Participating in Training Inspections

The on-site training inspection is an important piece of a trainee inspector’s education, and its success depends largely on how the mentor and the trainee take advantage of the opportunity. Prior to an on-site inspection, FACT will verify that the trainee meets prerequisite inspector requirements. An experienced inspector will be asked to be a mentor before being assigned a trainee.

The FACT Office reviews the mentor and trainee evaluations and inspection reports. A trainee must have a satisfactory evaluation from the mentor before becoming an active inspector. If additional feedback is required, the FACT Office will provide it to the trainee and inform the mentor. If the mentor or trainee feels that an additional training inspection is warranted, the FACT Office will contact the trainee to schedule an additional training inspection. Upon receipt of a satisfactory evaluation, the trainee will become an active inspector.

Mentor Responsibilities

• Contact the trainee before the inspection to discuss how he or she plans on training the individual.
• Prepare for how he or she will train the individual while still conducting a thorough on-site inspection.
• Provide preparation tips and answer the trainee’s questions during the pre-inspection conversation.
• Take time to explain the inspection approach and findings throughout the day (but not in front of applicant personnel).
• Demonstrate exemplary behavior, time management, and adherence to FACT policies, procedures, and timelines.
• Complete the entire inspection, including the Compliance Application. The mentor must not delegate any portion of the inspection or Compliance Application to the trainee. Program personnel have worked hard to prepare for the inspection and deserve to be assessed by an active inspector.
• Review the trainee’s inspection checklist and provide feedback to the trainee. This can be completed via email or telephone.
• Complete the inspection evaluation, including a summary of feedback to the trainee, and submit to the FACT office.

Trainee Responsibilities

Trainees should take advantage of the opportunity to observe the on-site inspection in a respectful, nonintrusive manner. The trainee should:

• Verify the assigned inspection is in an area that matches his/her expertise.
• Follow the instructions included on the Performing a FACT Inspection webpage. Any questions should be directed to the mentor and not to personnel at the applicant organization.
• Participate in the pre-inspection team meeting.
• Attend the introductory meeting, the entire on-site inspection, and exit interview.
• Observe the mentor’s process of touring the facility, interviewing personnel, and reviewing records.
• Refrain from asking questions directly to applicant personnel during the inspection. Questions must be directed to the mentor in private or in team meetings.
• Complete an inspection checklist while accompanying the mentor.
• Submit the inspection checklist and report to the FACT office and to the mentor for his/her review.
• Document his/her impressions of the inspection process on the inspection evaluation.