What is a special inspector?
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.
How do special inspectors become approved?
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.
Special inspectors are expected to be experts in?
Reinforced concrete
Structural masonry
Structural steel bolting and welding
Spray-applied fireproofing
Soils
Who does the special inspector contact to receive approval to work?
Building official
Prior to visiting the job site:
•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
At the job site:
•Notify contractor personnel of presence and responsibilities
•Observe assigned work
•Perform/ observe required testing
•Report on non conforming items immediately
•Provide timely progress report
Statement of Special Inspection
A form that spells out the tasks to be completed on the project
Define Quality Control:
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. 
Define Quality Assurance:
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. 
For inspections, you will record :
• 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
What is the statement of special inspections? Who prepares it?
The statement of special inspections lists the job requirements. The RDP writes it.
What is the statement of responsibility?
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.
Who can hire the special inspector?
The owner or RDP in charge acting as the owner’s agent
At the end of the project:
Submit a final report
What do you report for each nonconforming item:
• 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
Who’s attention shall nonconforming items be brought to first? If not fixed?
Contractor.
RDP in responsible charge and building official.
Item to be noted in written report.
Who do the progress reports go to?
To the building official and RDP in responsible charge.
Who establishes the special inspection program?
Building Department
Who produces the statement of responsibility?
Contractor
Risk Categories
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
Alternative materials can be approved if it is equivalent to the material in:
- Quality
- Strength
- Effectiveness
- Fire resistance
- Durability
- Safety
Evaluation Reports
Presents the findings of a technical evaluation of a building product, component, method or material, certifying the product’s compliance with code requirements.
In approving a special inspection agency, a building official looks for:
1- Independence
2- Equipment
3- Personnel
Building department seeks these areas for a special inspection program:
• Staffing
• Qualifications
• Responsibility of major players
• Ensuring competence
• Setting approval criteria for agencies and inspectors
