Wellhead Equipment Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Wellhead equipment inspections are a critical element of production safety systems required under API RP 14C and BSEE 30 CFR 250 Subpart H to prevent uncontrolled hydrocarbon releases and surface equipment failures. Wellhead integrity failures are among the leading causes of well blowouts, fires, and environmental releases in oil and gas production operations. This checklist provides Production Operators and HSE Managers with a structured framework to verify casing head, tubing head, Christmas t

Industry: Oil & Gas
Frequency: Monthly
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Production Operator
Total Items: 37
Compliance: API RP 14C Production Safety Systems, BSEE 30 CFR 250 Subpart H, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 PSM, API 6A Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, EPA 40 CFR 112 SPCC

Casing Head & Tubing Head Assembly

Inspect casing head, tubing head, and associated seals and flanges for integrity and pressure compliance per API 6A.

Is the casing head flange free from visible corrosion, pitting, or mechanical damage?
Are all casing head and tubing head bolts fully engaged, properly torqued, and free from thread damage?
Is the tubing hanger seated correctly with no evidence of gas or fluid migration past the seal bore?
Has casing head annular pressure been measured and recorded within the approved operating limits?
Record the measured casing annulus pressure at time of inspection (psi)?

Christmas Tree & Valve Assembly

Inspect all Christmas tree valves, chokes, and fittings for operability and pressure integrity per API 6A and BSEE 30 CFR 250.

Are all master valves (upper and lower) exercised, operational, and holding pressure when tested?
Are all wing valves (production and kill) operable and free from valve stem packing leaks?
Is the adjustable or fixed wellhead choke in good condition with no erosion, washout, or leak-by?
Is the Christmas tree pressure-rated body free from visible cracks, weld defects, or corrosion anomalies?
Upload a photo of the Christmas tree showing valve identification tags and overall condition?
Are swab valve and crown valve (if present) operable and pressure-tested per schedule?

Surface Safety System (SSS) & SCSSV

Verify surface-controlled subsurface safety valve and wellhead SSS functionality per API RP 14C and BSEE regulations.

Has the Surface-Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve (SCSSV) been function-tested within the required interval?
Is the SCSSV hydraulic control line pressure within the manufacturer-specified operating range?
Is the wellhead ESD (Emergency Shutdown Device) functional and set to the correct high-low pressure shutdown parameters?
Are pressure safety valves (PSVs) on the wellhead assembly in-service, within test date, and tagged?
Record the SCSSV last test date and close/open time observed during function test?

Pressure Monitoring & Instrumentation

Verify wellhead gauges, transmitters, and data recording systems are accurate and properly calibrated.

Are all wellhead pressure gauges within calibration date and reading within ±2% of expected values?
Are pressure transmitters sending accurate signals to the SCADA or DCS control system?
Record the current wellhead flowing tubing pressure (FTP) at time of inspection (psi)?
Is the wellhead temperature indicator reading within the normal operating temperature range for the well?
Record the wellhead flowing temperature at time of inspection?

Corrosion, Leaks & Mechanical Integrity

Identify external corrosion, active leaks, and mechanical integrity concerns at the wellhead assembly.

Is the wellhead exterior free from active hydrocarbon, produced water, or gas leaks?
Has the wellhead been inspected for external corrosion and corrosion protection (coating or cathodic protection) is intact?
Are all flange connections at the wellhead equipped with proper gaskets with no visible extrusion or blow-out?
Has an ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM) been conducted on wellhead components within the inspection schedule?
Are all wellhead fittings, plugs, and thread connections free from corrosion-induced thread damage or cross-threading?
Upload photographic evidence of any corrosion anomalies, leaks, or mechanical concerns identified?

Environmental & SPCC Compliance

Confirm secondary containment, drip pans, and environmental safeguards at the wellhead location meet EPA 40 CFR 112 SPCC requirements.

Is adequate secondary containment (drip pan or berm) in place beneath the wellhead to capture potential releases?
Is the wellhead containment area free from accumulated liquids, debris, or evidence of prior unreported spills?
Are all wellhead area drainage outlets controlled to prevent uncontrolled discharge to the environment?
Have there been any spills or releases at this wellhead location since the last inspection?
If spills have occurred, provide details of volume, material, and corrective action taken?

Documentation Review & Corrective Actions

Verify wellhead inspection records, regulatory filings, and track open corrective actions to closure.

Are all previous wellhead inspection reports on file, signed, and accessible for regulatory review?
Are all corrective actions identified in the last wellhead inspection closed or on an approved tracking register?
Has the wellhead equipment been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule?
List all new deficiencies, anomalies, or action items identified during this inspection?
Has the completed inspection been reviewed and countersigned by the HSE Manager or Facility Supervisor?

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Why Use This Wellhead Equipment Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This wellhead equipment inspection checklist [free pdf] helps oil & gas teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for production operator professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with API RP 14C Production Safety Systems, BSEE 30 CFR 250 Subpart H, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 PSM, API 6A Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, EPA 40 CFR 112 SPCC. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Wellhead Equipment Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Casing Head & Tubing Head Assembly, Christmas Tree & Valve Assembly, Surface Safety System (SSS) & SCSSV, Pressure Monitoring & Instrumentation, Corrosion, Leaks & Mechanical Integrity, Environmental & SPCC Compliance, Documentation Review & Corrective Actions. It is designed for oil & gas operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

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

Who should use this Wellhead Equipment Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Production Operator professionals in the oil & gas 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.