# Risk-based inspection (RBI)

> Risk-based inspection (RBI) is a methodology, described in API RP 580 and quantified in API RP 581, that prioritises inspection effort and sets intervals according to each equipment item's probability of failure and the consequence of that failure.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/risk-based-inspection/
- Type: Glossary
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Tags: asset integrity

## Key facts

- Risk = probability of failure x consequence of failure; high-risk items get more frequent or more effective inspection
- Inputs: damage mechanisms, corrosion rates, inspection history and effectiveness, process conditions
- Outputs: inspection plans with methods, coverage and due dates per item
- Depends on reliable inspection history, which is why data quality matters

Also known as: RBI, API 580, API 581.

## Why it matters to inspection companies

RBI programs generate the inspection plans that asset owners contract out, and they consume the results: the effectiveness and findings of each inspection feed the next assessment. Reports must be findable per asset and comparable over time.

## RBI data in AMPS

In AMPS every asset and job carries a QR code. Scanning it opens the asset page and the history of jobs performed on it, assets can hold sub-assets, and jobs can be grouped, for example per shutdown. All AMPS data is available to Power BI, which is how customers compare job or shutdown performance, costs and time allocation.

## Related pages

- [Inspection interval](https://amps.global/glossary/inspection-interval/)
- [Asset integrity management](https://amps.global/glossary/asset-integrity-management/)
- [Ultrasonic thickness gauging](https://amps.global/glossary/ultrasonic-thickness-gauging/)

## Sources

- [Risk-based inspection on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk-based_inspection)
- [API - American Petroleum Institute standards](https://www.api.org/products-and-services/standards)