Pipeline Inspection Checklist

Title Page

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?

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 <8.0?
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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?