105.10 Inspection of Work (Sec 105.10)

Refer to Sec 105.10 for information on scope of inspection, inspection of hidden defects and the authority of other inspecting agencies.

Competent inspection is one of the most important elements entering into any construction work.

All inspectors on construction projects have the duty and authority to enforce specifications. If differences in interpretation arise with the contractor, the matter shall be decided by the Resident Engineer or, if necessary, by the district office.

The inspector should be constantly alert to situations affecting the safety and convenience of the traveling public. Appropriate action should be taken immediately to correct any condition considered unsafe or unnecessarily inconvenient to the motorist or the general public.

Specified methods for any operation shall be rigidly enforced. Otherwise, the contractor generally determines methods. The inspector must always bear in mind that management of the work is the contractor's business. However, if methods are employed that the inspector believes will impair the quality of the finished job, the inspector shall advise the contractor accordingly and notify the Resident Engineer immediately. The inspector or the engineer shall in no way attempt to supervise work for the contractor.

The inspector is not authorized to revoke, alter, enlarge, relax, or release any requirements of plans or specifications nor to approve or accept any portion of the work or to issue any instruction contrary to plans or specifications. If conditions arise which seem to make it impractical to enforce specifications, the Resident Engineer should be contacted at once.

Keep a set of plans and a copy of the specifications available for reference.

Keep a diary in which matters of importance are entered daily.

Study plans and specifications of the job assigned to you. Be fully conversant with all details of the work to be done. If you do not fully understand anything on the plans, ask the Resident Engineer for clarification.

Never argue with the contractor or the contractor's representatives. Your authority comes from the right to enforce the contract, not from superior knowledge or vocabulary. Every effort consistent with obtaining quality work should be made to maintain a spirit of cooperation and communication with the contractor.

Detailed instructions for inspection of the various phases of the work are contained in individual sections of the manual covering the major phases of highway construction.

Final Inspection (Sec 105.10.7)

Refer to Sec 105.10.7, Sec 105.15.1 and EPG 105.15 Project Acceptance for information regarding the Final Inspection.