Starting a Non-schedule Inspection
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this feature is to provide Fire/EMS personnel with multiple flexible entry points to initiate unscheduled inspections directly within the First Due system. This capability enables field personnel and administrative users to quickly start inspections when unexpected opportunities arise or when immediate compliance checks are needed, ensuring comprehensive fire prevention and safety oversight without being constrained by pre-scheduled inspection workflows.
Background Information
Non-scheduled inspections are a critical component of fire prevention programs, allowing departments to conduct inspections based on complaints, follow-up visits, or opportunistic encounters during emergency responses. The First Due system provides multiple access points for starting these inspections, accommodating different user workflows and device preferences. This flexibility ensures that inspection opportunities are never missed and that departments can maintain thorough documentation regardless of how the inspection need arises.
Common use cases include complaint-driven inspections, follow-up inspections after code violations, and proactive inspections during community engagement activities. The system supports both web-based and mobile app access, ensuring field personnel can initiate inspections from any location.
Required Permissions
Users must have the following permissions to start non-scheduled inspections:
- Inspection Module Access: Permission to view and use the Inspections module
- Start Inspection: Permission to initiate new inspection records
- Occupancy Access: Permission to search and select occupancy records
- Mobile App Access: For mobile-based inspection starts (if using mobile workflow)
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
- From Inspections List, click on Start an Inspection.
- Identical operation available in the Fire Due Progressive web App - Inspections List.
- Enter an address of an Occupancy.
- Click on Start Inspection.
- Select the Inspection Type needed and then change.
- Hint: Apply any needed filters to find the Occupancy you desire to start the inspection for.
- Click on Start Inspection in the Actions Column.
- Select the Address Marker for an Occupancy.
- Click on Start an Inspection.
- Select the address of the Occupancy you desire to start an inspection for.
- Hint: Apply any needed filters to find the Occupancy you desire to start the inspection for.
- User will be redirected to the pre-plans map.
- Click on Start an Inspection.
- Click on Continue with Current.
- Select Menu and then the Fire Inspection Shortcut.
- NOTE: You have to have internet connectivity to use this method.
- Select Start Inspection.
- Enter an address and then select Start New.
Best Practices
- Choose the most efficient access method based on your current workflow and location
- Verify occupancy information before starting the inspection to ensure accurate record-keeping
- Use filtering options in list views to quickly locate specific occupancies
- Ensure mobile connectivity when using the mobile app method
- Double-check inspection type selection to ensure proper documentation and compliance tracking
- Take advantage of map-based selection when you need visual confirmation of the inspection location
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: I can't find the occupancy I'm looking for in the system A: Use the search filters available in the Inspection Organizer or Pre-Plans List. If the occupancy doesn't exist, you may need to create a new occupancy record first.
Q: The mobile app method isn't working A: Verify you have active internet connectivity. The mobile inspection feature requires network access to sync with the main system.
Q: I started an inspection but need to change the inspection type A: You can modify the inspection type in the Inspection Organizer before finalizing the start process.
Q: Can I start multiple inspections simultaneously? A: The system typically handles one active inspection at a time per user. Complete your current inspection before starting another.
Q: What if I accidentally select the wrong occupancy?
A: Use the "Continue with Current" confirmation step to verify your selection before proceeding, or navigate back to make corrections.
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