How to Be Physical Plant Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 1, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The physical plant inspector plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of a facility. Through their inspections, they are able to identify and address any potential issues that may arise, such as electrical or structural problems. This can lead to reduced energy costs, as well as improved employee morale and productivity.

it helps to ensure that safety standards are met, and that the environment is safe for everyone who visits the facility. By ensuring that the property is up to code, the physical plant inspector can help to prevent future hazards, as well as reduce the risk of injury or disease for all occupants.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in a field related to physical plant inspection, such as engineering, construction management, or architecture.
Pursue experience in the field of physical plant inspection. This can be done through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering.
Become certified as a physical plant inspector. Many states and municipalities have their own certifications for physical plant inspectors.
Take continuing education classes and/or workshops to stay up to date on the latest regulations and best practices regarding physical plant inspections.
Maintain certification by completing a certain number of hours of continuing education each year.
Join a professional organization for physical plant inspectors. These organizations provide invaluable resources and networking opportunities for professionals in the field.

Improper maintenance of physical plants can lead to a myriad of problems, from increased energy costs to safety hazards. When it comes to conserving energy and keeping a physical plant safe and running efficiently, an experienced physical plant inspector is essential. A physical plant inspector can properly assess the condition of a physical plant and identify any potential issues, such as faulty wiring, broken equipment, or inadequate insulation.

By identifying and resolving these issues, inspectors help to ensure that the physical plant is running safely and efficiently. they can develop strategies to improve the energy efficiency of the plant and reduce costs. By investing in an experienced physical plant inspector, owners and operators of physical plants can ensure their facilities are operating at peak efficiency and safety.

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Job Description

Inspect and evaluate the condition of physical plant equipment and systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems.
Monitor the performance of physical plant equipment and systems.
Identify and report deficiencies in physical plant equipment and systems.
Develop and implement maintenance plans to maintain and improve the performance of physical plant equipment and systems.
Perform periodic inspections of the physical plant to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
Create and maintain accurate records of all inspections and maintenance activities.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure proper operation of the physical plant.
Diagnose and repair minor problems in the physical plant equipment and systems.
Monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.
Perform routine maintenance tasks such as lubricating, cleaning, and replacing parts as needed.
Maintain inventory of all physical plant equipment and supplies.
Provide customer service to tenants, visitors, and other stakeholders.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable safety regulations and practices.
Knowledge of building construction principles and practices.
Knowledge of building mechanical and electrical systems.
Knowledge of building codes and regulations.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
Ability to inspect and evaluate the condition of physical plant facilities.
Ability to identify and diagnose problems with physical plant facilities.
Ability to develop and implement corrective action plans to address physical plant deficiencies.
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports on physical plant inspections.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, management, vendors, and customers.

Having a keen eye for detail is an essential skill for a Plant Inspector. Without this, its impossible to identify minor problems that can have a huge impact. A Plant Inspector must be able to accurately identify any structural defects, such as cracks and holes in walls, floors, and ceilings, or the presence of mold or mildew.

In addition, they must possess knowledge of plant systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, in order to identify any maintenance or repair needs. By doing so, they can prevent costly repairs and downtime in the future. Without a Plant Inspector, small problems can grow into larger ones that can cause serious damage or create hazardous working environments.

A Plant Inspector plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of a facility.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Physical Plant Inspector?
How familiar are you with safety practices and regulations?
Please describe the process you use to inspect a building or facility.
What techniques do you use to identify potential hazards?
How do you document your findings from inspections?
What challenges have you faced as a Physical Plant Inspector?
How would you handle a situation where a building is not up to code?
Do you have experience working with various construction materials?
What methods do you use to ensure that all equipment meets safety standards?
How have you stayed current on building codes and regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance. (eg: Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter)
Infrared Thermometer. A device used to measure surface temperatures. (eg: Etekcity Lasergrip 774 Non-Contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer)
Thermal Imaging Camera. A device used to detect and measure heat patterns in a building or other structure. (eg: FLIR One Pro Thermal Imaging Camera)
Pressure Gauge. A device used to measure the pressure of a system or environment. (eg: WIKA 213. 53 Commercial Grade Pressure Gauge)
Duct Analyzer. A device used to measure air flow, static pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of an HVAC system. (eg: TPI 995-A Duct Analyzer)
Sound Meter. A device used to measure sound levels in a given area. (eg: Extech 407730 High Accuracy Sound Level Meter)
Moisture Meter. A device used to measure the moisture content of a material or environment. (eg: Extech MO280 Pinless Moisture Meter)
Particle Counter. A device used to measure the number of particles in a given environment. (eg: TSI 3025 Portable Laser Particle Counter)
Vibration Meter. A device used to measure vibration levels in a given area. (eg: Extech 407770 Triaxial Vibration Meter)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Institute of Plant Engineers (AIPE)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
International Association of Certified Indoor Air Quality (IAC2)
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

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Common Important Terms

Building Code. A set of regulations and standards that govern the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings and structures.
Building Inspector. A professional who inspects buildings for compliance with applicable building codes and other regulations.
Fire Safety Inspector. A professional who inspects buildings for compliance with applicable fire safety codes and other regulations.
Plumbing Inspector. A professional who inspects plumbing systems for compliance with applicable codes and other regulations.
Electrical Inspector. A professional who inspects electrical systems for compliance with applicable codes and other regulations.
HVAC Inspector. A professional who inspects heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for compliance with applicable codes and other regulations.
Structural Inspector. A professional who inspects the structural integrity of a building or structure for compliance with applicable codes and other regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Physical Plant Inspector do?

A Physical Plant Inspector is responsible for inspecting buildings and other facilities for safety and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. They evaluate the condition of structures and systems, inspect fire safety and emergency systems, and inspect the construction and installation of new equipment.

What qualifications are required to be a Physical Plant Inspector?

Typically, Physical Plant Inspectors must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and related experience in the construction or maintenance field. Additional certifications or licenses may also be required depending on the specific job.

What type of work environment do Physical Plant Inspectors work in?

Physical Plant Inspectors typically work in indoor and outdoor environments, inspecting buildings and facilities. They may be exposed to hazardous materials and must follow all safety measures while on the job.

What types of tools do Physical Plant Inspectors use?

Physical Plant Inspectors typically use measuring tools, such as rulers and tape measures, as well as various power tools to inspect and evaluate the condition of structures. They may also use computers to record their findings and create reports.