Is there an NFPA standard for remote inspections?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

With the advent of reliable, handheld devices such as smart phones and tablets, there was increased interest in remote inspections. A number of organizations, including various governmental institutions, insurance companies, and private contractors were interested in the possibilities the new technology offered.

NFPA responded to this interest in remote inspections in 2018 and began the standard formulation process. It was accelerated in 2020 due to the Covid-19 epidemic.
The new standard, NFPA 915, The Standard for Remote Inspections and Tests was inaugurated in 2023.

There are various benefits from remote inspection. It saves the time and expense of an inspector traveling to a site and it creates a reliable record, with high quality video and still images provided by RVI (Remote Video Inspections).

According to NFPA, “It is important to note that RVI is not intended to be less complete than an on-site inspection. Rather, RVI should be employed to achieve the same (or enhanced) results as an on-site inspection.”

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes. It does not represent NFPA’s official position on the items discussed.

Representational screen grab from an RVI of an automatic sprinkler system.