An inspector is someone whose job is to examine things carefully to make sure they meet certain standards or follow specific rules. Health inspectors visit restaurants to check that kitchens are clean and food is stored safely. Building inspectors examine new construction to verify that homes and schools are built correctly and won't be dangerous. Factory inspectors make sure products are manufactured properly and safely.

When a fire inspector walks through a school, she's checking fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and exit routes. When a quality inspector examines toys at a factory, he's making sure nothing sharp or dangerous made it through production.

Inspectors need keen observation skills and thorough knowledge of the rules they're enforcing. A good inspector spots problems before they become serious. Some inspectors work for government agencies, while others work for private companies. The detective character Inspector Gadget takes the title in a different direction: police detectives are sometimes called inspectors because they carefully inspect crime scenes for clues. In all cases, being called in for an inspection means someone with expertise is going to take a very close, careful look at something important.