What is the first step recommended in reading a set of commercial prints?

The first step recommended in reading a set of commercial prints is to examine the cover sheet for dates and print designations. This step is crucial because the cover sheet provides essential information regarding the documents, including their revision history, which indicates how up-to-date the drawings are. Knowing the date helps in understanding the accuracy and applicability of the prints in relation to the current project or site conditions.

Additionally, the print designation can inform the reader about the specific plans and the scope of the project, helping to navigate the set of prints effectively. Without this initial understanding from the cover sheet, it could lead to confusion or the use of outdated or incorrect drawings, which might affect the entire project.

Other steps, such as reviewing the legend for symbols or analyzing the drawing scales, are also important but typically follow the initial examination of the cover sheet. Each of these aspects contributes to a comprehensive understanding, but the date and designations give context to everything else that follows.