Pipeline Inspection Checklist – Free PDF Template

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Pipeline inspection checklist

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Use this template with Lumiform

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

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This pipeline inspection checklist is a tool for assessing corrosion risks and protection measures across your pipeline infrastructure. It methodically guides you through evaluating procedures, corrosion control systems, coating integrity, and monitoring protocols. With cracking responsible for up to 38% of oil and gas pipeline failures, this checklist helps you find potential problems early.

For example, when inspecting aging pipeline segments in corrosive soil conditions, this template allows you to document atmospheric corrosion, test station functionality, and remedial actions required. You can then prevent unexpected shutdowns and maintain regulatory compliance.

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Pipeline Inspection Checklist

Procedures

Are corrosion control procedures established?

Is there a program in effect to address corrosion problems on service lines?

Are there procedures for design?

Are there procedures for installation?

Are there procedures for operation?

Are there procedures for maintenance?

Do we have procedures established for examining exposed cast iron pipe for evidence of graphitization?

Do we have procedures established for remedial measures on cast iron pipe if graphitization is discovered?

Are these procedures under the responsibility of a qualified person?

Corrosion Control

Type of Pipeline

Is the pipeline cathodically protected if a corrosive environment exists?

Has it been demonstrated that corrosion during the 5-year period will not be detrimental to public safety?

Is the natural pH of the environment

Has the operator conducted tests or have the experience to indicate the aluminum pipeline suitability with its environment?

Have we shown by test, investigation, or experience that adequate corrosion control is provided by the alloy composition?

Are metal alloy fittings designed to prevent leakage caused by localized corrosion pitting?

Are buried pipelines electrically isolated from other underground structures?

Are buried segments externally coated & cathodically protected?

Have we proved that a corrosive environment does not exist?

Have we conducted tests within 6-months to confirm a non-existent corrosive environment?

Is protection provided to the pipelines against damage due to fault currents?

When we have knowledge that any pipeline is exposed, is the exposed pipe examined for evidence of corrosion or coating deterioration?

Is external corrosion requiring remedial action found?

Is the pipeline investigated circumferentially and longitudinally beyond the exposed portion to determine whether additional corrosion requiring remedial action exists?

Atmospheric Corrosion Control

Are insulating devices prohibited in areas where a combustible atmosphere is anticipated unless precautions are made to prevent arcing?

Have above ground facilities been cleaned and coated?

Is the coating material suitable for the prevention of atmospheric corrosion?

Do we inspect piping exposed to the atmosphere?

Do we give particular attention to the pipe at soil-to-air interfaces, under thermal insulation, under disbanded coating, at pipe supports, at deck penetrations, and in spans over water?

If atmospheric corrosion is found, does the operator provide protection against the corrosion?

Coating

Is the coating on steel pipe applied on a properly prepared surface?

Does the coating on steel pipe have sufficient adhesion to resist underfilm migration of moisture?

Is the coating on steel pipe sufficiently ductile to resist cracking?

Does the coating on steel pipe have sufficient strength to resist damage due to handling and soil stress?

Is the coating on steel pipe compatible with supplemental cathodic protection?

Is the external coating electrically insulating?

Does it have low moisture absorption and high electrical resistance?

Is the external coating inspected prior to lowering the pipe into the ditch and is any damage repaired?

Is external protective coating protected from damage resulting from adverse ditch conditions or damage from supporting blocks?

Cathodic Protection

Is the amount of cathodic protection controlled to prevent damage to the protective coating or the pipe?

Has each pipeline that is cathodically protected been tested?

Has each cathodic protection rectifier been inspected?

Test Stations

Are there sufficient test stations or test points?

Are test leads mechanically secure to the pipe and electrically conductive?

Are test leads attached to minimize stress concentration on the pipe?

Are each bared test lead wire and bared metallic area (at point of connection) coated with an electrically insulating material compatible with the pipe coating and insulation on the wire?

Remedial Measures

For each segment of transmission line with localized pitting to a degree where leakage might result, is the section of pipeline replaced, repaired, or have the operating pressure reduced?

For distribution lines with a remaining wall thickness less than 30 percent of the nominal wall thickness, do we replace or repair the pipe?

For distribution lines, do we replace or repair pipe with localized corrosion pitting?

Is each segment of cast iron or ductile iron pipe on which general graphitization is found to a degree where a fracture or any leakage might result, replaced?

Is each segment of cast iron or ductile iron pipe on which localized graphitization is found to a degree where any leakage might result, replaced or repaired, or sealed by internal sealing methods?

Monitoring

Do we check for the proper performance of each reverse current switch, diode, and interference bond whose failure would jeopardize structure protection?

Do we check for proper performance of other interference bonds?

Is prompt remedial action taken to correct any deficiencies indicated by the monitoring?

Are casing potentials monitored to detect the presence of shorts?

Do we investigate & take appropriate action when indications of casing shorts are found?

Do we monitor the system for stray currents and take appropriate steps to minimize detrimental effects?

Sign off

Additional Observations

Inspector Name & Signature

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Frequently asked questions

Who is qualified to complete this pipeline inspection checklist?

The checklist should be completed by personnel with specialized training in pipeline corrosion control and inspection techniques. This typically includes corrosion specialists, pipeline engineers, or certified inspectors who understand cathodic protection systems, coating requirements, and can recognize early signs of pipeline degradation. The person signing off should have authority to initiate remedial actions when issues are identified.

How can I use this checklist to prioritize maintenance activities?

Review completed checklists to identify patterns of “NO” responses, which highlight potential system weaknesses. Items marked “NO” in the coating and cathodic protection sections typically require immediate attention, while procedural gaps may need longer-term solutions. The checklist’s systematic approach helps you categorize issues by severity and system type, allowing for more effective resource allocation and maintenance scheduling.

How do I improve the effectiveness of my pipeline inspections using this checklist?

To maximize inspection effectiveness, review previous checklists before beginning new inspections to identify recurring issues. Conduct inspections during optimal weather conditions when possible, bring appropriate testing equipment to verify readings, and photograph significant findings.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.