Purpose Statement
Remote video inspections allow inspectors to conduct an inspection virtually when an on-site visit is not feasible. This functionality can be used for standard inspections, follow-up visits, and reinspections, helping agencies address scheduling conflicts or travel restrictions while continuing the inspection process.
The remote video inspection link is sent to the inspection contact, making it important to verify the contact information and email address before starting the video session.
Background Information
Remote video inspections provide inspectors with a way to communicate with an inspection contact through a live video call directly from an inspection.
Before beginning a remote video inspection, confirm that the inspection has the correct contact and that the contact has a valid email address. When the video link is shared by email, it is sent to the inspection contact using the email address associated with that contact.
Remote video inspections may be useful for:
- Standard inspections that can be completed remotely
- Follow-up inspections
- Reinspections
- Scheduling conflicts
- Travel restrictions
- Situations where an on-site visit is not feasible
Required Permissions
The specific permissions required to conduct a remote video inspection were not identified in the provided material.
Users must have sufficient access to open and continue inspections within the Inspections module. If you are unable to access an inspection or the video functionality, contact your agency administrator to verify your assigned permissions.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open the Inspection
- Navigate to Inspections.
Select Inspections List.
- Locate the inspection you want to conduct remotely.
- Open the inspection.
- Select the option to continue the inspection.
2. Verify the Inspection Contact Information
Within the inspection, navigate to Contacts.
- Confirm that the correct inspection contact is listed.
- Verify that the inspection contact has a valid email address.
- If necessary, edit the existing contact or add a new contact.
- If you make any changes to the contact information, select Save.
Important: When using Share by Email, the remote video inspection link is sent to the email address associated with the inspection contact. Verify that the correct contact and email address are listed before sending the link.
3. Start the Video Session
Locate and select the Video/Camera button within the inspection.
- Allow access to your device's camera and microphone if prompted.
- Verify the camera and microphone you want to use.
- Select Join to enter the video session.
- If additional screen space is needed, such as when working from a tablet, use the Full Screen option.
4. Share the Video Inspection Link with the Inspection Contact
The video inspection link can be shared with the inspection contact from the video session.
To copy the link for manual sharing:
- Select the option to Copy the video link.
- The link will be copied to your device's clipboard.
Paste and share the link with the inspection contact using the appropriate communication method.
To send the link by email:
- Confirm that the correct inspection contact and email address are associated with the inspection.
- Select Share by Email.
- The remote video inspection link is sent to the inspection contact's email address.
- The inspection contact will receive an email containing the link needed to join the video call.
5. Have the Inspection Contact Join the Video Call
- Have the inspection contact open the email containing the remote video inspection link.
- Instruct the contact to select the link to join the video call.
- Once the inspection contact joins, their video will appear on the right side of the inspector's screen.
6. Conduct the Remote Inspection
Once both participants are connected, conduct the inspection using the live video feed.
During the call, available controls include:
- Switch or turn the camera around
- Turn the camera off
- Mute or unmute the microphone
End the call
The inspection contact also has access to video call controls on their device.
Use the live video feed to complete the applicable portions of the inspection according to your agency's inspection procedures.
7. End the Video Call
- Confirm that all necessary portions of the remote inspection have been completed.
- Select the option to End/Hang Up the call.
- Continue with any remaining inspection documentation or workflow required by your agency.
Best Practices
- Verify that the correct inspection contact is associated with the inspection before sending the video link.
- Confirm that the inspection contact has a valid and current email address.
- Remember that Share by Email sends the video link to the inspection contact's email address.
- If contact information is changed, select Save before sending the video link.
- Confirm that your camera and microphone are functioning before starting the session.
- Use a stable internet connection whenever possible to help maintain video and audio quality.
- Use full-screen mode on tablets or smaller devices when additional viewing space is needed.
- Clearly communicate what the inspection contact needs to show during the inspection.
- Follow your agency's policies when determining whether an inspection, follow-up, or reinspection is appropriate for remote completion.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Who receives the remote video inspection link when I select Share by Email?
The link is sent to the email address associated with the inspection contact. Before selecting Share by Email, verify that the correct inspection contact and email address are listed.
Why can't I send the video inspection link by email?
Verify that the inspection contact has a valid email address entered under Contacts. If you add or update the email address, make sure you save your changes.
What if the video link would be sent to the wrong person?
Review the Contacts section of the inspection and verify the inspection contact and email address. Make any necessary changes and select Save before sharing the video link.
Can I share the video link without using the email option?
Yes. The video link can be copied to your device's clipboard and shared with the inspection contact through an appropriate communication method.
Can I change the camera or microphone used for the inspection?
Yes. When entering the video session, you can select the available camera or microphone you want to use.
Can I use the remote video feature for a reinspection?
Yes. Remote video inspections can be useful for follow-up visits and reinspections when an on-site visit is not feasible.
What happens when the inspection contact opens the link?
The link takes the inspection contact to the video call. Once the contact joins, their video appears on the right side of the inspector's screen.
Can the inspection contact mute their microphone or turn off their camera?
Yes. The inspection contact has video call controls available on their side of the session.
What should I do if I don't see the video option?
Verify that you have access to the appropriate inspection and contact your agency administrator to confirm your assigned permissions and configuration. The provided material does not specify which individual permission controls the remote video functionality.