Textual note taken from API on April 4, 2024

The American Petroleum Institute is pleased to announce the release of the fifth editions of API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems; and Recommended Practice 574 (RP 574), Inspection Practices for Piping System Components, two foundational standards for safeguarding piping systems used in the global refining and petrochemical industries. These updated standards enhance the safety and integrity of piping systems, thereby increasing protection of our workforce and neighboring communities.

Significant Updates and Changes

The new edition of API 570 details the requirements for the inspection, rating, repair and alteration of in-service metallic piping systems and their pressure relieving devices. It offers numerous changes from earlier editions, including defining the role and responsibilities of an Inspection Supervisor; strengthening the requirements for the inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of pressure relief devices; and introducing recommendations and requirements on the review of inspection repair recommendations and the deferral of inspection repair recommendation due dates.

Complementing API 570, RP 574 equips piping inspectors with the essential knowledge of industry practices for the inspection of pipes, valves (other than control valves) and fittings. This new edition provides additional guidance on selecting inspection activities, locations for inspection, and stainless steel tubing in chloride service. It also provides the latest guidance on the evaluation of inspection results, the determination of follow-up actions, using fitness-for-service, the rerating of piping systems, repairs and alterations, and repairing pipe damage.

In an effort to achieve broad industry consistency in piping inspections, API’s Individual Certification Program (ICP) offers a professional certification program for piping inspectors utilizing API 570 and RP 574. The certification program helps the industry achieve broad alignment in piping inspections through the consistent application of inspection protocols and qualifications. This ultimately improves safety, enhances equipment reliability, boosts operating efficiency, increases personnel safety and promotes operational process safety.

Additionally, both API 570 and RP 574 are integral to API’s Process Safety Site Assessment Program (PSSAP®), directing the industry’s continuous improvement in process safety management practices specific to piping and critical check valves. By leveraging insights from industry experiences and analyses, the new editions of these standards offer relevant guidance for addressing some of the industry’s continuously evolving process safety needs.

Continuous Improvement Boosts Safety

The release of these updated standards reaffirms API’s commitment to continually improve operational integrity and safety across the natural gas and oil industry. For piping inspections, this includes developing the most consistent, efficient and safest inspection outcomes.