Your Dam Your Responsibility (PDF~1.2MB)

Appendix A
Inspection Procedures
Getting the most out of an inspection requires some preparatory work:
• the previous diary entries should be reviewed first to note any areas which will require
special attention; and
• if the purpose of the inspection is to re-evaluate suspected defective conditions
discovered during the last inspection, any available construction drawings should first
be examined for a possible explanation of the situation (but do not speculate, obtain
professional advice if the is any doubt or ambiguity in the situation).
To obtain the best results and allow for consistent recording of findings, it is best to
follow a specific sequence when making the inspection, such as:
• upstream slope;
• crest (Top of Bank);
• downstream slope;
• any seepage areas;
• outlet; and
• spillway.
This will lessen the chance of an important condition being overlooked. It is best to report
inspection results in the same sequence to obtain consistent records.
(d) General Techniques
The inspection is conducted by walking along and over the dam as many times as
necessary to see every square metre. From any given spot a person can usually obtain a
detailed view for a distance of three to ten metres in each direction, depending on the
smoothness of the surface or the type of material on the surface, ie. grass, concrete,
rock, brush (Figure A-1).
Figure A-1 – Sight Distance
Where visibility is
limited more attention
is needed
Successive Passes
To cover extensive surfaces property, several walks are required (Figure A-2).
Figure A-2 – Successive Passes
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