Inspecting the Frames
    Step 1 2 3 4 5   

Inspect the frame at eye level, hanging it vertically above the hive box.  Make sure the frame stays vertical, so nothing falls out of the cells, such as uncured honey or larvae!  Holding the frame above the box ensures that if a bee falls off the frame, it will fall back down into the hive box and not on the ground.  This is obviously critical for the queen.  Dropping the queen on the ground is generally a very bad thing.  If you don't know she's there, you may either step on and kill her, or she will be unable to crawl or fly back into the hive.

To safely inspect the back side of the frame:
At all times during this process, avoid: 1) taking your hands off the frame ends; 2) moving the frame away from above the hive box, or 3) tilting the frame non-vertically.  The reason for this procedure is to ensure you never hold the frame horizontally so the queen doesn't fall on the ground.

	Step 1 Stand directly next to the hive box to keep the frame above it, inspecting the frame at eye level.  Hold the frame securely by the ends of the top bar.
	Step 2 Rotate the frame until the same side you are viewing is upside-down facing you, without removing your hands from the frame corners, by moving your arms in a vertical semi-circle, in opposite directions.
	Step 3 When the frame is upside-down, your arms will be crossed, and you will still be looking at the front side of the frame.
	Step 4 View the back side of the frame by uncrossing your arms, moving them in a horizontal semi-circle, in opposite directions.
	Step 5 You will now be viewing the back side of the frame, with the frame upside-down.  You can now inspect this side.

Reverse the process exactly to return the frame to its original side, right-side-up.  Practice this procedure a few times until you can do it in your (and everyone else's) sleep.

Frame of Brood and Honey
Opening and Inspecting the Hive
Periodic Apiary Inspections

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