Inspection, Documentation, and Compliance Reporting
Core concepts
Inspection work requires systematic measurement, documentation, and reporting. Know how to use a digital level, tape, and laser for slope, width, and reach. Understand the difference between design review and field inspection, and how to record findings with location, element, standard citation, measured value, and required value.
Documentation should be objective, traceable, and defensible. Photographs, field notes, and measurement logs support findings. Reports should separate observations from conclusions and identify corrective actions. Know how to handle partial compliance and how to prioritize barriers by severity and use.
Traps in questions
- Reporting a conclusion without the measured value and standard citation.
- Measuring slope without distinguishing running and cross slope.
- Failing to record the location precisely enough to re-find the element.
- Mixing design intent with as-built conditions.
Worked example
You measure a restroom door clearance at 30 in. Rule of thumb: record the location, element, measured value, required value, and citation; photograph the condition; and note any obstructions. Then classify severity and recommend corrective action.
Study tip
Use a standard field form with columns for location, element, measured, required, citation, photo, and severity. Consistent forms make reports defensible.