What To Do When The Government Comes Calling: A Checklist For Handling Facility Inspections

It's a sunny Friday afternoon and you're at your desk looking forward to your weekend plans when you get a call from security: Government inspectors are at the front gate and want to perform an inspection of the facility — right now. What do you do?

Thankfully, as a result of careful planning, your weekend is not ruined. You reach into your desk drawer, pull out your inspection kit and the checklist below — which you are quite familiar with, having already completed the pre-inspection planning — and stroll confidently out to greet your visitors. Here's a PDF copy of the checklist, if you'd like to have it on hand.

Pre-Inspection Planning

Designate an employee team that will guide the inspectors. All members of the employee team should know the location of permits and documents required to be immediately available at the facility. All logs should be updated and accessible. Establish an inspection kit, including: Note pads, pens, tape measures; Emergency contact list; Sampling instruments and tools specific to the facility (test strips, air sampling equipment, decibel meters, etc.); and Copy of this checklist. Inspection

Notify the designated corporate contact person when inspectors arrive. Always be courteous and calm. Always answer questions truthfully. Do not make statements that are beyond your knowledge: "I don't know, but will find out and follow up with you after the inspection" is an appropriate response if you are uncertain. Ask for credentials and copy inspector information. If a subpoena is presented, copy it. If possible, arrange for an opening conference with inspectors: Discuss the reason for and the scope of inspection; Discuss records to be reviewed or needed; Plan the inspection route and check/distribute personal protective equipment; and Take notes. Guide inspectors through the facility. Two employees should accompany the inspectors at all times. If...