API 580 Sample Flashcards
Test your API 580 knowledge with 10 interactive flashcards. It’s the same practice-style learning you’ll get in the I4I Academy flashcard bank—click a card to reveal the answer and the relevant API 580 section reference, so you can confirm the requirement and learn faster. Click again to flip it back and keep reviewing the key concepts until they stick.
API 580 Training Course Interactive Flashcards Samples
Click a card to reveal the answer + API 580 references . Click again to flip back.
Flashcard 1 • Precision vs Data Quality
A tool gives “precise” numeric risk… can you trust it?
Your RBI software outputs consistent numeric risk values, but you suspect input data may be unreliable.
What two concepts must you apply to avoid being misled, and what program step is required?
Answer: Separate precision vs accuracy (precise results can still be inaccurate if inputs are biased/wrong), and require data validation / data quality control as essential to avoid misleading results.
Ref: API 580 5.3 & 8.3
Flashcard 2 • Operating Boundaries + DMR
Operating boundaries that MUST be considered in DMR
You’re defining operating boundaries for RBI and building DMR inputs. Which operating conditions must be
evaluated for all equipment , and how must DMR process-condition information reflect that?
Answer: Evaluate start-up and shutdown conditions for all equipment; and in the DMR include all process conditions (start-up, shutdown, idle, anticipated abnormal/upset/cyclic) plus trends/contaminants and operating history.
Ref: API 580 6.4.2 , 6.4.3 & 9.1
Flashcard 3 • POF Logic + Inspection Effectiveness
The “two pillars” of POF (and the trap teams miss)
In API 580, what are the two main considerations that determine POF, and what must you do about
past inspection effectiveness before trusting deterioration projections?
Answer: POF is driven by (1) credible damage mechanisms + degradation rates from the operating environment, and (2) the ability to repair/replace before failure (via inspection/maintenance/monitoring). You must explicitly evaluate how effective past inspections were at detecting/quantifying the credible damage mechanisms.
Ref: API 580 10.4.1 & 10.4.2
Flashcard 4 • Risk Escalation + COF Drivers
After loss of containment: how risk “escalates”
After an initiating leak, what factors can escalate the consequence scenario probability, and how do
flammable event factors connect to that escalation logic?
Answer: After LOC, scenario probability may escalate based on additional events such as safeguard failure/ineffectiveness and ignition-related progression; probabilities generally decrease as severity increases. Flammable-event COF depends on leak + ignition and engineered safeguards—these connect to escalation paths.
Ref: API 580 12.2 & 11.5.2
Flashcard 5 • Thresholds → Risk Management Actions
Unacceptable risk… what happens NEXT?
Once risk is compared to thresholds, what does API 580 say about risks that aren’t practical to reduce further,
and what process begins immediately after thresholds are established?
Answer: Some risks may not be practical to reduce due to technology/cost, requiring an ALARP-type approach. After thresholds are established, the risk management process begins.
Ref: API 580 12.7 & 13.1
Flashcard 6 • When Inspection is NOT Enough
Name situations where inspection can’t manage risk alone
Identify at least two cases where risk may not be adequately managed by inspection alone, and what
additional program is highlighted when short-term operating changes drive damage too fast.
Answer: Examples include instantaneous failures (e.g., brittle fracture), event-driven failures, and end-of-life with established corrosion rates. API 580 highlights the need for a comprehensive IOW program tied to RBI updating.
Ref: API 580 13.2.1 , 13.3 & 5.8.5
Flashcard 7 • Evergreening Triggers
IOW deviations happen—what must the RBI program do?
When IOW limits are exceeded or new process information appears, what updating approach applies at the
equipment/component level, and what must the RBI management system include regarding triggers?
Answer: Apply evergreening —continuous updating of RBI/inspection plans as changes occur (including IOW exceedances). The program documentation must include procedures and triggers for updating .
Ref: API 580 15.1.1 , 16.1 & 5.8.5
Flashcard 8 • Utilities/Off-Plot + Boundaries
When utilities/off-plot systems SHOULD be included
A facility wants RBI to cover utilities/emergency/off-plot systems. Under what objective is this justified,
and what must be documented so the scope is defensible and reproducible?
Answer: Include them when the objective is overall optimization and when environmental/business COF are included. Document physical boundaries and scope/boundary limits.
Ref: API 580 6.3.7 , 6.3.2 & 16.1
Flashcard 9 • Assumptions + Credibility
The danger of “conservative” assumptions
API 580 warns about overly conservative assumptions. What problem can they create, and what must the team
leader ensure about assumptions and documentation?
Answer: Overly conservative assumptions can cause a lack of credibility . Ensure assumptions are logical, consistent, documented and supported by appropriate validity/quality checks.
Ref: API 580 12.5 & 7.2.1
Flashcard 10 • Re-creatable RBI
What must be captured so others can recreate RBI later?
What must the RBI assessment documentation capture so others can recreate/update it later, and what storage
approach is preferable to enable this?
Answer: Capture inputs/sources, assumptions, and risk results (POF/COF), with enough detail that others can recreate/update the assessment. Prefer storing in a computerized database .
Ref: API 580 16.2 & 16.4
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