Inspection
Work Planning

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Inspection

A planned activity performed to examine equipment, materials or systems to determine their condition, compliance or fitness for continued service.

Definition

Inspection is the systematic examination of equipment, materials, structures or processes to verify their condition, identify defects or deterioration, confirm compliance with specifications and standards, and support decisions regarding continued operation, maintenance or repair. Inspections may be visual or utilize nondestructive testing methods, measurements and engineering assessments.

Why It Matters

Inspection provides objective information about equipment condition, integrity and compliance throughout the asset lifecycle.

In Practice

Inspection programs combine appropriate inspection techniques, intervals and acceptance criteria to manage equipment integrity, safety and reliability while supporting risk-based maintenance strategies.

Common Misuse

Inspection is the overall process of assessing equipment condition, while specific techniques such as Ultrasonic Testing, Radiographic Testing and Visual Inspection are individual inspection methods.

Term Details
Synonyms:
Inspection; Equipment Inspection; Asset Inspection; Examination
Classification:
Inspection & NDT
Concept
Basic
Applications

Inspection & NDT; Mechanical Integrity; Quality Assurance.

Where It's Used

Mechanical integrity.; Construction.; Manufacturing.; Operations.; Regulatory compliance.

References

API 510; API 570; API 653

See It In VisualAIM

VisualAIM connects glossary concepts to the asset records, inspection histories, and workflows they describe.

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