API 580 Risk Based Inspection Practice Test

Which of the following is a tip for identifying credible damage mechanisms?

1. Review equipment design

2. Inspect only the external features

3. Focus solely on operator training

4. Ignore past damage mechanisms

The correct answer is: Review equipment design

Identifying credible damage mechanisms is crucial in risk-based inspection (RBI), and reviewing equipment design plays a vital role in this process. Equipment design inherently reflects the intended use, operating conditions, materials involved, and potential vulnerabilities. By understanding how a piece of equipment is designed and how it operates, inspectors can more accurately assess which damage mechanisms are most likely to occur. The design may highlight features susceptible to specific types of damage, such as corrosion, fatigue, or wear, depending on factors like environmental conditions and stress levels. Furthermore, this understanding can guide inspectors to prioritize inspection efforts on areas of the equipment that are more likely to experience issues based on their design. In contrast, inspecting only external features limits the understanding of potential internal damage, focusing solely on operator training does not provide insights into the physical condition of the equipment, and ignoring past damage mechanisms disregards valuable historical data that can inform current risk assessments. Collectively, these factors underscore the importance of a comprehensive review of equipment design when assessing credible damage mechanisms in the context of RBI.