What to Do When You Find Code Violations During an Inspection

When Code Violations Reared Their Ugly Heads

So, you’re in the middle of an inspection, checking all the nooks and crannies, when you stumble upon code violations. Your heart sinks a little, right? What do you do now? Do you ignore it to save trouble? Do you grab a toolbox and start fixing things on your own? Not exactly. Here’s the scoop on what you should really do.

The Dilemma: Choices Galore

You might have several options swirling in your mind:

• A. Ignore the violations to avoid confrontation
• B. Document the findings and notify the responsible party
• C. Fix the violations yourself
• D. Report the violations to the public immediately

While options A, C, and D might seem tempting in their own right, they can lead you down a much rockier path. So, let’s break this down.

Choice B: The Clear Winner

B: Document the findings and notify the responsible party — that’s your golden ticket! Properly documenting the violations not only helps maintain a professional atmosphere but also ensures that all safety issues are addressed responsibly.

Imagine if you discover a major electrical issue—like improper wiring that could spark a fire. That’s not something you can just brush under the rug. Documenting that finding not only creates a necessary record for future inspections but also serves as solid evidence of what needs fixing.

This documentation will come in handy during follow-up inspections, providing clarity on issues that need rectifying. It’s almost like creating a roadmap that guides everyone involved through how things should unfold after the issue has been uncovered.

Notifying the Right People: Keeping It Professional

Now, let’s talk about notifying the responsible party. This is crucial. Imagine you find violations but don’t let anyone know. How can anyone fix something they don’t even know exists? By notifying the right people—be it contractors, building managers, or even homeowners—you’re giving them the opportunity to correct the violations in a structured, legal manner.

This structured approach fosters professionalism where safety and compliance are prioritized. And let’s be honest, when everyone plays by the rules, it lowers the chances of misunderstandings and mishaps down the line.

Avoiding DIY Solutions

You might be tempted to take matters into your own hands and fix the violations yourself. While this might seem like a quick solution, it can actually lead to liability issues. What if your fix isn’t up to code? Or worse, what if it creates a new problem? Fixing code violations without proper training or authority isn’t just risky—it can exacerbate the situation.

Besides, “I’ll fix it myself” often leads to more headaches than they’re worth.

The Dangers of Ignoring and Reporting

Let’s not forget the risks of ignoring the problem or jumping to report it publicly. Ignoring code violations is like ignoring a crack in the foundation of your home; it’s only going to get worse. Not to mention, it puts everyone’s safety at risk, not just your own.

And reporting the issue to the public without going through proper channels? That’s a hot mess waiting to happen! It could violate confidentiality policies, erode trust in the inspection process, and lead to a public relations nightmare.

Driving Home the Point

So the next time you find code violations during an inspection, remember this: Document, communicate, and allow the responsible party to act. This three-step approach sets a respectful tone for safety and compliance while keeping everything above board. It’s a win-win! You protect not just yourself but everyone affected by those code violations.

By fostering a sensible and standardized approach, you contribute to a thriving professional environment, making it clear that safety isn’t just an option—it's a fundamental right. You’re not just an inspector; you’re a hero for safety and compliance in the electrical world. Who knew inspections could be so rewarding?