Lesson 24 — Inspector Safety Protocols (On-Site Safety & Risk Awareness)

1. General Safety Principles

Always:

  • Be aware of your surroundings

  • Trust your instincts

  • Keep your phone with you and charged

  • Avoid entering unsafe areas

  • Leave immediately if something does not feel right

If you ever feel uncomfortable or threatened, step away first — document later.

2. Do NOT Enter Gated or Enclosed Areas

For inspection-only work:

  • You do not open gates

  • You do not go into fenced-off yards

  • You do not go behind the house

  • You do not walk around the structure

Front-of-property access only, unless the side-left and side-right can be photographed from public access (street or sidewalk).

Never trespass or cross into private, enclosed, or locked areas.

3. Avoid Confrontations and Suspicious Situations

If confronted by:

  • Occupants

  • Neighbors

  • Squatters

  • Property owners

  • Anyone acting aggressive

Follow these rules:

  • Stay calm and polite

  • Do not argue

  • Explain you are simply verifying property information

  • If they tell you to leave, leave immediately

  • Document the interaction from a safe distance

Your safety comes before completing the job.

4. Hazard Awareness on All Inspections

Do not approach or enter areas affected by:

  • Loose aggressive dogs

  • Broken or collapsing structures

  • Fire damage

  • Flooding

  • Exposed wiring

  • Chemical smells (gas, ammonia, unknown fumes)

  • Drug activity

  • Squatter encampments

  • Hazardous debris

If you see a hazard:

  • Back away

  • Take photos from a safe distance

  • Write detailed notes

5. Safety at Night

Avoid nighttime inspections whenever possible.

At night:

  • Visibility is poor

  • Photos are low quality

  • Risks increase

  • Occupancy decisions become harder

  • Animals or individuals may not be visible

If the job cannot be completed safely due to darkness, return during daylight.

6. Vehicle Safety and Parking

Always:

  • Park legally

  • Avoid blocking driveways

  • Keep your vehicle locked

  • Do not leave valuables visible

  • Be aware of suspicious individuals nearby

Park in a position where you can leave quickly if needed.

7. Weather and Environmental Safety

Avoid unsafe conditions such as:

  • Heavy rain

  • Ice

  • Severe storms

  • Flooding

  • Snow blocking walkways

  • Extreme heat or cold

If the property cannot be safely reached:

  • Take photos showing the barrier

  • Document the situation

  • Submit detailed notes

NMFS does not want inspectors risking themselves in bad weather.

8. Animals (Visible or Hidden)

Exercise caution with:

  • Loose dogs

  • Guard dogs behind fences

  • Dogs barking inside the home

  • Evidence of aggressive animals (chewed fences, chains, bowls)

  • Wildlife (snakes, raccoons, feral cats)

If any animals prevent safe access:

  • Do not approach

  • Take photos from a distance

  • Explain the situation clearly in your notes

Never attempt to scare away or lure animals.

9. Do Not Enter Homes (Interior Access) Unless Specifically Authorized

Interior access is rare for inspection-only work and must be explicitly stated in the work order.

If the order does not say “interior access,” you:

  • Do not enter

  • Do not open the door

  • Do not check back doors or windows

Stay outside unless the order specifically authorizes interior inspection.

10. Personal Safety Tools (Allowed & Not Allowed)

Allowed:

  • Flashlight

  • Clipboard

  • Work gloves

  • Phone tripod or monopod

  • Safety vest (recommended in busy neighborhoods)

Not allowed:

  • Weapons

  • Tools for entry

  • Lock-picking devices

  • Breaking or forcing entry

  • Anything that could appear threatening to occupants

Your presence should be professional and non-confrontational.

11. Leaving the Property Immediately

Leave right away if:

  • Someone is yelling or threatening

  • You are asked to leave

  • You hear fighting inside

  • You see illegal activity

  • You detect strong chemical smells

  • You feel unsafe for any reason

Document the situation from a safe distance and notify NMFS if necessary.

12. Reporting Safety Concerns

If you encounter:

  • Unsafe conditions

  • Suspicious individuals

  • Possible criminal activity

  • Signs of squatting

  • Dangerous animals

  • Structural collapse

Report the details in your notes and, when appropriate, notify NMFS directly.

Summary

Inspector safety comes first — always.
NMFS will never penalize an inspector for leaving a property due to legitimate safety concerns. Your responsibility is to:

  • Stay aware

  • Avoid unnecessary risks

  • Document hazards clearly

  • Follow access rules

  • Prioritize your well-being

This ensures inspections are completed professionally and safely.

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