The visual inspection undertaken by our Engineers during all forms of column inspection is perhaps the most important test that can be done. The entire column is noted with particular attention to the base at ground level, around the column door, around the swagged/welded section of the shaft and at the joint between the column shaft and the bracket.
The condition of each column is recorded as follows:
A: Excellent - the unit is free from any
visible defects
B: Good - the unit has no visible rust or
mechanical defect and very little
weathering or flaking paint.
C: Average - the unit has some minor
rusting and flaking paint but
appears to be in a sound state with no
mechanical deformation.
D: Poor - the unit has serious rusting and
flaking paint and possibly minor
mechancial deformation.
E: Bad - The unit has considerable rusting
and flaking paint, has noticeable
deformation and is considered to be in
a dangerous condition.
Where a particularly bad defect is noted (grade 'D' or 'E') then the engineers are instructed to take photographic evidence of the defect for presentation in the final report.
Although the visual inspection will identify serious physical defects this form of inspection is always carried out in conjunction with our ColcheK™ tests.