Inspection
Stage 2: Plan and prepare

Establish the scope of the inspection by considering:

• the primary objective(s) and any other aims to be achieved
• the most appropriate sample of evidence needed to make a reliable judgement about level of compliance
• whether any resource constraints will affect the desired scope of the inspection

Plan the inspection by considering:

• any previous intervention, accident and enforcement data held on the duty holder
• other D/D contacts with duty holder
• elements of the appropriate rating system
• process risks, safety case/report/licence submissions
• duty holder specific information
• topic guidance from sectors, corporate topic groups, specialists, etc
• when to visit: date(s) and time(s)
• whether the visit should be by appointment or not
• whether to target particular procedures, work processes, equipment, buildings or records

• any relevant liaison arrangements, concordats or memoranda of understanding with other enforcement bodies

Finally:

• plan the agenda for the inspection, including who to interview and when
• identify and secure the people, equipment and other resources required
• ensure staff have the necessary competencies for the role(s) allotted to them
• where appropriate, agree local contact arrangements with employee/safety representatives
• refer and resolve any difficulties through line manager

If it is a team inspection:

• establish the focus and methodology to be used
• decide on the required discipline mix to achieve the objective(s) taking into account any resource constraints
• agree roles
• check for any gaps in the required competencies across the team
• discuss assessment of collected information
• consider availability, travel and accommodation issues, if appropriate
• ensure the team is aware of all potential hazards and precautions to be taken
• determine if any training in site access/emergency procedures is required

Where the relevant details are known in advance:

• record the planned inspection 

Make the following final preparations:

• inform the dutyholder, if appropriate, and also any employee representatives
• ensure any required security clearance/access passes will be available
• consider personal health and safety requirements of inspecting staff and make adequate provision as appropriate
• confirm the availability of any special equipment or PPE needed
• collect relevant documentation identified in step 2.2