When documenting an infrared inspection with no detectable exceptions, thermographers should be aware that there is a big difference between reporting “no problems” versus “negative findings.”
Infrared inspections may be performed for a wide variety of reasons including condition assessment, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance. In its simplest form, thermography detects, displays and records thermal patterns and temperatures across the surface of an object. In many cases, thermal anomalies are indicative of deficiencies, changes, or undesirable conditions within the object or system being inspected. Typically, such conditions are reported with a thermal image and a description of the anomaly.
Upon completing infrared inspections during which no anomalies are detected, thermographers will frequently report that the subject system has “no problems.” From a liability standpoint, this can increase a thermographer’s risk since there may exist problems that are simply not detectable by thermography. Most importantly, a proclamation of “no problems” may leave an end user with a false sense of security regarding the condition or integrity of the subject system.
Since it is not possible for thermography to detect all potential problems within a given system or object, it is advisable for a thermographer to report “negative findings” when no anomalies are detected. This statement is direct, to the point, and in accordance with terminology utilized in other types of scientific testing.
Although the difference between “no problems” and “negative findings” may seem small, the proper use of terminology can help to prevent costly and embarrassing misunderstandings.
Infraspection Launches New Website
During the past several months, the Infraspection Institute website, infraspection.com, has undergone an extensive update and makeover. By choosing a WordPress format, the site is now mobile friendly and has been reorganized to improve its functionality and incorporate several new features.
Presently, INFRASPECTION.COM contains a wealth of useful information pertaining to thermal imaging, non-contact temperature measurement, and related technologies.
Other useful information at our new site includes: course locations and dates, information on our Distance Learning Courses, Standards for several applications and equipment usage, proposal templates, and the ASNT-compliant Written Practice for the Qualification and Certification of Personnel in the Thermal/Infrared Testing Method.
We invite you to visit us online and see what’s hot!
For professional thermographers, the first step in approaching any new project should be to generate a formal proposal. This proposal should contain all information pertinent to the project and be sufficiently detailed to reflect the responsibilities of all parties including the client and the thermographer.
Infraspection Institute offers standard proposal templates for several different types of residential and commercial infrared inspections. Each template provides suggested wording and format for preparing a comprehensive and professional proposal.
Nine proposal templates are currently available covering the following applications: electrical systems, mechanical systems, electro/mechanical systems, photovoltaic systems, building envelopes, insulated roofs, process equipment, steam traps, and underground piping. Each template outlines scope of work, pricing options, client and thermographer responsibilities, applicable standards, additional services, and terms.
All templates are provided in a Microsoft Word file and can be modified to suit the user’s particular needs. Templates may be used as core language for contract documents. Purchase price includes license for unlimited use of the template by the original purchaser. Templates are available individually or as a complete set of nine.
Infraspection Institute is pleased to announce that its annual Advanced Training Conference, Technical Symposium and Technology Expo, IR/INFO 2017, will be held January 22 – 25, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. Now in its 28th year, IR/INFO features four days of networking, learning, and fun in a relaxed, yet professional, family atmosphere.
Infraspection Institute is presently seeking papers and presenters for IR/INFO 2017. Invited topics include, but are not limited to: safety, emerging applications, building sciences, related NDT, case histories, as well as tips and tricks.
Presentations are typically 25 minutes with 5 minutes for Q & A time with the audience. All papers and presentations will be published in the IR/INFO Proceedings. The deadline for abstract submissions is July 31.
During the past several months, the Infraspection Institute website, infraspection.com, has undergone an extensive update and makeover. By choosing a WordPress format, the site is now mobile friendly and has been reorganized to improve its functionality and incorporate several new features.
For professional thermographers, the first step in approaching any new project should be to generate a formal proposal. This proposal should contain all information pertinent to the project and be sufficiently detailed to reflect the responsibilities of all parties including the client and the thermographer.
Infraspection Institute is pleased to announce that its annual Advanced Training Conference, Technical Symposium and Technology Expo, IR/INFO 2017, will be held January 22 – 25, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. Now in its 28th year, IR/INFO features four days of networking, learning, and fun in a relaxed, yet professional, family atmosphere.
