Profession bridge inspector
Bridge inspectors inspect bridge structures for joint break, cracks, rust and other faults. They also carry out or organise the maintenance of the structures.
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Personality Type
- Realistic / Conventional
- Enterprising / Realistic
- Realistic / Investigative
Knowledge
- Mechanics
Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
- Mechanical systems
Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.
- Construction product regulation
Regulations on construction products quality standards applied throughout the European Union.
Skills
- Inspect supplied concrete
Check the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.
- Estimate repair priority
Estimate the urgency of a certain repair or replacement, based on the severity of the defect, the importance of the damaged or worn element, any other planned repairs and the expected lifespan of the bridge.
- Use safety equipment in construction
Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
- Follow health and safety procedures in construction
Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
- Work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
- Identify defects in concrete
Use infrared techniques to discover defects in concrete.
- Identify external risks to bridge integrity
Inspect the area of the bridge to identify any possible external risk to its integrity. Make sure body of waters present no dangerous debris. Identify loose rocks or avalanche risks. Estimate whether usage strain on a bridge is within the limits.
- Test concrete
Test concrete hardness so that it is according to specifications and ready to be removed from moulds.
- Recognise signs of corrosion
Recognise the symptoms of metal showing oxidation reactions with the environment resulting in rusting, copper pitting, stress cracking, and others, and estimate the rate of corrosion.
- Check compatibility of materials
Make sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.