API SIFE (Source Inspector Fixed Equipment) QUIZ

ANSWERS
HOW DID YOU DO?

Qu1. What actually is source inspection?

According to API definitions, Source Inspection is the same as;

a) Quality control
b) Quality surveillance
c) Quality assurance
d) Quality management

Answer (b) According to the API SIFE Guidebook, the SI does not actually operate or control the manufacturer’s quality system. The SI role is just to keep it under surveillance to see if it is working properly

Qu2. What does a source inspector (SI) do?

When working on a source inspection contract it is the job of the SI to determine;

a) Whether purchased equipment is ‘fit for purpose’
b) Whether the Inspection Plan is correct
c) Whether purchased equipment meets contractual terms and conditions
d) All of the above

Answer (c) From SIFE Guidebook Ch 1. The SI does not write the Inspection Plan and is not in a position to confirm whether equipment is ‘fit for purpose’. If you guessed (d) as the answer you are underestimating the level of the SIFE Certification programme and need to think a bit harder.

Qu 3. More on SI responsibilities

When working on a source inspection contract the SI is generally not responsible for;

a) Reporting on fabrication status
b) Verfying evidence that S/V fabrication personnel are properly trained
c) Slippage of milestone progress
d) Monitoring delivery of project-specific equipment

Answer (b) SIFE Guidebook (8.2.8 and 8.3.2). That’s what it says.

Qu 4. SI responsibilities for meetings

When equipment has been ordered from a manufacturing shop, the appointed SI;

a) Shall participate in the pre-inspection meeting
b) Does not have to participate in the pre-purchase meeting
c) Shall participate in the pre-purchase meeting
d) Shall participate in both pre-purchase and pre-production meeting

Answer (b) SIFE Guidebook (8.4.2). Don’t confuse the pre-purchase meeting with the pre-inspection meeting, which is a different thing. Note that in API-speak, the word shall is interpreted as must.

Qu 5. A technical question about SI responsibilities

Before witnessing a hydraulic pressure test at the manufacturer’s premises, it is the SI’s responsibility to check;

a) That a pressure relief device (PRD) is fitted to prevent over-pressurisation
b) That safety barriers are in place at least 60 feet (18.3m) from the test location and that all personnel nearby have been informed
c) That a correctly designed PRV is fitted and that test has been witnessed by an authority
d) All of the above

Answer (a) Direct quote from SIFE Guide (9.7.2.1) The SI is an inspector; not an expert on the sizing of PRDs or safety distances for pressure testing. If you guessed (d)again you still haven’t got the message.

5-MINUTE COACHING

The role of the API Source Inspector (SI)

Like it or not, API have very specific ideas on what they consider the role of the API Source Inspector to be. Their Study Guide for Source Inspection document sets this out in detail, along with those of the other parties involved in the manufacturing process and purchase contract. The prescribed role of the SI may not necessarily be the same as your own experience of working on inspection contracts. It is important not to get it confused with the ASME AI (Authorised Inspector) role in the USA or that of the NoBo (Notified Body) inspector prescribed under the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) or other regulatory programmes.

Remember however that the API SIFE Certification exam (and its sister programme for rotating equipment (SIRE) are all based around API’s view of the world and what is written in the Guide document.

See our short slide presentation covering this topic