Determining and assessing the actual condition of an asset, for example by visual check, measurement or thermography.
Inspection means determining and assessing the actual condition of an asset. Typical methods are a visual check, a measurement, a function test or thermography. Under DIN 31051, it is one of the basic measures of maintenance. An inspection does not change the asset. It delivers the finding that shows whether servicing, repair or nothing is needed. Drawing conclusions from the finding is a separate step.
It has to be told apart from the formal inspection (Prüfung) in occupational safety law. The BetrSichV defines it as determining the actual condition, comparing it with the target condition and assessing the deviation (§ 2(8)). Formal inspections are carried out by persons competent to inspect or by approved inspection bodies, they are recorded, and they follow set intervals. An inspection during servicing does not have these features and does not replace the formal inspection. There are also duties to check things yourself: for elevators, the operator must regularly check the installation for obvious defects that could impair its safe use (Annex 1, no. 4.6).
For cost, inspection is the lever against expensive surprises. If you spot wear and developing faults early, you can plan a repair instead of ordering it in an emergency. In the contract, you should therefore state what the inspection covers, how often it takes place and in what form the finding arrives. A tick on a checklist is not enough if you later want to check invoices for repairs. Missing findings are also a proof problem: if you claim an asset was in order the last time, you need a document for it.
What matters
- Have the contract name the scope of inspection: which parts, which method, which interval.
- Ask for a finding with photos or measured values and a recommendation with urgency.
- On the invoice, separate inspection from a formal inspection by a competent person or approved inspection body.
- Keep findings in the asset file and compare them with later repair quotes.
Suppose that during an inspection of a switchgear, a technician measures elevated temperatures at a terminal with a thermal imaging camera. He records a photo and the measured value in the service report and recommends retightening or replacing the terminal at the next shutdown. The operator adds this to his planning and can later see the reason behind the invoice for the repair.
In the original wording
“Whoever operates an elevator installation under Annex 2 Section 2 number 2 must regularly check it for obvious defects that may impair its safe use.”
Unofficial translation
“A formal inspection (Prüfung) is the determination of the actual condition, the comparison of the actual condition with the target condition, and the assessment of the deviation of the actual condition from the target condition.”
Unofficial translation