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

Section 5.3.5 of API 580 explains the nature of semi-quantitative RBI analysis:

“Semi-quantitative… is geared to obtain the major benefits of the previous two approaches (e.g. speed of the qualitative and rigor of the quantitative)… The results are usually given in consequence and probabilitycategories or as risk numbers, but numerical values may be associated with each category to permit the calculation of risk and the application of appropriate risk acceptance criteria.”

Therefore, semi-quantitative assessments often produce risk values in a numeric format, allowing comparative decision-making. This distinguishes them from purely qualitative assessments that rely on subjective categories like “High/Medium/Low.”

API 580 outlines the required contents of an inspection plan in Section 12.3 and also in the "Output" section:

“The RBI inspection plan should include:

b) inspection methods that should be used;

c) extent of inspection (percent of total area to be examined or specific locations);

d) inspection interval or next inspection date (timing).”​

Therefore, "examination methods to be used" is a fundamental part of the inspection plan, as explicitly stated. Probability and consequence of failure are inputs to the risk analysis but not part of the inspection plan structure itself.

As stated in Section 11.4 of API 580:

“Sensitivity analysis typically involves reviewing some or all input variables to the risk calculation to determine the overall influence on the resultant risk value.”

This process helps identify which input variables most significantly affect the final risk values. Such variables are prioritized for validation and refinement to improve the quality of the analysis.