Overview
Review Contract Documents:
Prior to beginning this phase of work, the Inspector must become familiar with the plans and specifications. If at all possible, ask your supervisor to review plans prior to bid and write down questions you have in regard to the design. When you have an opportunity, ask the engineer, as this will give you a better understanding as to the scope of the work. The plans must be reviewed so the inspector is familiar with the location and type of work required. Quantities should be verified to ensure there is consistency between the plans and bid tabs. The Measurement & Payment Section of Division 1, General Requirements, shall be reviewed to determine how the item is to be paid and what work is included in the pay item. The Specifications, Codes and Standards Section of Division 1, General Requirements, shall be reviewed to determine what specifications govern the work. The Technical Specifications, Project Special Provisions and Addendums shall be reviewed to ensure the most current contract requirements are being followed.
Contract Documents
Contact Material Testing Lab:
The project Inspector shall notify the on call Material Testing Lab that work shall be commencing. Coordinating specific tests required for Quality Assurance is the responsibility of the project Inspector. Primarily compaction testing of backfill and possibly gradation of aggregate bedding, are the main need for a lab.
Submittals
Review Submittals and Certifications:
Submittals or certifications are required on all materials and supplies. Also check the pipe lubricants to insure it is approved for watermains. A NSF or AWWA approval will be on the container. Never use a non food grade product.
Field Observations
Under no circumstances is a construction inspector allowed in to enter a manhole, valvevault, clearwell, wetwell (confined space) or an excavation, without prior training, equipment and instruction from your supervisor.
Observe:
Observe the contractors construction methods – The following is a general idea of things to check in the field during construction.
• Check to see if all pipe labeled and in good shape and properly labeled and sized.
• Determine that all appurtenances comply with shop drawings and submittals.
• If traffic control is needed check its proper installation and its removal at the end of the working day. Consult MUTCD Chapter 8.
• Be familiar with the street closure procedure if approved by the Traffic Engineer.
• Storage of materials should be in an area not prone to flooding.
• Stockpiles of bedding rock shall not block drainage and cause flooding.
• Check against plans for proper depth of pipe. Remember the original may not be the same as final grade.
• Check on erosion control and insure the contractor is updating the SWPPP.
• Stainless steel bolts can be checked by no attachment by magnet. All bolts shall be checked for tightness.
• Check interior of watermains for exhaust contamination done in transit. Reject if it is.
• All installation shall comply with the City of Lee’s Summit Design and Construction Manual.
• Check Hydrants to insure proper burial depth, color, and brand. Use left turn open only. Use diffuser when flushing hydrant in areas that are susceptible to damage by high volume flows.
• When filling the main with water, careful attention should be made to rate. Too slow can trap air in higher elevations and too fast could blow off fittings or cause drop in pressure or break and existing line. DO NOT shut down and hydrant or valve quickly.
• When line is being disinfected, exercise all valves to insure chlorination of all of the gates in valves.
• Check if water meters are per plan. Flush copper prior to reconnects, check corporation stop to see if open prior to backfill. The top of the corp stop should either be on top or the side for easy access with a wrench. Check for visible leaks on all fittings before backfilling. If flowfill is being used, wrap everything with plastic first. Never backtap or tap on top of main. There should be no pipe touching sides of meter well as it will increase the chance of freezing. Contact the customer prior to disruption of water service.
• If the contractor is tapping the main, insure the “coupon” has been retrieved. Do not use a common drill bit or a hot poker on PVC.
• On PVC insure the tracer wire is installed correctly and avoid underground splices. If splices are needed, use waterproof splices that have previously been approved. Extra as built information is requested on non metallic watermain or HDPE force main.
• Pump Stations and Lift Stations shall be tested prior to being placed in service and operational per the O&M manual.
• All test results shall be documented.
• If you cannot stay during the 2 hour pressure test, feel the exhaust for heat, or ask the pump to be removed. On short lines, a pull start pump could be repressurized by simply giving only a few pulls.
• Understand and conduct the water shutdown process per the City’s Procedures.
• Safety is the contractors responsibility, not the inspectors, however the inspector should report concerns to his supervisor.
• Have full knowledge of water sampling.
• Check with valve wrench that all new valves are accessible. Also make sure isolation valves are open to hydrants.
• Paint blue triangle with distance in feet on curb to valves. Paint green triangles with distance on curb to manhole covers.
Watermain Shutdown:
Review the scheduled procedure for a watermain shutdown for construction at the beginning of a project that requires the connection to or replacement of an existing watermain.
Documentation
Document Work:
Provide number and class of workers on site, work accomplished, weather, equipment and out of ordinary events that has occurred with stakeholders in the field book. Pay items should also be updated daily as work progresses. Place any changes on your set of plans as as-builts will be needed. Record all wye locations by measuring from the downstream manhole and show left or right. Take photos of changes of conditions, issues or typical installation of work. Make note where off site dumping is occurring if inside city limits. Inform the erosion control inspector of any possible violations to the land disturbance permit.
Payment Applications:
Consult with the contractor monthly for quantities to be paid for to determining amount of payment. Give the numbers to the project manager or review the document as submitted by the contractor for payment. See contract documents for further details on retainage, onsite material storage, etc.
Educate Yourself:
Read the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for both water and wastewater. Check into various methods of testing and why are results not positive.
Other sources of information include AWWA, DIPRA, and NSF. Safety is also very important when being exposed to high levels of chlorine during disinfection, pressure testing,air testing sewer mains and Public Works does not allow employees to enter confined spaces which includes manholes, valve vaults, underground pump stations, etc.