API-580 Exam Dumps - API 580 - Risk Based Inspection

According to API 580, multiple API inspection codes include provisions for RBI. Section 4.3 of API 580 clearly states:

“The RBI methodology is recognized in the API inspection codes — API 510, API 570, and API 653 — as an acceptable method to determine inspection intervals.”

Each of these codes outlines both the requirements and limitations for using RBI in their specific contexts:

API 510 — for pressure vessels

API 570 — for piping systems

API 653 — for aboveground storage tanks

On the other hand:

API 573 is a recommended practice for the inspection of fired heaters and does not include formal RBI provisions.

API 578 focuses on Positive Material Identification (PMI) and is unrelated to RBI methodologies or requirements.

Therefore, the correct selection includes:

✔️API 510

✔️API 570

✔️API 653

According to API 580, a complete and effective RBI program should include several essential elements to ensure it is systematic, repeatable, and technically sound. Section 5.2 of API 580 outlines the key components:

“A management system for personnel qualifications” — Personnel involved in RBI must be competent and qualified for their roles.

“A documented and validated methodology for assessing PoF and CoF” — A formal process is required to ensure the reliability of the analysis.

“A management system for documentation and update of RBI assessments” — Records must be controlled, updated regularly, and traceable.

These three components are explicitly defined in API 580 as essential elements.

On the other hand:

“Process hazard analysis to verify the adequacy of process safety” is important in the broader context of process safety management but is not listed as a required element of an RBI program in API 580. It is typically part of PSM frameworks under OSHA or similar, not RBI-specific.

API 580 Section 15.3.1 and 15.3.2 confirm:

“Contractors... should have a program of training and be able to document that their personnel are suitably qualified.”

While API 580 certification is beneficial, it is not required. Therefore, “Documented training and suitably qualified personnel” is the minimum expectation.

API 580, Section 13.1 states:

“Inspection may not always provide sufficient risk mitigation or may not be the most cost-effective method. The purpose of this section is to describe other methods of risk mitigation.”

And further clarifies:

“RBI offers the added advantage of identifying gaps or shortcomings in the effectiveness of commercially available inspection technologies… In cases where technology cannot adequately and/or cost-effectively mitigate risk, other risk mitigation approaches can be implemented.”​

As indicated in API 580 Section 11.8:

"Reduction of some risks to a lower level may not be practical due to technology and cost constraints. An as low as reasonably practical (ALARP) approach to risk management may be necessary for these items."

Thus, technology limitations are explicitly cited as a reason why some risks cannot be feasibly reduced further.

According to API 580 Section 10.1.1:

“The consequence analysis in an RBI program is performed to provide discrimination between equipment items on the basis of the significance of a potential failure.”

This analysis supports relative risk ranking but does not itself define the risk; rather, it provides input to the risk evaluation. Management may use this as input, but the purpose is discrimination for risk prioritization.

API 580 Section 4.4 clearly lists residual risk factors that remain even after RBI implementation. These include:

“Residual risk not affected by RBI includes:

a) human error

…

d) secondary effects from nearby units

…

i) unknown or unanticipated mechanisms of damage.”

These are limitations of inspection-based risk mitigation. Options B and E (maintenance plans and change of ownership) are not part of the residual risk list, although they may influence long-term planning.

Section 5.3.6 of API 580 states:

“Use of expert opinion will typically be included in most risk assessments regardless of type or level.”

This confirms that expert judgment is a fundamental component across all levels of RBI, whether qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative.