API 580 Risk Based Inspection Practice Test

What type of change should trigger a reassessment of risk in RBI?

1. Changes in external market trends

2. Changes in process and hardware

3. Changes in personnel salaries

4. Changes in product inventory

The correct answer is: Changes in process and hardware

The correct answer pertains to the necessity of a reassessment of risk when there are changes in process and hardware. In Risk-Based Inspection (RBI), the core principle is to evaluate the risk associated with facilities and equipment in terms of their integrity and the potential consequences of failure. When changes are made to processes or hardware, such alterations can significantly impact the operating conditions, pressures, temperatures, and overall safety of the system. For example, if a new material is introduced, or if the operational conditions are modified—such as increased pressure or temperature—these adjustments could lead to new failure mechanisms or alter the existing ones, warranting a fresh evaluation of the risks involved. This ensures that the inspection and maintenance strategies remain relevant and effective under the new conditions, avoiding any potential oversight that could lead to failure. Changes in external market trends, personnel salaries, or product inventory might influence various business decisions or operational aspects, but they do not directly alter the physical or chemical environment of the equipment. Therefore, while these factors are important from a broader operational or financial perspective, they do not trigger the necessity for a reassessment of risk within the context of RBI, which is focused on the integrity and safety of the equipment.