The International Code Council has published a new guideline document, “Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections,” intended to help governmental jurisdictions develop virtual code inspections programs. The document includes guidelines in step-by-step format on best practices in scheduling, customer prep, jobsite identifications, record maintenance, and results.
The document’s information is based on study and research of virtual inspection methods, as well as discussion with Code Council membership and industry experts. According to the ICC, remote inspections allow operations to continue even when the materials or buildings are inaccessible or in dangerous environments, and allow jurisdictions to save the time and money involved in inspector site visits.
“With a properly implemented remote virtual inspections program, building safety professionals can overcome the variety of challenges brought on by the pandemic and continue providing services to keep buildings safe and resilient,” says Dominic Sims, CBO and CEO of the Code Council. “While this practice has popularized in the midst of COVID-19 social distancing, remote virtual inspections are likely to become a routine tool for the future.”
The publication is available to download here, with print copies available for purchase. An infographic on virtual inspections is also available here. The Code Council’s Community Development Solutions arm, which provides software solutions for building departments and code enforcers, is also in the process of developing software for remote inspection services.
Professionals are invited to provide feedback on the program at www.iccsafe.org/RVI to guide future improvements.