CL · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never let a gas tank miss its five-yearly inspection
Class 2 hazardous gas tanks are inspected every 5 years by INN-accredited external specialists, who certify in a written report that they are fit to operate (DS 43 of 2015, Article 145). There is also a yearly visual inspection by the maintenance supervisor and a monthly check of connections and emergency valves.
Supreme Decree 43 of 2015 of the Ministry of Health, the Regulation on Storage of Hazardous Substances, sets the safety conditions for facilities that store hazardous substances (Article 1); it entered into force 180 days after publication and repealed DS 78 of 2009 (Article 193). Its rules on bulk gases (Title IX, paragraph III) apply to class 2 gases under Chilean standard NCh 382:2013: flammable (2.1), non-flammable non-toxic (2.2) and toxic (2.3) (Article 141). Excluded from the regulation are, among others, liquid and gaseous fuels used as energy sources, which are governed by their own decrees (Article 3).
Article 145 sets three levels of checks. The connection systems, loading and unloading pipes and emergency valves of gas tanks are inspected at least once a month, with records kept. Every year the system's maintenance supervisor carries out a detailed visual inspection of the tank surfaces, keeps a record and corrects any mechanical integrity issues found.
In addition, every 5 years an inspection covering the tank must be carried out by an external specialist company or staff accredited by the INN (Chile's standards institute); the inspector decides which tests are needed and certifies in a written report that the tanks and system are fit to operate at their design conditions (DS 43, Article 145). The company must also have a written inspection and maintenance plan listing equipment, frequencies and a record of replacements (Article 110).
At a glance
| Rule | Supreme Decree 43 of 2015 (Ministry of Health), Regulation on Storage of Hazardous Substances, Article 145 |
|---|---|
| Which gases | Class 2 under NCh 382:2013: flammable, non-flammable non-toxic, and toxic (DS 43, Article 141) |
| External inspection | Every 5 years, by an INN-accredited external specialist company or staff, with a written report (DS 43, Article 145) |
| Visual inspection | Yearly, of the tank surfaces, by the maintenance supervisor, with a record (DS 43, Article 145) |
| Connections and valves | At least once a month, with a record (DS 43, Article 145) |
| Written plan | Inspection and maintenance plan with equipment, frequencies and replacements (DS 43, Article 110) |
| Excluded | Liquid and gaseous fuels used as energy sources, among others (DS 43, Article 3) |
| Enforcement | Regional Ministerial Health Secretariats, under Book Ten of the Health Code (DS 43, Article 192) |
Article 145 does not say from which date the 5 years run. In practice, use the date of the last written external inspection report and record the monthly checks and the annual visual inspection separately.
Who is responsible?
The duties fall on whoever operates the storage facility: the regulation requires companies to have a written inspection and maintenance plan (Article 110) and the annual visual inspection to be carried out by the system's maintenance supervisor (Article 145). The five-yearly inspection is carried out by an INN-accredited external specialist company or staff, who decide which tests are needed (Article 145).
If the deadline passes
The Regional Ministerial Health Secretariats, as health authority, enforce DS 43 under Book Ten of the Health Code (Article 192). Facilities with fixed tanks of 15 m³ or more, or with several tanks totalling that volume within 5 m of each other, need a health authorisation, granted after an inspection visit (Articles 5 and 6). Without the written external inspection report, the company cannot show that its tanks are fit to operate at their design conditions (Article 145).
LPG and natural gas used as fuel: a different rule
DS 43 excludes liquid and gaseous fuels used as energy sources, which are governed by their own decrees (Article 3). A liquefied petroleum gas tank used as fuel, for example, falls not under Article 145 but under the specific fuel rules, which this guide does not cover. Indoor gas installations in buildings are covered in the periodic gas inspection guide.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each fixed gas tank and record as the expiry date 5 years after the last external inspection report.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day, leaving time to hire an accredited inspection company.
- The inspection company can upload the written report through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the maintenance supervisor; if the inspection is overdue, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later. Create a separate entry for the annual visual inspection.
Frequently asked questions
- How often must a gas storage tank be externally inspected in Chile?
- Every 5 years, by an INN-accredited external specialist company or staff, who certify in a written report that the tanks and system are fit to operate at their design conditions (DS 43, Article 145).
- What other checks does the regulation require?
- Inspection of connections, loading and unloading pipes and emergency valves at least once a month, and a detailed visual inspection of the tank surfaces every year by the maintenance supervisor, both with records (DS 43, Article 145).
- Does it apply to LPG tanks used as fuel?
- No. DS 43 excludes liquid and gaseous fuels used as energy sources, which are governed by their own decrees (Article 3).
- Who enforces the rule?
- The Regional Ministerial Health Secretariats, under Book Ten of the Health Code (DS 43, Article 192).
Sources
Last checked: Oct 11, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for external inspection of gas storage tanks (Chile)
A ready template for external inspection of gas storage tanks (Chile) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each external inspection of gas storage tanks (Chile) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each external inspection of gas storage tanks (Chile) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.