The Inspection – Part 3
You may request the inspector to sign a log, passbook, or other form prior to entering a facility. Inspectors may sign logs or passbooks as facilities keep record of visitors to the facility and they are useful in the event of a fire or other emergency. Inspectors will not sign waivers or other legal documents that limit the facility’s liability in the event of an accident.
Once the inspector gains access to the facility, he may or may not conduct an opening conference. The decision is left to the investigator’s discretion. Depending upon the objective of the inspection, the inspector may want to see particular operations or locations in the facility prior to the opening discussion. For example, in an unannounced inspection of a facility with a suspected violation, the inspector may want to go directly to the site of the suspected violation in order to observe the violation before the owner/operator can stop, conceal, or otherwise obscure the non-complying operation or condition. The purpose of the opening conference is to firmly establish that the inspector is in control. From the opening discussion on throughout the inspection, the inspector should consider him or herself to be an investigative reporter trying to find information that shows that the facility is not complying with the regulators. Inspectors should question, question, and question some more. If inspectors are diligent in questioning facility personnel and in observing operations, they will be able to discern almost any inconsistencies in what they see, hear, and have previously reviewed, that may indicate a violation. The investigator will conduct an opening conference to set the tone for the inspection, to provide information regarding the inspection, to establish schedules for interviews and to gather general information.
More later.
As always, feel free to call me or e-mail me with any questions at walter.james@jamespllc.com.
WDJiii