Safety, Environmental Compliance, and Documentation
Domain focus
This domain tests jobsite safety during concrete removal and repair, environmental controls, and the documentation that proves the work complied with the specification.
Core rules
- Crystalline silica is a major hazard in grinding, sawing, blasting, and demolition. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1 requires engineering controls such as wet methods or HEPA dust collection, plus respiratory protection and housekeeping.
- PPE includes eye, hearing, hand, and respiratory protection. Hand-arm vibration and noise exposure must be controlled during chipping and scarification.
- Lead-based paint and hexavalent chromium may be present on older bridges and industrial structures. Test before disturbance and follow OSHA lead and chromium requirements.
- Confined spaces require entry permits, atmospheric testing, ventilation, and rescue planning. Fall protection is required on elevated decks and bridge work.
- Environmental controls include containing slurry and blast debris, preventing stormwater discharge, managing pH, controlling dust and noise, and disposing of waste per regulations.
- Documentation includes daily reports, pre-job meetings, submittals, mockup approvals, batch tickets, test reports, photographs, as-built records, and warranty documents.
Worked example
A crew is hydrodemolishing a bridge deck over a river. Reasoning: contain slurry and blast water, prevent discharge to the storm drain, monitor pH, and dispose of solids properly. Use hearing and eye protection and control access below. Document pre-job conditions, containment, disposal manifests, and post-work inspection. If silica dust is generated by adjacent sawing, use wet cutting or HEPA vacuum and document the control method.
Traps
- Dry-cutting or dry-grinding without silica controls.
- Letting slurry enter storm drains.
- Missing pre-job photos and batch tickets.
- Assuming no lead or chromium without testing.