API 580 Risk Based Inspection Practice Test

Which of the following is considered an external event in risk assessment?

1. Equipment failure

2. Pinhole leak

3. Sabotage

4. Operator error

The correct answer is: Sabotage

In risk assessment, external events refer to incidents that arise from outside the immediate operational environment and are typically beyond the control of the organization. Sabotage fits this definition perfectly, as it involves deliberate actions taken by individuals or groups that disrupt normal operations or cause harm. These actions are not attributable to the regular functionality or management of processes within the facility. Equipment failure, pinhole leaks, and operator error all stem from internal factors related to equipment performance, system design, or human action. Each of these items can be managed, mitigated, or controlled through maintenance, training, and operational procedures, placing them firmly within the scope of internal operational risks rather than external events. Therefore, sabotage stands out as the correct answer in this context as it is an external event that poses a distinct set of risks requiring different assessment and mitigation strategies.