An Introduction to Bridge Construction Inspection Safety Training

A new Web–based course offered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highlights safety standards for bridge construction inspectors.

Bridge Construction Inspection: Inspector Safety (Course No. FHWA–NHI–134111) discusses an inspector’s safety responsibilities, as well as personal protective equipment to use for inspections and potential hazards that an inspector may encounter. Bridge construction site, trenching and excavation, and painting hazards are all examined. Also discussed are hazards relating to confined spaces and construction over waterways. Safety standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and American National Standards Institute are referenced in the training.

The 1–hour free training is designed for anyone performing bridge construction inspections for either transportation agencies or consultants. While the course focuses on the entry–level inspector, it can also be a useful refresher for construction inspectors at any skill level.

Developed by the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC), the course is available through FHWA’s National Highway Institute (NHI). Launched in 2000, the TCCC is a partnership that includes representatives from FHWA, NHI, regional State training and certification groups, several American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials subcommittees, and industry associations. More than 100 Web training courses developed by the TCCC are available from NHI.

For more information on all TCCC training courses or to register for a course, visit www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov. To keep up to date on new courses as they are added, visit www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/new_updated_courses.aspx. Newly available courses in 2012 include Superpave for Construction (Course No. FHWA–NHI–131134), Aggregate Sampling Basics (Course No. FHWA–NHI–131135), and Materials Testing: Reducing Aggregate Samples (Course No. FHWA–NHI–131136). Information on TCCC courses is also available by contacting Jason Harrington at FHWA, 202–366–1576 (email: jason.harrington@dot.gov).

FHWA’s new Bridge Construction Inspection course discusses an inspector’s safety responsibilities and potential hazards that an inspector may encounter. (Photo © www.iStockphoto.com/Aimin Tang).

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