safety, potential health hazards at the various facilities, and procedures involved in a
sanitary inspection. He should know the authorities responsible for the facility under
inspection and be aware of any sanitary problems that could be encountered at the
facility. He should be able to make sound recommendations for the correction of
unsanitary conditions or problems that could be encountered at the facility. He should
also be able to make sound recommendations for the correction of unsanitary
conditions or practices noted during the inspections.
1-5.
PLANNING SANITARY SURVEYS AND INSPECTIONS
a. Importance of Planning Surveys and Inspections. It is important to plan a
survey or inspection before conducting it. Careful planning has several advantages. It
simplifies and streamlines the actual process of carrying out the survey or inspection
and, therefore, reduces lost or wasted time. Planning increases the thoroughness of
the inspection by ensuring that important items are not overlooked. The overall result of
careful planning is an effective and professionally conducted survey or inspection.
b. Procedures for Planning Surveys and Inspections. In most cases, there
is no need to formally plan a survey or inspection. Instead, you can make a mental
outline of the inspection procedure. However, certain basic questions should be asked
when planning any sanitary survey or inspection. These questions are given below.
(1) Who is involved in the survey or inspection? This question includes both
the inspectors and those who are points of contact at the facility undergoing the
inspection. It is especially useful to be aware of the authorities and personnel who will
accompany and work with you during the inspection.
(2) What type of facility is to be inspected? It is important to know the type of
facility that you will survey or inspect. Items to be inspected and sanitary deficiencies
vary with facilities. Advance knowledge helps you to foresee possible problems.
(3) What equipment and supplies are needed to perform the survey or
inspection? This includes the type of transportation needed; the inspection or checklist
and any equipment or supplies required during the inspection; previous inspection
reports; and relevant regulations and references. Preliminary information in this area
reduces wasted time and prevents you from forgetting necessary equipment or items.
In addition, previous reports provide information on the facility and acquaint you with
past defects and possible problem areas. Regulations and references inform you of the
standards for the facility and indicate possible problems.
(4) When is the survey or inspection to occur? You should know the date
and the time of day scheduled for conducting the survey or inspection. Some
inspections are conducted during operating hours and others during non-operating
hours. It is also a good idea to find out how frequently the inspection is conducted.
Inspections generally occur as often as necessary to ensure that the facility meets
MD0164
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