What should an inspector do before entering an industrial facility for a pretreatment inspection?

Before entering an industrial facility for a pretreatment inspection, the inspector's first priority should be ensuring that they understand the facility’s operational context and historical compliance status. Hence, reviewing past inspection reports is crucial. This allows the inspector to identify any recurring issues, understand the types of processes involved, and assess any previous violations or concerns that may influence the current inspection.

While collecting wastewater samples is part of the inspection process, it should occur after the inspector has assessed the facility's setup and safety requirements. Meeting with facility management is essential for obtaining necessary permissions and insights about operations, but it is often done after initial preparatory work, such as reviewing reports. Preparing safety equipment is a necessary step, but it doesn’t provide context-specific information that can impact the inspection’s focus and effectiveness. Thus, reviewing past inspection reports stands out as the foundational step in preparing for an effective pretreatment inspection.