NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BRIDGES FINAL
EXAM 2026 | Course 130055 | NBIS Compliant | Complete
Solutions | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Bridge Inspection Fundamentals & Safety Protocols (Q1-22)
Q1. Under 23 CFR 650 (NBIS), what is the maximum routine inspection interval for most
highway bridges?
A. 12 months
B. 24 months
C. 36 months
D. 48 months
Correct Answer: B. 24 months [CORRECT]
Rationale: NBIS requires routine inspections at intervals not exceeding 24 months
unless approved for extended intervals. 12 months is not the standard maximum, and
36/48 months exceed routine requirements.
Q2. A bridge with a main span of 120 feet contains a steel tension member whose
failure would cause collapse. What specific inspection type is required for this member?
A. Routine inspection only
B. Fracture-critical inspection
C. Damage inspection
D. In-depth inspection
Correct Answer: B. Fracture-critical inspection [CORRECT]
Rationale: Non-redundant steel tension members requiring fracture-critical inspection
are identified in the bridge file. Routine inspection is insufficient, damage inspection
follows events, and in-depth is for detailed evaluation.
Q3. During a bridge inspection over an active highway, which document governs the
minimum traffic control requirements for work zone safety?
A. OSHA 1926
B. MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
,C. AASHTO LRFD
D. NBIS 23 CFR 650
Correct Answer: B. MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) [CORRECT]
Rationale: MUTCD establishes traffic control standards for work zones including bridge
inspections. OSHA covers worker safety, AASHTO LRFD is design, and NBIS does not
specify traffic control details.
Q4. An inspector is preparing to examine the underside of a bridge deck using a bucket
truck. What personal protective equipment is mandatory according to standard safety
protocols?
A. Hard hat, safety harness with lanyard, and high-visibility vest
B. Respirator and chemical gloves only
C. Steel-toe boots and hearing protection only
D. Safety glasses and sun visor
Correct Answer: A. Hard hat, safety harness with lanyard, and high-visibility vest
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Fall protection (harness/lanyard), head protection, and visibility are
mandatory for over-traffic/elevated work. Respirators are for confined spaces, and
boots alone are insufficient.
Q5. A bridge inspection team discovers a crack in a main load-carrying member that
poses an imminent safety hazard. How soon must the bridge owner be notified of this
critical finding?
A. Within 5 business days
B. Within 24 hours
C. Within 30 days
D. At the next scheduled inspection
Correct Answer: B. Within 24 hours [CORRECT]
Rationale: Critical findings requiring immediate action must be reported to the bridge
owner within 24 hours. Delayed notification violates NBIS safety protocols.
Q6. Which inspection type involves a detailed, hands-on examination of one or more
bridge components to determine the need for repair or maintenance?
,A. Routine inspection
B. Damage inspection
C. In-depth inspection
D. Special inspection
Correct Answer: C. In-depth inspection [CORRECT]
Rationale: In-depth inspections provide detailed evaluation of specific components.
Routine is general, damage follows incidents, and special may use NDE but is not
necessarily hands-on detailed.
Q7. An inspector must enter a box girder bridge interior that has limited access, poor
ventilation, and potential atmospheric hazards. What OSHA standard requirement must
be satisfied before entry?
A. Confined space entry permit and atmospheric testing
B. Traffic control plan only
C. Fall protection plan only
D. Bridge closure notification
Correct Answer: A. Confined space entry permit and atmospheric testing [CORRECT]
Rationale: Box girder interiors qualify as confined spaces requiring permits and
atmospheric monitoring. Traffic control and fall protection are separate requirements.
Q8. A bridge located in a remote area has no prior inspection records and was recently
transferred to state ownership. What type of inspection must be performed first to
establish baseline condition?
A. Routine inspection
B. Initial inspection
C. Damage inspection
D. Special inspection
Correct Answer: B. Initial inspection [CORRECT]
Rationale: Initial inspections establish baseline condition and inventory data for newly
responsible bridges. Routine follows the initial inspection cycle.
Q9. Under NBIS, what is the minimum qualification requirement for a bridge inspection
team leader?
, A. High school diploma only
B. FHWA/NHI bridge inspection training completion and relevant experience
C. Professional Engineer license only
D. OSHA 30-hour certification only
Correct Answer: B. FHWA/NHI bridge inspection training completion and relevant
experience [CORRECT]
Rationale: Team leaders must complete FHWA/NHI training and possess experience. A
PE license alone or OSHA certification does not satisfy NBIS inspection team leader
requirements.
Q10. During an inspection, an inspector notes flaking paint on steel members that may
contain lead. What is the required initial action?
A. Abrasive blast cleaning immediately
B. Hazardous materials awareness and appropriate PPE/controls
C. Ignore if the paint is intact elsewhere
D. Apply new paint without testing
Correct Answer: B. Hazardous materials awareness and appropriate PPE/controls
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Lead-based paint requires hazard recognition and controls per OSHA.
Abrasive blasting without controls is prohibited, and ignoring hazards violates safety
protocols.
Q11. A bridge over a navigable waterway requires examination of submerged
substructure elements. What is the maximum interval for underwater inspections?
A. 12 months
B. 24 months
C. 48 months
D. 60 months
Correct Answer: D. 60 months [CORRECT]
Rationale: NBIS requires underwater inspections at intervals not exceeding 60 months
(5 years). More frequent intervals may be assigned for scour-critical bridges.
EXAM 2026 | Course 130055 | NBIS Compliant | Complete
Solutions | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Bridge Inspection Fundamentals & Safety Protocols (Q1-22)
Q1. Under 23 CFR 650 (NBIS), what is the maximum routine inspection interval for most
highway bridges?
A. 12 months
B. 24 months
C. 36 months
D. 48 months
Correct Answer: B. 24 months [CORRECT]
Rationale: NBIS requires routine inspections at intervals not exceeding 24 months
unless approved for extended intervals. 12 months is not the standard maximum, and
36/48 months exceed routine requirements.
Q2. A bridge with a main span of 120 feet contains a steel tension member whose
failure would cause collapse. What specific inspection type is required for this member?
A. Routine inspection only
B. Fracture-critical inspection
C. Damage inspection
D. In-depth inspection
Correct Answer: B. Fracture-critical inspection [CORRECT]
Rationale: Non-redundant steel tension members requiring fracture-critical inspection
are identified in the bridge file. Routine inspection is insufficient, damage inspection
follows events, and in-depth is for detailed evaluation.
Q3. During a bridge inspection over an active highway, which document governs the
minimum traffic control requirements for work zone safety?
A. OSHA 1926
B. MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
,C. AASHTO LRFD
D. NBIS 23 CFR 650
Correct Answer: B. MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) [CORRECT]
Rationale: MUTCD establishes traffic control standards for work zones including bridge
inspections. OSHA covers worker safety, AASHTO LRFD is design, and NBIS does not
specify traffic control details.
Q4. An inspector is preparing to examine the underside of a bridge deck using a bucket
truck. What personal protective equipment is mandatory according to standard safety
protocols?
A. Hard hat, safety harness with lanyard, and high-visibility vest
B. Respirator and chemical gloves only
C. Steel-toe boots and hearing protection only
D. Safety glasses and sun visor
Correct Answer: A. Hard hat, safety harness with lanyard, and high-visibility vest
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Fall protection (harness/lanyard), head protection, and visibility are
mandatory for over-traffic/elevated work. Respirators are for confined spaces, and
boots alone are insufficient.
Q5. A bridge inspection team discovers a crack in a main load-carrying member that
poses an imminent safety hazard. How soon must the bridge owner be notified of this
critical finding?
A. Within 5 business days
B. Within 24 hours
C. Within 30 days
D. At the next scheduled inspection
Correct Answer: B. Within 24 hours [CORRECT]
Rationale: Critical findings requiring immediate action must be reported to the bridge
owner within 24 hours. Delayed notification violates NBIS safety protocols.
Q6. Which inspection type involves a detailed, hands-on examination of one or more
bridge components to determine the need for repair or maintenance?
,A. Routine inspection
B. Damage inspection
C. In-depth inspection
D. Special inspection
Correct Answer: C. In-depth inspection [CORRECT]
Rationale: In-depth inspections provide detailed evaluation of specific components.
Routine is general, damage follows incidents, and special may use NDE but is not
necessarily hands-on detailed.
Q7. An inspector must enter a box girder bridge interior that has limited access, poor
ventilation, and potential atmospheric hazards. What OSHA standard requirement must
be satisfied before entry?
A. Confined space entry permit and atmospheric testing
B. Traffic control plan only
C. Fall protection plan only
D. Bridge closure notification
Correct Answer: A. Confined space entry permit and atmospheric testing [CORRECT]
Rationale: Box girder interiors qualify as confined spaces requiring permits and
atmospheric monitoring. Traffic control and fall protection are separate requirements.
Q8. A bridge located in a remote area has no prior inspection records and was recently
transferred to state ownership. What type of inspection must be performed first to
establish baseline condition?
A. Routine inspection
B. Initial inspection
C. Damage inspection
D. Special inspection
Correct Answer: B. Initial inspection [CORRECT]
Rationale: Initial inspections establish baseline condition and inventory data for newly
responsible bridges. Routine follows the initial inspection cycle.
Q9. Under NBIS, what is the minimum qualification requirement for a bridge inspection
team leader?
, A. High school diploma only
B. FHWA/NHI bridge inspection training completion and relevant experience
C. Professional Engineer license only
D. OSHA 30-hour certification only
Correct Answer: B. FHWA/NHI bridge inspection training completion and relevant
experience [CORRECT]
Rationale: Team leaders must complete FHWA/NHI training and possess experience. A
PE license alone or OSHA certification does not satisfy NBIS inspection team leader
requirements.
Q10. During an inspection, an inspector notes flaking paint on steel members that may
contain lead. What is the required initial action?
A. Abrasive blast cleaning immediately
B. Hazardous materials awareness and appropriate PPE/controls
C. Ignore if the paint is intact elsewhere
D. Apply new paint without testing
Correct Answer: B. Hazardous materials awareness and appropriate PPE/controls
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Lead-based paint requires hazard recognition and controls per OSHA.
Abrasive blasting without controls is prohibited, and ignoring hazards violates safety
protocols.
Q11. A bridge over a navigable waterway requires examination of submerged
substructure elements. What is the maximum interval for underwater inspections?
A. 12 months
B. 24 months
C. 48 months
D. 60 months
Correct Answer: D. 60 months [CORRECT]
Rationale: NBIS requires underwater inspections at intervals not exceeding 60 months
(5 years). More frequent intervals may be assigned for scour-critical bridges.
