How to Prepare for an Inspection

Preparing for an inspection is a step by step dance. The foundation is the inspection checklist or outline. You can’t prepare until you know that even under the best of circumstances. Typically websites for that agency can offer an outline to follow. If not, ask your peers who have undergone a similar inspection. Once the outline is known, break the list into manageable pieces – assigning internal stakeholders for each section. By dividing the work, you are able to conquer the tasks at hand. Ensure that you understand the regulatory expectation for each criteria point, realistically evaluate your compliance for each and finally pull an example, a policy section or some evidence of compliance for each criteria. This will keep the inspector to task uninterrupted going thru the inspection worksheet.

If you know that you have a softer area, that’s ok! Create a written plan to address which is reviewed by management and simply begin the work to correct. Most inspectors that see a documented plan will not cite as a deficiency – only a recommendation to complete. Finally, meet with your internal stakeholders as an open group. Learn of each other’s soft areas and offer support. This will facilitate communication and collaboration. An inspection serves two purposes – to ensure that we’re meeting the requirements and secondly, to learn.

To learn more about where to start, please call 239-288-5949 or email us at info@compliable.com