Behnam Lotfi, Director of Industrial Inspection at the Iran Standards and Quality Inspection Company (ISQI), emphasized the importance of fabrication/manufacturing inspection as the defense line of industries—especially oil, gas, and petrochemicals—against catastrophic mistakes.
The ISQI Industrial Inspection Director, noting that fabrication/manufacturing inspection is one of the critical stages in the life cycle of industrial equipment, stated: “This process plays a significant role in ensuring the quality and operational safety of equipment.”
He added: “In industries such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, power plants, steel, and infrastructure projects, industrial equipment is recognized as the heart of production. Therefore, fabrication inspection and precise quality control at this stage should be considered a vital requirement—not an option.”
Lotfi, referring to the key objectives of this type of inspection, explained: “There are numerous goals behind these actions, including ensuring compliance of products with standards, codes, and technical specifications; guaranteeing equipment performance under real operating conditions; and maintaining uniform quality across all components and production batches, which addresses technical objectives.”
He also pointed to economic and managerial goals, adding: “Identifying defects in early stages and reducing rework costs, preventing production stoppages due to equipment failure, increasing service life, and reducing maintenance costs are among the economic benefits of such inspections. Moreover, protecting the employer’s interests through impartial oversight, complete recording and documentation of the manufacturing process for contractual and legal reference, and preventing disputes between employers and contractors can be highlighted as managerial benefits.”
The ISQI Industrial Inspection Director then addressed the challenges and risks of fabrication inspection, saying: “There are fundamental and serious challenges in this field, and neglecting them can lead to defects and severe hazards. One of these challenges is technical risk, which can result from low-quality raw materials, welding and casting defects, or production issues. Other risks include organizational challenges such as time pressures, shortage of inspectors in the field, and lack of cooperation from contractors, as well as managerial risks such as eliminating or shortening tests and poor reporting—each of which can have devastating consequences. Environmental risks, including unfavorable temperature and humidity conditions, low workshop safety, and transportation constraints, must also be taken into account.”
Lotfi concluded by strongly emphasizing the need to enhance quality and safety: “Inspection of industrial equipment during the fabrication/manufacturing stage should be regarded as the cornerstone of quality control, safety, and equipment reliability. Proper and systematic implementation of this process not only helps reduce operational risks but also increases equipment lifespan and ensures employer satisfaction.” He added: “In large industrial projects, fabrication/manufacturing inspection is not a peripheral activity, but a strategic requirement. Neglecting it can not only cause financial losses but also pose serious risks to the safety of workers and operators.”
