2. What to do in the event of an inspection

Classified facility inspectors may visit facilities under their supervision at any time. If the inspection is not unannounced, the inspectors must inform the operator 48 hours before the visit. The operator may be assisted by a third party, such as an expert from the parent company, a lawyer or an engineering firm.

During a visit, inspectors may only take away documents after drawing up a list countersigned by the operator, specifying the nature of the documents, their number and whether they are copies or originals. Original documents must be returned to the operator within one month of the visit.

For DC facilities, periodic inspections are carried out at the operator's expense by organizations approved by the French Ministry of Ecology. Nevertheless, the ICPE inspectorate can visit DC facilities at any time.