The commonly used standard for CCTV reporting is detailed in the Manual of Sewer Condition Classification Manual (MSCC). There is difference between drains and sewers, but MSCC allows for this by using a revised subset for domestic and light commercial drains. The manual is produced by the Water Research centre (WRc).

The system used involves the creation of standard header, observation and defect definitions that require specific attributes. This means that all CCTV survey reports should be universally understood by contractors and clients alike and even geographically. 

Understanding these definitions is in great part reliant on understanding MSCC and adequate training, at least from the perspective of the drainage contractor. The report’s eventual reader may not (indeed is not expected to) be experienced in CCTV report understanding. With this in mind Viewline provides help in the form of images and template guidance on defect/observation meaning.

Viewline works to this standard, often using automation, meaning that drainage contractors are guided to standard compliant reports and end users receive reports that should also be standard compliant.

The Water Research centre also produce a manual called the Drainage Repair Book (DRB). This not only describes repair philosophy but also discusses when a drain might require repair based on its serviceability.

Serviceability relates to whether a drain is functional. A serviceable drain is one that is unlikely to present a problem in the near future, as in unlikely to block or surcharge. In DRB terminology this is described as Grade A. The opposite would be a drain that is not functional and likely to create a problem, normally via blockage, in the very near future. This is described as a Grade C drain and remedial works will be required. There is a grey area in between where the drain is serviceable but is likely to become unserviceable in the medium term. This type of drain is termed Grade B. It should be remembered that serviceability is not just determined by CCTV surveying alone. A drain maybe graded unserviceable due to other factors.

As discussed, DRB uses A, B and C as serviceability indicators. Viewline has adapted this methodology and incorporated colour coding based on the traffic light system of green, amber and red indicating A, B and C respectively.

Viewline reports also include a manhole (access point or start node) condition report section. This uses a similar colour grading format where red signifies an issue and green indicates good condition.

Viewline works to this standard, often using automation to associate an observation with a DRB grade, meaning standard compliance for both the drainage contractor and the report end user.