Visual inspection (VIS) is a common method of quality control, data acquisition, and data analysis.

Visual Inspection is used extensively to evaluate the condition or the quality of a weld or component. It is mostly carried out on pipelines, pressure vessels, storage tanks, welds and steel structures. It is easily carried out, inexpensive and doesn’t require special equipment. Visual Inspection is carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 1554. It is used mostly for the inspection of welds where quick detection of flaws can result in significant cost savings. It requires good vision, good lighting and the knowledge of what to look for. Visual inspection can be enhanced by low power magnifying glasses or boroscopes. These devices can also be used with television camera systems. It can identify where a failure is most likely to occur and identify when failure has commenced. Visual inspection is often enhanced by other surface methods of inspection which can identify defects that are not easily seen by the eye.