Bridge Inspectors
Bridge inspectors look at the structure from every angle: from the deck, from below, from boats and from inside girders. They work next to traffic, high above ground or water, and in tight spaces that may contain bad air.
- Inspectors
- Engineers
- Bridge Crews
Hazards
- Traffic: working on shoulders and lanes. See Traffic Control Crews.
- Falls: from the deck edge, catwalks, scaffolds, snooper booms and ladders. See Personal Fall Arrest Systems.
- Water: drowning when working over rivers and in boats. See Working Over Water.
- Confined spaces: box girders, cells and abutments may have low oxygen, gases, heat and wasp nests. See Confined Spaces.
- Lead paint, rust and bird droppings: dust and mold. See Lead and Biological Hazards.
- Weather and heat.
- Structural defects: loose concrete, failing members and weak decking.
Safe inspection methods
- Plan the inspection: access methods, traffic control, rescue plan, hazard review and permits.
- Use an under-bridge inspection unit (snooper truck) or lift with trained operators, outriggers and fall protection. See Aerial Lifts.
- Use rope access only with trained technicians. See Rope Access Work.
- Wear lifejackets over water and have a rescue boat or plan. See Water Rescue.
- Treat girders and cells as permit-required spaces: test the air, ventilate, use attendants and rescue gear.
- Wear high-visibility clothing, hard hat, eye protection, gloves and, where needed, respirators for dust. See High-Visibility Clothing.
- Do not work alone near edges, traffic or water.
- Be careful with hammer sounding and tools to avoid dropping things on traffic or people below.
Checklist
- Traffic control plan approved and in place
- Fall protection and lifejackets checked
- Confined space permits and air testing completed
- Emergency contacts, rescue plan and first aid on hand
- Weather and river conditions reviewed
Standards & references
Last updated: