In jurisdictions that permit the application of the API Inspection Codes and standards

In regions where API Inspection Codes (e.g., API 510, API 570) are recognized and applied, Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is explicitly sanctioned as an acceptable approach for establishing inspection plans. These codes permit owner-users to use RBI to determine appropriate inspection intervals, scope, and methods. API 580 provides the formal methodology for conducting the RBI assessment that underpins these inspection plans. This allows for a more focused, efficient, and effective inspection program based on a documented understanding of equipment risk, rather than relying solely on prescriptive, time-based intervals.

B. RCM (Reliability Centered Maintenance) is a methodology for setting maintenance tasks and plans, not primarily for setting pressure equipment inspection plans.
C. PHA (Process Hazard Analysis) is a systematic method to identify and evaluate process hazards; it informs risk assessments but is not a method for setting inspection plans.

1. API Recommended Practice 580, Risk-Based Inspection, 3rd Edition, February 2016, Section 4.2, Paragraph 1: "In jurisdictions that permit the application of the API Inspection Codes and standards, RBI should be an acceptable method for setting inspection plans."

2. API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code, 10th Edition, May 2014, Section 6.2.1: "The owner/user has the option to establish inspection intervals for a pressure vessel inspection using RBI assessment."

3. API 570, Piping Inspection Code, 4th Edition, February 2016, Section 6.2.1: "The owner-user has the option to establish inspection intervals for piping circuit inspections using RBI assessments."