Take Note!

Introducing a new ASME standard: ASME MUS-1

Paul Coco, P.E.

On May 31, 2024, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) published a pioneering standard, ASME MUS-1-2024, titled Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Inspections. This unprecedented standard offers detailed guidelines for using Unmanned Aircraft Systems in infrastructure inspections, setting a new benchmark in remote and autonomous inspection methodologies, a sector experiencing rapid growth.

The ASME MUS-1-2024 standard targets critical requirements for safe, reliable UAS inspection practices across various settings. It outlines comprehensive protocols for UAS operations, inspection procedures, risk management, and record-keeping, with guidelines that apply to both indoor and outdoor inspection tasks. Key components of the standard include:

• Inspection Preparation - In-depth planning, risk assessment, and site preparation guidance to ensure each mission is conducted thoroughly and securely.
• Equipment and Sensor Specifications - Recommendations on selecting UAS models, payloads, and sensors, such as thermal and LIDAR systems, essential for capturing high-quality, precise inspection data.
• Roles and Responsibilities - Defined duties for asset owners, UAS operators, pilots, and other participants to ensure accountability and clarity in UAS inspection processes.
• Data Acquisition and Communication - Protocols for data collection and real-time transmission, designed to enhance monitoring and facilitate in-depth post-inspection analysis.

ASME MUS-1-2024 was the product of extensive collaboration initiated in 2015. As UAS technology advanced, there was a recognized need for standardized inspection protocols tailored to the unique demands of various UAS operating environments. Therefore, the MUS Standards Committee, alongside specialized subcommittees on unmanned aircraft, ground robotics, and underwater inspection vehicles, requested and integrated feedback from manufacturers, regulatory agencies like the FAA, end-users, and other authorities between 2015 and 2024 to ensure the standard’s broad applicability and safety efficacy.

An important outcome of the MUS-1-2024 development process has been the standard’s impact on remote inspection technologies. These systems proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional inspection methods faced limitations due to physical distancing and travel restrictions during exigent conditions. Various code cases and industry guidance were developed for remote inspection activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. HSB engineers and inspectors field testing various hardware and software systems beginning prior to the pandemic influenced the development of the standard. Members of the HSB engineering staff were part of the standard development team and instrumental in supporting ASME during this time. 

As UAS technology continues to evolve, ASME plans to periodically review and update the standard, with the next revision scheduled for 2027. For more information on MUS-1 or remote inspections, please contact HSB Code and Standards.