Pipeline Integrity Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]

Pipeline integrity management is governed by API 1160 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119, requiring operators to systematically assess threats including corrosion, cracking, and mechanical damage across high-consequence areas. Inline inspection (ILI), hydrostatic testing, and direct assessment methods must be documented and reviewed per regulatory intervals. Failure to maintain a compliant integrity management program can result in significant fines, operational shutdowns, and environmental liability unde

  • Industry: Pipeline Operations
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Pipeline Inspector
  • Total Items: 37
  • Compliance: API 1160 Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management, EPA 40 CFR 112 Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC), BSEE 30 CFR 250 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations, API RP 14C Surface Production Safety Systems

1. Documentation & Records Review

Verify that all required integrity management documentation, prior inspection records, and regulatory filings are current and accessible.

  • Is the current Integrity Management Plan (IMP) approved and dated within the last 12 months?
  • Are all previous ILI (inline inspection) run reports on file and accessible for this segment?
  • Has the High Consequence Area (HCA) identification been reviewed and updated within the required period?
  • Are emergency response plans associated with this segment current and filed with the relevant authority?
  • Have all open corrective action items from the previous inspection been formally closed out?

2. Corrosion Control & Cathodic Protection

Evaluate external and internal corrosion protection systems, including cathodic protection readings and coating integrity.

  • Is the cathodic protection (CP) system active and reading within the acceptable pipe-to-soil potential range (≤ -850 mV CSE)?
  • Have CP rectifier readings been logged within the past 30 days with no anomalies noted?
  • Is external pipeline coating intact with no visible disbondment, holidays, or mechanical damage observed along the exposed segment?
  • Have internal corrosion inhibitor injection rates been verified and logged for this quarter?
  • Are corrosion coupon or ER probe data trends indicating acceptable metal loss rates (below threshold defined in IMP)?

3. Pressure Management & MOP Verification

Confirm that operating pressures remain within design limits and that maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) documentation is current.

  • Is the current Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) documented and posted at the inspection site?
  • Has the pipeline operated within 100% of MAOP with no recorded pressure exceedances since the last inspection?
  • Are pressure relief valves (PRVs) tested, calibrated, and tagged within the required maintenance interval?
  • Is a hydrostatic pressure test record available for this segment confirming test pressure ≥ 1.25× MAOP?
  • Are pressure monitoring instruments calibrated, with calibration certificates on file within the last 6 months?

4. Leak Detection & Monitoring Systems

Verify the operability and accuracy of leak detection systems, including computational pipeline monitoring and SCADA integration.

  • Is the computational leak detection system (CPM/SCADA) operational with no active alarms or unacknowledged alerts?
  • Have line balance calculations been performed and reviewed within the past 7 days showing no unexplained volumetric discrepancies?
  • Are all flow meters along this segment calibrated and performing within ±0.5% of rated accuracy?
  • Have aerial or ground patrol inspections of the right-of-way (ROW) been completed within the required interval with no anomalies reported?
  • Are any visible stains, dead vegetation, or odor indicators present along the ROW that could indicate a surface leak?

5. Physical & Mechanical Integrity Inspection

Assess above-ground pipeline components, supports, valves, fittings, and exposed sections for physical damage or deterioration.

  • Are all above-ground pipeline supports and saddles structurally sound with no settlement, cracking, or corrosion of support members?
  • Are mainline block valves (MLVs) operable, clearly labeled, and exercised within the required maintenance schedule?
  • Are pipeline expansion loops or flexible joints free from visible fatigue cracking, excessive movement, or misalignment?
  • Has any unauthorized encroachment, excavation, or construction activity been observed within the pipeline ROW easement?
  • Are pipeline identification markers (line markers) in place, legible, and meeting spacing requirements along the segment?
  • Has a photo record of the current physical condition of exposed pipeline sections and above-ground facilities been captured?

6. Spill Prevention & Environmental Controls

Evaluate secondary containment, spill response readiness, and SPCC plan compliance to minimize environmental risk.

  • Is secondary containment (berms, liners, or impoundments) in place and in good condition at all above-ground storage and pumping facilities?
  • Is the facility SPCC Plan current, facility-specific, and certified by a licensed Professional Engineer within the last 5 years?
  • Is spill response equipment (absorbent booms, buckets, PPE) staged at required locations and inventoried as complete?
  • Have spill response drills been conducted within the past 12 months with documented participation records?
  • Are stormwater drainage points from the containment area inspected and controlled to prevent hydrocarbon migration?

7. Process Safety & Management of Change

Confirm process safety management elements are applied to any recent modifications or operational changes affecting this pipeline segment.

  • Have any modifications to pipeline operating parameters, flow rates, or product composition been processed through a formal Management of Change (MOC) procedure?
  • Is the current Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) or HAZOP for this pipeline segment within its 5-year revalidation cycle?
  • Are operating procedures for this segment reviewed, signed off as current, and accessible to all operators at the field level?
  • Have all personnel assigned to this segment completed required process safety and pipeline integrity training within the past year?
  • Are incident investigation reports for any near-misses or anomalies on this segment completed and shared with relevant operations teams?
  • Provide any additional observations, deficiencies, or recommendations identified during this integrity assessment:

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Why Use This Pipeline Integrity Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This pipeline integrity assessment checklist [free pdf] helps pipeline operations teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pipeline inspector professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with API 1160 Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management, EPA 40 CFR 112 Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC), BSEE 30 CFR 250 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations, API RP 14C Surface Production Safety Systems. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Pipeline Integrity Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: 1. Documentation & Records Review, 2. Corrosion Control & Cathodic Protection, 3. Pressure Management & MOP Verification, 4. Leak Detection & Monitoring Systems, 5. Physical & Mechanical Integrity Inspection, 6. Spill Prevention & Environmental Controls, 7. Process Safety & Management of Change. It is designed for pipeline operations operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Pipeline Integrity Assessment Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Pipeline Inspector professionals in the pipeline operations 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.

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