’s familiarity with the conduit. Inspections may bescheduled regularly or performed in conjunction with other routine tasks.• Special.—A special inspection is conducted when a unique opportunity exists forinspection. For example, if low water conditions exist in a reservoir exposing anormally inundated structure, a special inspection may be arranged.• Emergency.—An emergency inspection is performed when an immediate damsafety concern is present or in the event of an unusual or potentially adversecondition (i.e., immediately following an earthquake).The actual terms and meanings used to define the types of inspection may varybetween dam safety organizations and embankment dam owners.The operating personnel responsible for daily operation and maintenance of thefacility should also participate as inspection team members. Where applicable, wateruser organization representatives should also participate in the inspection.Additionally, the applicable State water resource agency may need to be advised fortheir possible participation in the inspection.To the extent possible, inspections should be scheduled in different seasons. Thiswill enable the structure or facility to be examined under differing reservoir levels,water delivery, and site conditions.Before beginning inspection of a facility, the inspection team should discuss theorder in which features are to be examined, to accommodate operations, as well as toensure that time for the inspection team is appropriately allotted. In addition, theteam should conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA) prior to the inspection, wherebyprocedures and equipment necessary to minimize or avoid potential safety and healthhazards are discussed. Of primary importance is the need for detailed clearance(particularly if there are confined spaces), and lockout or “tag-out” procedures whenaccessing areas affected by equipment or gate/valve operations. For guidance onpreparing a JHA, see section 9.4.9.2 Factors influencing scheduling of inspectionsScheduling of periodic conduit inspections may be influenced by (Reclamation, 1988,p. III-7):196• Sufficient notice .—Embankment dam owners and operators may need sufficienttime to make necessary arrangements, such as preinspections associated withlockout/tagout and confined space entry, or special equipment or approval for