For how long must records of observations and investigation reports be maintained?

Records of observations and investigation reports must be maintained for a minimum of two years due to regulatory requirements and the importance of maintaining a comprehensive safety and compliance history. Keeping these records for this duration allows operators to review previous incidents and observations, analyze trends, and enhance their safety protocols. This timeline also aligns with industry standards that dictate the need for a sufficient period of documentation to support audits, safety reviews, and potential investigations by regulatory agencies.

The two-year requirement serves as a balance between ensuring adequate data availability for safety evaluation and managing the resources needed for record-keeping. It is essential for operators to be diligent in their record-keeping practices to comply with regulations and to foster a culture of safety within their operations.