Equipment Inspection Checklist

Overview

Being prepared makes inspections safer and more useful. Use this checklist to make the asset accessible, preserve the evidence an inspector needs, and distinguish an inspection scope from a repair or engineering decision.

Before the Inspection

• Clean the equipment, especially around welds and pivots
• Provide safe access and isolation for the machine
• Gather service, maintenance and previous inspection records
• Note any known issues, repairs or incidents
• Ensure the machine is available for the full inspection window
• Identify a site contact who knows the equipment

Coordinate Industrial Site Access

For process plant, tanks and pipework, confirm who isolates, depressurises, drains and cleans the equipment. Confined-space entry, work at height, lifting and rescue controls require their own agreed arrangements; booking an inspection does not mean these controls are included.

Check when welds or measurement points will be exposed, before coatings, insulation or reinstatement conceals them. Provide a site contact and a process for escalating findings before the asset is closed up.

Agree the commissioning brief first, then use this checklist for preparation. Existing equipment-preparation advice offers a shorter overview.

Information That Improves Method Selection

• Asset drawings, weld maps, material grades and coating details where available
• The suspected damage mechanism: cracking, corrosion, lack of fusion, wear or leakage
• Prior reports, thickness readings and repair records so readings can be compared
• The required specification, acceptance criteria or manufacturer instructions
• Safe access, isolation and lighting suitable for the proposed inspection method

Surface and Access Caveats

Cleaning requirements depend on the method. PT and MPI need a suitably prepared surface; UT needs a surface that allows stable probe coupling; ECT can often work through a non-conductive coating but lift-off and geometry can affect the signal. Restricted access, rough surfaces, coatings, temperature and component geometry may limit coverage or require a complementary method.

After the Inspection

Keep the report with the asset record and compare repeat measurements using consistent locations and conditions. An indication may need confirmation, sizing or engineering assessment; do not grind, weld, paint over or return a suspect component to service solely because a visual check appears clear.