How long are inspection records typically kept after a patrol?

Inspection records are typically kept for 5 years after a patrol to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to maintain a thorough history of inspections, which can be vital for safety audits, incident investigations, and general maintenance of pipeline integrity. Keeping these records for this duration allows operators to track patterns or issues over time and ensures that any necessary follow-up actions can be taken within a legal and operational framework.

While some organizations may choose to keep records indefinitely for their own internal purposes or to retain a more comprehensive history, the standard timeframe set by regulations typically falls within the 5-year range to strike a balance between regulatory compliance and practical record management.