Before making an inspection, the inspector should review which of the following?

• A. The building plans
• B. The existing inspection records
• C. The occupants' personal files
• D. The current weather conditions

Answer: (B)

Before making an inspection, you want to ground your planning in documented history of the site. Reviewing existing inspection records gives you the history of past hazards, violations, and corrective actions, so you can see what has been addressed and what might still be a concern. This helps you target high-risk areas, verify that previous deficiencies were corrected, and tailor your checklist to any recurring problems or changes since the last visit. It also reveals how the building’s fire protection systems have performed over time and whether there have been renovations or changes in occupancy that could affect safety. While building plans can be helpful for understanding layout, they may be outdated or not reflect recent modifications, and weather conditions or occupants’ private files do not provide relevant or appropriate information for preparing a fire inspection.