bulletin - The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors

INSPECTOR’S INSIGHT
26
I recently was asked, what makes a good inspector? First of
all, which inspectors come to mind? In the boiler and pressure
vessel industry, we have commissioned inspectors and authorized
inspectors qualified for non-nuclear and, sometimes, nuclear
inspection activities. They may be employed by jurisdictions
or authorized inspection agencies or, in select circumstances,
owner-user organizations.
Inspectors can be employed to work daily within their qualified
capacity, or may perform inspections occasionally with other
work assignments as their employers require. Foremost, a good
inspector must exhibit certain desirable characteristics:
Honesty — An inspector must be honest in his or her
dealings with others and also when determining the condition of
the inspected equipment. An honest inspection may identify
satisfactory conditions, but it can also result in costly repairs or
replacements. Downtime can also be expensive when equipment
problems affect work activities or production schedules.
It’s all right for an inspector to say “I don’t know” as long as
steps are taken to get the answers. All inspectors work for an
employer organization that provides support for the inspector’s
activities. Honesty is the first step in developing successful
working relationships with employers and clients.
Trustworthy — Changes in construction, operation or
maintenance practices, and even personnel may result because
of reported conditions. The contents of a report must be trust-
worthy. Personal opinions and preferences have no part in an
What Makes a
Good Inspector?
inspector’s work activities. An inspector must have a reputation
for accuracy and fairness when performing his or her duties and
NATIONAl BOARD BUllETIN/FAll 2006
By PATRICK M. NIGHTENGALE, SENIoR STAff ENGINEER
when reporting conditions. Trustworthy inspectors are an asset
to their employer and to the clients they serve.
Dependable — The codes we enforce are safety codes,
and the public depends on the inspector to do the job correctly.
An employer has expectations regarding job performance in
terms of the amount and quality of the work: A person must be
reliable and perform the job to the best of his or her ability.
Required reports of activities must be prepared and distributed
in a timely fashion to better serve the recipient and the employer.
Professional — An inspector has to maintain a
professional appearance, manner, and attitude. Appropriate
inspection tools and equipment must be in good repair. Ethical
conduct is mandatory. Reports prepared neatly and accurately
inspire confidence and trust.
An inspector occasionally will have to report negative conditions
which may not be well accepted. The inspector has no control
over how reported problems are received by others, but must
always maintain a professional attitude and manner. Inspectors
exhibiting a professional demeanor will command the respect of
their employer, coworkers, and the clients they serve.
Communication Skills — The ability to
communicate orally and in writing is extremely important.
Changes may be required based upon what the inspector says
and writes. Reference to the applicable standard, the equipment
identification, and problems observed must be reported clearly.
Communication skills also involve active listening. The inspector
must hear and assess responses to questions asked and factor in
those responses as part of the overall determination of condition.