Natural Gas Distribution System Inspection Checklist
Natural gas distribution system integrity is critical to public safety. This monthly inspection checklist covers all key elements of PHMSA 49 CFR Part 192 requirements and Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) implementation.
- Industry: Oil & Gas / Energy
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Field Operations Technician / Distribution Engineer
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: PHMSA 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart P - Distribution Integrity Management Programs (DIMP), PHMSA 49 CFR 192.481 - Atmospheric Corrosion Control, AGA (American Gas Association) Distribution Operations Guidelines, NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code
Pipeline Right-of-Way Patrol
Conduct pipeline ROW patrol.
- No unauthorized encroachments, excavations, or construction on pipeline ROW?
- Pipeline markers visible, legible, and undamaged?
- No ground subsidence, settlement, or unusual conditions along ROW?
- No evidence of third-party damage to pipe or appurtenances?
- 811 one-call locate requests processed and pipelines marked for active excavations?
Leak Survey
Conduct leak detection survey.
- CGI survey of all mains per DIMP leak survey schedule?
- No active Grade 1 or Grade 2 leaks found requiring immediate repair?
- All leaks found graded and documented per GPTC leak grading criteria?
- All Grade 3 leaks from prior surveys followed up and closed?
- CGI instrument calibrated at start of survey?
Regulator Stations
Inspect pressure regulator stations.
- Pressure regulators functioning with correct outlet pressure?
- Overpressure relief devices set correctly and functional?
- Monitor or active regulator tested and functional per procedure?
- No active leaks at regulator station piping or equipment?
- Station inspection log current with all visits documented?
Cathodic Protection for Steel Mains
Verify cathodic protection on steel mains.
- CP readings at test stations within protective criteria (-850 mV)?
- All impressed current rectifiers operating correctly?
- Annual CP surveys on all cathodically protected steel mains current?
- All accessible steel aboveground piping inspected for atmospheric corrosion?
- PE pipe condition confirmed appropriate (no mechanical damage at access points)?
DIMP Records and Compliance
Verify DIMP documentation.
- DIMP plan current and covering all required threats?
- Risk assessment for distribution system current?
- DIMP performance measures being tracked?
- All field personnel OQ current per 49 CFR 192.805?
- All incidents and leaks reported per PHMSA requirements?
Emergency Response
Verify emergency response procedures.
- Emergency procedures current for leak, fire, and excavation damage?
- 24-hour emergency dispatch operational and contactable?
- Emergency response equipment (cut-off tools, purging equipment) available?
- Public awareness program current per 49 CFR 192.616?
- Local emergency responder coordination current?
- Monthly distribution inspection report completed?
Related Oil Gas Energy Checklists
- Pipeline Integrity and Leak Detection Inspection Checklist
- Natural Gas Compressor Station Safety Inspection Checklist
- Natural Gas Metering and Measurement Inspection Checklist
- Oil and Gas Permit-to-Work Compliance Inspection Checklist
- Oil and Gas Management of Change (MOC) Review Checklist
- Oil and Gas Process Safety KPI Monthly Review Checklist
- Oil and Gas Safety Observation Program Review Checklist
Related Pipeline Operations Checklists
- Pipeline Integrity and Leak Detection Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Natural Gas Compressor Station Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Natural Gas Metering and Measurement Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Natural Gas Distribution System Inspection Checklist?
This natural gas distribution system inspection checklist helps oil & gas / energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for field operations technician / distribution engineer professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with PHMSA 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart P - Distribution Integrity Management Programs (DIMP), PHMSA 49 CFR 192.481 - Atmospheric Corrosion Control, AGA (American Gas Association) Distribution Operations Guidelines, NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Natural Gas Distribution System Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Pipeline Right-of-Way Patrol, Leak Survey, Regulator Stations, Cathodic Protection for Steel Mains, DIMP Records and Compliance, Emergency Response. It is designed for oil & gas / energy operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Natural Gas Distribution System Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Field Operations Technician / Distribution Engineer professionals in the oil & gas / energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.