If an item's visibility is obstructed during an inspection, what is the proper action?

When an inspector encounters an obstruction that limits visibility during an inspection, the most appropriate and professional action is to ask the person to remove it. This ensures that the inspection can be conducted thoroughly and safely, without missing any potentially significant issues that might be hidden by the obstruction. By requesting the removal of the obstruction, the inspector is adhering to protocols that maintain the integrity of the inspection process.

Choosing to ignore the obstruction does not align with the responsibility of ensuring a complete and accurate assessment. Searching around the obstruction may result in incomplete findings and could potentially overlook critical information. Reporting to a supervisor might be necessary in certain cases, particularly if there are concerns about compliance or security; however, the immediate step should be to seek clarity and full visibility by asking for the obstruction to be moved. This approach establishes clear communication and cooperation with the individuals involved, further fostering a secure environment during the inspection process.