What skills does a bridge inspector need?

A bridge inspector needs 14 essential skills including construction product regulation, mechanical systems, mechanics, keep records of bridge investigation findings, work ergonomically. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace bridge inspector jobs?

The AI disruption score for bridge inspector is 25/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Engineering ServicesScience and engineering associate professionalsISCO 3112

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.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (14)

construction product regulationconstruction product regulationRegulations on construction products quality standards applied throughout the European Union.mechanical systemsmechanical systemsMechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.keep records of bridge investigation findingskeep records of bridge investigation findingsRegister the results of bridge investigations and send them to the appropriate authorities.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.estimate repair priorityestimate repair priorityEstimate 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 ...check compatibility of materialscheck compatibility of materialsMake sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.advise on bridge replacementadvise on bridge replacementEstimate the need for a bridge to be replaced and report to the responsible owner or institution.inspect supplied concreteinspect supplied concreteCheck the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.follow health and safety procedures in constructionfollow health and safety procedures in constructionApply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.identify defects in concreteidentify defects in concreteUse infrared techniques to discover defects in concrete.recognise signs of corrosionrecognise signs of corrosionRecognise 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.use safety equipment in constructionuse safety equipment in constructionUse 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 do...test concretetest concreteTest concrete hardness so that it is according to specifications and ready to be removed from moulds.

Optional (14)

wood cutswood cutsDifferent ways of cutting wood, across the grain or parallel with it, and radial or tangential to the core. The behaviour of cuts of wood under different circumstances and the optimal cut for a given ...types of woodtypes of woodTypes of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.advise on bridge inspectionadvise on bridge inspectionProvide advice on the necessity of inspection or repairs on a bridge and its implications. Educate the land owner about basic bridge health checks and bridge inspection services.operate welding equipmentoperate welding equipmentUse welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.perform underwater bridge inspectionperform underwater bridge inspectionWade through a body of water to inspect the piles of a bridge. Put on the appropriate equipment, such as weights, and make sure to have an associate present for safety reasons.inspect construction sitesinspect construction sitesEnsure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.place temporary road signageplace temporary road signagePlace temporary traffic signs, lights and barriers to alert road users of activities on the road.identify wood warpidentify wood warpIdentify wood that has changed shape due to stresses, wear or incorrect installation. Recognise the different types of warp, like bow, twist, crook and cup. Identify possible causes and solutions to w...operate rust proofing spray gunoperate rust proofing spray gunOperate a semi-automatic or handheld spray gun designed to provide the surface of a workpiece with a permanent, corrosion-protective finishing coat, safely and according to regulations.apply a protective layerapply a protective layerApply a layer of protective solutions such as permethrine to protect the product from damage such as corrosion, fire or parasites, using a spray gun or paintbrush.remove rust from motor vehiclesremove rust from motor vehiclesWash the surface of the chrome to remove the dirt by using sponge. Scrape the rust off from the more difficult areas using an abrasive material such as steel wool. Apply chrome polish to buff out mino...recognise signs of wood rotrecognise signs of wood rotCheck whether a wood element shows signs of rot. Aurally inspect the wood by testing what sound it makes on impact. Check for visual signs of rot.set up temporary construction site infrastructureset up temporary construction site infrastructureSet up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water sup...inspect road signsinspect road signsInspect road signs for signs of corrosion, outdated information, nicks and dents, legilibility and reflectance. Decide on the course of action when problems are found.