How to Be Pipeline Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 17, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pipeline Inspectors play an important role in ensuring the safety and integrity of pipeline systems. Their inspections involve identifying any potential issues that may lead to a disruption in service or a hazardous event. By proactively detecting these issues, they can prevent serious accidents from occurring.

The role of a Pipeline Inspector is critical, as it helps ensure that the pipeline is safe and can be operated with minimal risk. it helps protect the environment from any adverse effects that may result from a pipeline failure. By conducting regular inspections, Pipeline Inspectors help to detect any potential damage to the system so that it can be quickly and efficiently repaired.

This in turn helps to minimize the risk of an accident occurring and protect the public from potential harm.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent before they can become a Pipeline Inspector.
Obtain experience in the field. Working as a pipeline assistant, helping out with pipeline maintenance, or having experience in a related field such as welding or plumbing can help increase your chances of getting hired as a Pipeline Inspector.
Complete safety training courses. Many employers require Pipeline Inspectors to have safety training and certifications, such as the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour course.
Earn an associate degree. Employers may prefer applicants with an associate degree in engineering technology, welding technology, or a related field.
Get certified. Obtaining certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API) as an inspector is essential for getting hired as a Pipeline Inspector.
Find a job. Search for jobs online, at job fairs, or by networking with people in the industry.

Maintaining a valid qualification as a Pipeline Inspector is essential to performing the job correctly. To keep updated and qualified, Pipeline Inspectors must stay abreast of changes in industry standards and regulations, attend relevant training courses, and regularly review their qualifications. Additionally, it is important for Pipeline Inspectors to understand the technology used in the industry and to keep up with advances in the field. By doing this, Pipeline Inspectors can ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to properly inspect pipelines and guarantee safety and compliance.

You may want to check Fire Protection System (FPS) Inspector, Mold Inspector, and Safety Inspector for alternative.

Job Description

Responsible for inspecting pipelines and related equipment for integrity and quality assurance.
Monitor construction activities, including installation of pipe, valves, pumps, and other related equipment.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Prepare reports detailing the inspections and any necessary repairs or adjustments.
Perform routine maintenance and repairs on pipelines, valves, pumps, and related equipment.
Troubleshoot issues and make necessary repairs or adjustments to equipment as needed.
Monitor pipeline operations and safety precautions to ensure safety and efficiency.
Liaise with contractors, engineers, and other personnel to ensure timely completion of projects.
Coordinate with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pipeline construction, inspection and safety standards.
Knowledge of various welding techniques and processes.
Familiarity with welding codes and regulations.
Knowledge of inspection techniques, documentation and reporting requirements.
Ability to use testing equipment, such as ultrasonic testing, radiography and magnetic particle inspection devices.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other documents related to pipelines.
Ability to identify potentially hazardous conditions, such as corrosion and blockages.
Ability to maintain detailed records and reports of inspections.
Excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of safety procedures and use of safety equipment.

A successful pipeline inspector must possess a wide range of skills, such as excellent problem solving and decision-making, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work independently. These skills are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of pipelines. Without them, inspectors would be unable to identify potential issues and quickly undertake the necessary repairs or maintenance.

This can have serious consequences, leading to costly repairs, damage to the environment, and potential safety risks. A pipeline inspector must be knowledgeable in the areas of engineering, mechanical operations, construction, and welding in order to effectively identify problems and develop appropriate solutions. they must have a strong understanding of federal and state regulations in order to ensure compliance.

With these qualities, an inspector can ensure that pipelines are properly managed and maintained, minimizing any risk or disruption to operations.

Marine Cargo Inspector, Crane Inspector, and Sewer Inspector are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been working as a pipeline inspector?
What experience do you have in dealing with hazardous materials?
Describe a challenging situation you have faced while on the job.
How do you stay up to date on the latest regulations and safety procedures?
What inspections do you conduct while performing your duties as a pipeline inspector?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy of data collected during inspections?
How do you respond to problems or issues that arise during inspections?
What is your experience with using computer software and/or programs to document inspections?
What makes you an effective pipeline inspector?
What processes do you follow to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment during inspections?

Common Tools in Industry

Pipeliner Gauging & Inspection Tools. These tools are used to ensure the quality of pipelines, including gauges for measuring wall thickness, visual inspection tools for cracks or corrosion, and pipe crawlers for inspecting the inside of pipelines. (eg: ultrasonic thickness gauges)
Welding Inspection Tools. These tools are used to inspect welds for defects and ensure the strength of welds. (eg: magnetic particle inspection)
Pressure Testing Tools. Pressure testing tools are used to test the integrity of a pipeline by subjecting it to a set pressure. (eg: hydrostatic testing)
Corrosion Detection Tools. Corrosion detection tools are used to detect corrosion on pipelines, including ultrasonic testing and eddy current testing. (eg: eddy current probes)
Pipeline Pigging Tools. Pigging tools are used to clean the inside of pipelines and can also be used for inspection purposes. (eg: intelligent pigs)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Petroleum Institute (API)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
American Welding Society (AWS)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI)
International Code Council (ICC)
American Society of Non-destructive Testing (ASNT)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)

We also have Food Inspector, Storage Tank System (STS) Inspector, and Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Piping. The system of pipes and valves used to transport liquids and gases.
Pipeline. A system of pipes laid underground or on the surface of land to transport liquid or gas over a long distance.
Pressure Testing. A process used to measure the performance of a pipeline by subjecting it to a set pressure for a specified period of time.
Cathodic Protection. A method used to prevent corrosion in pipelines by introducing a small electrical current along the exterior of the pipe.
Pipeline Integrity. The condition of a pipeline in terms of its structural strength and ability to perform its intended purpose.
Visual Inspection. A process used to detect corrosion and other defects in a pipeline by visually examining it from the outside.
Ultrasonic Testing. A technique used to detect corrosion and other defects in a pipeline by transmitting high-frequency sound waves through the material.
Hardness Testing. A method used to measure the hardness of a material, such as a pipe, by pressing a diamond or other hard object against its surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pipeline Inspector?

Pipeline Inspector is a cloud-based software solution that provides real-time monitoring and analytics of pipelines and other infrastructure assets. It enables users to monitor and detect potential risks, optimize operations and make informed decisions.

What features does Pipeline Inspector offer?

Pipeline Inspector offers features such as real-time monitoring of pipelines and other infrastructure assets, predictive analytics, automated reporting, and an integrated dashboard for data visualization. It also provides an API for integrating with other systems.

How does Pipeline Inspector help manage risk?

Pipeline Inspector helps to manage risk by providing real-time monitoring of pipelines and other infrastructure assets, predictive analytics to identify potential risks, and automated reporting to keep track of changes and alert users to potential problems.

How accurate is the data from Pipeline Inspector?

Pipeline Inspector uses advanced algorithms to ensure accuracy of its data. The software also allows users to configure it according to their specific requirements, ensuring accuracy of results.