Inspectors of standards and regulations

Description

Inspectors of standards and regulations undertake investigations and inspections to verify and ensure compliance with acts, regulations and other requirements in respect of: buildings; weights, measures and trade descriptions; the installation and safety of electrical, gas and water supplies and equipment; marine pollution, ships’ structures, equipment and accommodation; the treatment of animals; the operation of commercial vehicles; the welfare, health and safety in factories and all work sites subject to the provisions in the Factory Acts.

Tasks

• examines building plans to ensure compliance with local, statutory and other requirements
• inspects building structures, facilities and sites to determine suitability for habitation, compliance with regulations and for insurance purposes
• inspects measuring and similar equipment in factories and visits street traders, shops, garages and other premises to check scales, weights and measuring equipment
• inspects factories and other work sites to ensure adequate cleanliness, temperature, lighting and ventilation, checks for fire hazards and inspects storage and handling arrangements of dangerous materials
• visits sites during construction and inspects completed installations of electricity, gas or water supply
• draws attention to any irregularities or infringements of regulations and advises on ways of rectifying them
• investigates industrial accidents or any complaints made by the public
• verifies the weight of commercial vehicles, checks driver’s licence and hours worked
• samples and tests river water, checks and advises on premises discharging effluent to prevent pollution
• checks fishing licences and prevents illegal fishing
• visits premises where animals are kept, advises on animal care and investigates complaints
• undertakes other inspections including chemicals, drugs, flight operations, etc.
• prepares reports and recommendations on all inspections made and recommends legal action where necessary.

Educational Requirements

Entrants usually possess A levels/H grades, a degree or equivalent qualification, together with experience gained in employment. Professional qualifications, membership of professional bodies, postgraduate diplomas and NVQs/ SVQs at Levels 3 and 4 are available and may be required in some occupations. On-the-job training is available in some areas.