API RP 580 Fourth Edition PDF
The purpose of this document is to provide users with the basic minimum and recommended elements for developing, implementing, and maintaining a risk-based inspection (RBI) program. It also provides guidance to owner-users, operators, and designers of pressure-containing equipment for developing and implementing an inspection program. These guidelines include means for assessing an inspection program and its plan. The approach emphasizes safe and reliable operation through risk-prioritized inspection.
A spectrum of complementary risk analysis approaches (qualitative through fully quantitative) can be considered as part of the inspection planning process. RBI guideline issues covered include an introduction to the concepts and principles of RBI for risk management; and individual sections that describe the steps in applying these principles within the framework of the RBI process.
The use of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodologies for inspection planning is not compulsory. The use of RBI is entirely optional, subject to the requirements and limitations of the other inspection codes (such as API 510, API 570, and API 653). This recommended practice (RP) contains the requirements and expectations required to establish and maintain an API 580 compliant RBI program.
RBI is a systematic process that begins with identification of facilities or equipment, continues with a determination of risk (via probability of failure and consequence of failure analysis). The process culminates in the creation of a riskbased management plan based on the credible damage mechanism(s) and the risk of failure. Owner-operators may utilize this output to prioritize the execution of the inspection programs effectively and efficiently. For the purposes of this document, RBI is synonymous with descriptions of other RBI programs used in the industry: risk-prioritized inspection, risk-informed inspection, and inspection planning using risk-based methods.
