Mahar Diana Hamid

Implementing risk-based inspection approach: Is it beneficial for pressure equipment in Malaysia industries?

The transition from time‐based inspection to risk–based inspection (RBI) in Malaysian industry began in June 2014 with the gazette of Factories and Machinery (Special Scheme of Inspection) (Risk‐Based Inspection) Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014). Under the new regulations, owners shall express their commitment and provide proof of their ability to ensure safety, integrity, and operability of relevant equipment. The regulation does not prescriptively mention methods to implement the RBI approach, but does spell out minimum requirements. Upon successful demonstration of compliance to the authority, the Certificate of Fitness of pressurized equipment may be extended to maximum 72 months.

Critical success factors of risk-based inspection

Risk‐based inspection (RBI) is a tool which helps ensure safe and economically viable operation. To benefit from an RBI system, the factors that affect its implementation need to be studied. This research focuses on identifying and ranking the critical success factors (CSFs) of RBI. Based on the literature review of RBI, an initial list of 28 potential CSFs was identified and complied. These CSFs were then grouped into eight factor headings according to RBI/RBM, RBIM and risk assessment process. A survey was conducted to assess and prioritizes the degree of influence of those success factors on RBI systems, while determining whether these CSFs do indeed play a critical role in the successful implementation of RBI systems as perceived by the respondents. Samples were collected to confirm the identified CSFs. The findings show that the most influential factor is “Data Collection,” and while “RBI Estimation” is the most critical factor heading in the implementation of RBI. Additionally, the findings also show that all CSFs identified are critical and relevant for Malaysian industries.