Before conducting an annual inspection, you should review __________ to become familiar with a particular site.

• A. A street map
• B. Existing records
• C. Fire reports
• D. Insurance records

Answer: (B)

Reviewing existing records before an annual inspection gives you the most complete view of how a site is arranged and has operated. These records—past inspection reports, facility drawings, permits, equipment lists, maintenance logs, safety programs, and corrective-action records—tell you what changes have occurred since the last visit, where critical systems and high-hazard areas are located, and what issues may repeatedly surface. This preparation helps you plan a focused walk-through, verify that prior findings were addressed, and recognize potential hazards quickly, making the inspection more efficient and thorough.

Other sources can be helpful for certain details, but they don’t provide the same depth of site-specific understanding. A street map helps with access but not the internal layout or conditions. Fire incident reports show past events but not the current status of equipment or compliance. Insurance records reveal risk coverage, not the actual site layout, systems, or ongoing safety practices.

So, existing records are the best starting point to become familiar with a site before an annual inspection.