Skip to content
FC Safety FC Safety User Guide

Inspecting Equipment

This guide provides detailed instructions for conducting safety equipment inspections using FC Safety Shield’s NFC-powered system.

Before You Start

Section titled “Before You Start”

Ensure you have:

  • A mobile device with NFC capability
  • FC Safety Shield mobile app installed
  • Active internet connection
  • Valid login credentials

Inspection Process

Section titled “Inspection Process”

Step 1: Locate the Equipment

Section titled “Step 1: Locate the Equipment”

Find the safety equipment you need to inspect. Common equipment types include:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kits
  • Eye wash stations
  • Emergency showers
  • AED (Automated External Defibrillator) units
  • Safety showers
  • Spill kits

Step 2: Identify the NFC Tag

Section titled “Step 2: Identify the NFC Tag”

Each piece of equipment should have an NFC tag attached. The tag typically:

  • Is a small sticker or label
  • Contains the FC Safety Shield logo
  • Has a unique identifier number
  • Is placed in a visible, accessible location

Step 3: Tap to Start Inspection

Section titled “Step 3: Tap to Start Inspection”
  1. Open the FC Safety Shield mobile app
  2. Ensure NFC is enabled on your device
  3. Hold your device near the NFC tag (within 1-2 inches)
  4. Wait for the app to recognize the tag (usually 1-2 seconds)

The inspection form will automatically open.

Step 4: Complete the Inspection Form

Section titled “Step 4: Complete the Inspection Form”

The inspection form includes several sections:

Basic Information

Section titled “Basic Information”
  • Equipment ID: Auto-populated from the NFC tag
  • Location: Verify or update the equipment location
  • Inspector: Your name (auto-populated)
  • Date/Time: Current date and time (auto-populated)

Equipment Condition

Section titled “Equipment Condition”

Select the appropriate status:

  • Pass: Equipment meets all requirements
  • Pass with Notes: Equipment is functional but has minor observations
  • Fail: Equipment has deficiencies requiring immediate attention

Inspection Checklist

Section titled “Inspection Checklist”

Complete all required checks for the specific equipment type. Common checks include:

For Fire Extinguishers:

  • Gauge shows proper pressure
  • Safety seal is intact
  • No visible damage or corrosion
  • Accessible and unobstructed
  • Inspection tag is current
  • Mounting bracket is secure

For First Aid Kits:

  • Kit is properly sealed
  • All required supplies present
  • No expired items
  • Container is clean and intact
  • Contents list is visible
  • Location is clearly marked

For Eye Wash Stations:

  • Water flows properly
  • Water is clear
  • Drain is functioning
  • Signs are visible
  • Area is unobstructed
  • Weekly activation performed

Notes and Comments

Section titled “Notes and Comments”

Add any additional observations:

  • Describe any deficiencies in detail
  • Note repair or replacement needs
  • Record any maintenance performed
  • Include relevant context

Step 5: Add Photos (Optional)

Section titled “Step 5: Add Photos (Optional)”

Attach photos to document:

  • Equipment condition
  • Deficiencies or damage
  • Repair work completed
  • Before/after comparisons

To add photos:

  1. Tap the camera icon
  2. Take a new photo or select from gallery
  3. Add caption if needed
  4. Attach to inspection record

Step 6: Submit the Inspection

Section titled “Step 6: Submit the Inspection”
  1. Review all entered information
  2. Verify required fields are complete
  3. Tap Submit Inspection
  4. Wait for confirmation message

The inspection data syncs immediately to the cloud (with internet connection) or queues for later sync if offline.

Handling Inspection Results

Section titled “Handling Inspection Results”

Equipment Passes

Section titled “Equipment Passes”

When equipment passes inspection:

  • Inspection is recorded in the system
  • Next inspection date is automatically scheduled
  • Dashboard is updated
  • Compliance status is maintained

Equipment Fails

Section titled “Equipment Fails”

When equipment fails inspection:

  • Immediate notification sent to administrator
  • Work order may be auto-generated
  • Equipment status updated to “Out of Service”
  • Follow-up inspection scheduled

Pass with Notes

Section titled “Pass with Notes”

When equipment passes but has observations:

  • Inspection is recorded
  • Notes are flagged for review
  • Administrator receives notification
  • Monitoring may be increased

Special Inspection Types

Section titled “Special Inspection Types”

Routine Inspections

Section titled “Routine Inspections”

Standard periodic inspections based on schedule:

  • Monthly inspections
  • Quarterly reviews
  • Annual certifications

Ad-hoc Inspections

Section titled “Ad-hoc Inspections”

Unscheduled inspections triggered by:

  • Equipment use
  • Incident response
  • Damage reports
  • Maintenance activities

Post-Maintenance Inspections

Section titled “Post-Maintenance Inspections”

Required after:

  • Repairs
  • Replacements
  • Servicing
  • Relocations

Offline Inspections

Section titled “Offline Inspections”

FC Safety Shield supports offline inspections:

  1. Inspection data is stored locally on your device
  2. Complete inspections normally
  3. Data syncs automatically when connection is restored
  4. Pending sync indicator shows in the app

Inspection Frequency

Section titled “Inspection Frequency”

Different equipment types have different inspection requirements:

Equipment TypeInspection Frequency
Fire ExtinguishersMonthly
First Aid KitsWeekly
Eye Wash StationsWeekly
Emergency ShowersWeekly
AED UnitsMonthly
Spill KitsMonthly

Troubleshooting

Section titled “Troubleshooting”

NFC Tag Won’t Read

Section titled “NFC Tag Won’t Read”

Problem: Device doesn’t recognize the NFC tag

Solutions:

  • Verify NFC is enabled in device settings
  • Remove phone case or thick protective cover
  • Clean the NFC tag surface
  • Try different angles and positions
  • Ensure the tag isn’t damaged

Form Won’t Submit

Section titled “Form Won’t Submit”

Problem: Unable to submit completed inspection

Solutions:

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify all required fields are complete
  • Close and reopen the app
  • Log out and log back in
  • Contact support if issue persists

Missing Equipment

Section titled “Missing Equipment”

Problem: Equipment location has changed

Solutions:

  • Use the search function to locate equipment
  • Update equipment location in the system
  • Contact administrator to verify transfer
  • Report missing equipment immediately

Best Practices

Section titled “Best Practices”
  1. Be Thorough: Complete all inspection items carefully
  2. Be Honest: Report all deficiencies, even minor ones
  3. Be Timely: Complete inspections on schedule
  4. Be Detailed: Provide clear notes and descriptions
  5. Be Consistent: Follow the same process every time
Section titled “Related Topics”

Need Help?

Section titled “Need Help?”

Contact support if you need assistance: