Special Inspector

Question 1

What is a special inspector?

Answer 1

An individual with specialized knowledge and skills who observes erection or construction of critical building components and systems identified in the statement of special inspections.

Question 2

How do special inspectors become approved?

Answer 2

They become approved in a jurisdiction by submitting to the building department written documentation of their knowledge and experience in the types of construction they wish to inspect.

Question 3

Special inspectors are expected to be experts in?

Answer 3

Reinforced concrete
Structural masonry
Structural steel bolting and welding
Spray-applied fireproofing
Soils

Question 4

Who does the special inspector contact to receive approval to work?

Answer 4

Building official

Question 5

Prior to visiting the job site:

Answer 5

•Review the statement of special inspections; clarify any questions
•Review approved plans and specifications
•Discuss frequency of progress reports with building official
•Attend any preconstruction meetings

Question 6

At the job site:

Answer 6

•Notify contractor personnel of presence and responsibilities
•Observe assigned work
•Perform/ observe required testing
•Report on non conforming items immediately
•Provide timely progress report

Question 7

Statement of Special Inspection

Answer 7

A form that spells out the tasks to be completed on the project

Question 8

Define Quality Control:

Answer 8

Refers to procedures completed during manufacture of a product to ensure a specified level of quality and measures taken by supplier to control the quality of the product. 

Question 9

Define Quality Assurance:

Answer 9

It refers to verification by a third-party agency of a products compliance with the manufactures procedures, and the requirements of all applicable codes and industry standards. 

Question 10

For inspections, you will record :

Answer 10

• each location of inspection
• type of inspection
• frequency of inspection
• note, any non-conforming items on the discrepancies report and give it to the contractor

Question 11

What is the statement of special inspections? Who prepares it?

Answer 11

The statement of special inspections lists the job requirements. The RDP writes it.

Question 12

What is the statement of responsibility?

Answer 12

A required form to sign for the contractor when SFRS and components are to be installed. The contractor acknowledges the special requirements in the statement of special inspections.

Question 13

Who can hire the special inspector?

Answer 13

The owner or RDP in charge acting as the owner’s agent

Question 14

At the end of the project:

Answer 14

Submit a final report

Question 15

What do you report for each nonconforming item:

Answer 15

• Description and exact location
• Reference to the applicable detail of the approved plans and specifications
• Name and title of each person notified and method of notification
• Any resolution or corrective action taken

Question 16

Who’s attention shall nonconforming items be brought to first? If not fixed?

Answer 16

Contractor.
RDP in responsible charge and building official.
Item to be noted in written report.

Question 17

Who do the progress reports go to?

Answer 17

To the building official and RDP in responsible charge.

Question 18

Who establishes the special inspection program?

Answer 18

Building Department

Question 19

Who produces the statement of responsibility?

Answer 19

Contractor

Question 20

Risk Categories

Answer 20

RC I- Low risk to life. Agricultural
RC II- Most commercial and residential
RC III- Hospitals, jails, water treatment facilities
RC IV- Hospitals with ERs and surgery, fire, rescue and police stations. Air traffic control, and national defense

Question 21

Alternative materials can be approved if it is equivalent to the material in:

Answer 21

1. Quality
2. Strength
3. Effectiveness
4. Fire resistance
5. Durability
6. Safety

Question 22

Evaluation Reports

Answer 22

Presents the findings of a technical evaluation of a building product, component, method or material, certifying the product’s compliance with code requirements.

Question 23

In approving a special inspection agency, a building official looks for:

Answer 23

1- Independence
2- Equipment
3- Personnel

Question 24

Building department seeks these areas for a special inspection program:

Answer 24

• Staffing
• Qualifications
• Responsibility of major players
• Ensuring competence
• Setting approval criteria for agencies and inspectors