If the contractor determines that an instruction is unsafe, what must he do?

• A. Provide written notice to the owner and architect and wait for further instructions.
• B. Immediately stop work permanently.
• C. Ignore and proceed as if safe.
• D. Seek the owner's approval to modify the instruction.

Answer: (A)

When the contractor believes an instruction is unsafe, the proper move is to promptly provide written notice to both the owner and the architect describing the danger and requesting further instructions. This formal communication preserves safety by stopping unilateral actions and creates a clear path for the architect or owner to issue a safe directive or modify the instruction. It also keeps the project aligned with the contract’s change and decision-making process.

Continuing work without addressing the safety issue is not appropriate, and waiting for the next step from the owner or architect is essential to maintain proper authorization and risk management. While seeking a modification can be part of the dialogue, the contract requires first informing the owner and architect in writing and awaiting further instructions rather than acting on the unsafe instruction.