What should the inspector confirm about the vessel's operating conditions before an inspection?

Before conducting an inspection of a pressure vessel, it is crucial for the inspector to confirm that the operating conditions remain consistent with normal operating conditions. Maintaining these conditions is important because any significant deviation from them could indicate potential issues that may affect the safety and integrity of the vessel. Normal operating conditions are those conditions under which the vessel was designed to operate safely and effectively, and if the actual operating conditions differ from these, it may require a more in-depth assessment or could indicate underlying problems that need to be addressed.

By confirming consistency with normal operating conditions, the inspector can ensure that the inspection will accurately reflect the vessel's performance and condition. This helps to identify any anomalies or changes that could compromise the vessel’s integrity or safety during its operation.