This is a guide to help those who are struggling with inspecting a tarp.

Step 1: Locating the Traveler

With no training, starting out as an inspector is hard if there's no past experience. Let's start off by looking at the work order traveler.

The traveler will show the length, width, material ounce, straps and strap count that are requested by the customer.

Step 2: Identify the Material Ounce

There are many different ounces of material. There's 18-ounce Diamond Core, 18-ounce Alternative, 22-ounce Alternative, and regular Seamen 22-ounce. Each material has its own texture and weight. The 18-ounce material is a light material, whereas the 22-ounce is a heavier material.

These may be confusing at first, but it's extremely important to make sure that the material matches the description listed on the traveler.

If failed to do so, the customer could receive a tarp that doesn't support the weight needed for their equipment. This could result in tears in the tarp, something that could be easily prevented if inspected properly.

Step 3: Measuring

Next, the tarp is pulled out flat on the floor. This is when the tarp is measured and inspected for any flaws in the stitching.

Start by measuring the width of the tarp, and see if it matches the description on the traveler. If it does, go on to measuring the length of the tarp.

Once again, be sure that the length matches the description listed. By failing to follow the measurements listed on the traveler, this can result in the tarp being incorrect. The customer may be unsatisfied if the tarp is either too long or too short, for what it's intended for.

Step 4: Inspecting the Stitching

Once the tarp has been measured, this is when the stitching and straps are inspected.

Examine the stitching for any loops, bad tension, or skipped stitches. This may be difficult for someone if there is no familiarity with sewing, or how a sewing machine works.

If any flaws in the stitching are spotted, the tarp will be taken back to sewing, so the problem can be corrected. If the tarp is sent out with any type of flaw, this could cause the tarp to fall apart when it's being installed, or if it's pulled the wrong way.

Step 5: Inspecting the Straps

Remember that after the tarp has been inspected, the straps will be next.

Each strap will have to be inspected on both the top and the bottom side of the tarp. When looking at the straps, it's important to look for any stitching that may have run off the strap and onto the back of the tarp while being sewn down. Not only does this make the product look sloppy, but it also weakens the tarp, which could cause the product to become faulty.

It's also important to count each strap on the tarp, to ensure that it matches the strap count listed on the traveler.

Step 6: Folding the Tarp

After the tarp has been fully inspected and matches the same as what was listed on the traveler, the tarp is ready to be folded, banded, and packages.

This will require two people, one at each end of the tarp.

Start by folding the tarp in half, the long way. This process will be repeated two more times until the tarp is narrow.

Next, one end of the tarp will be brought up about halfway, laying it on top of itself, making it shorter in length.

Step 7: Attaching the Paperwork

After it has been folded, the tarp will be rolled and sent through a bander, where the paperwork will be attached to it.

Once the paperwork has been attached, it will be taken to packaging to be packaged and shipped off to the customer.

Step 8:

Although these skills aren't used in a household setting, these instructions will hopefully help those who are looking to join a factory setting and are struggling with inspecting a product.