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API SIRE practice questions

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Question 1Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which statement defines a hold point in an inspection and test plan?

  1. A stage performed solely by the supplier's quality manager
  2. A stage that is reviewed only once, at final acceptance of the item
  3. A stage that requires documented inspector acceptance before the work may proceed Correct answer.
  4. A stage where the supplier notifies the inspector but production may continue if the inspector does not attend

Explanation

A hold point is a designated stage in the inspection and test plan where the item cannot advance until the inspector has performed the required activity and recorded acceptance. It protects the purchaser from losing the opportunity to inspect work that will later be concealed. Work may resume only after documented release.

Question 2Inspection Planning and Preparation

At a witness point, what is the inspector's obligation?

  1. Attend if notified; work may proceed without attendance Correct answer.
  2. Perform 100% dimensional verification of the item
  3. Audit the supplier's calibration records for every instrument used during the stage
  4. Sign off before any subsequent fabrication begins

Explanation

At a witness point the inspector is notified in advance and has the right to attend, but the supplier may continue if the inspector declines or does not appear. The point is a scheduled opportunity rather than a barrier. Only a hold point stops the work.

Question 3Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which is the primary purpose of a pre-inspection meeting?

  1. To negotiate the purchase price and delivery schedule of the order
  2. To perform the final hydrostatic pressure test on the completed item
  3. To agree inspection scope and communication before work begins Correct answer.
  4. To issue the certificate of conformance to the purchaser

Explanation

The pre-inspection meeting aligns the purchaser, inspector and supplier on scope, inspection and test plan points, notification rules, document formats and communication channels before work starts. It reduces later disputes about who must attend which stage and how results are recorded.

Question 4Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before placing an order for critical pressure-retaining castings, an inspector is asked to visit a new foundry. What is the main purpose of this pre-award survey?

  1. To assess the foundry's quality system and capability before award Correct answer.
  2. To sign the certificate of conformance for the castings
  3. To witness the final hydrostatic test of the castings
  4. To negotiate the delivery schedule with the foundry's sales team

Explanation

A pre-award or capability survey evaluates whether a prospective supplier has the facilities, qualified personnel, procedures and quality system needed to meet the specification. It takes place before the order is placed and does not involve accepting finished product.

Question 5Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which document set must the inspector have available before starting surveillance at the supplier's shop?

  1. The purchase order, approved drawings, and the approved ITP Correct answer.
  2. The supplier's equipment maintenance log covering the previous twelve months
  3. The purchaser's marketing brochure for the product
  4. The supplier's internal payroll and shift rosters

Explanation

Inspection must be performed against a defined requirement and a defined plan. The purchase order establishes the contractual requirement, the approved drawings define the configuration, and the approved inspection and test plan establishes where and how compliance will be verified.

Question 6Inspection Planning and Preparation

When a purchase order, a referenced industry standard, and a supplier's drawing disagree, which document generally governs?

  1. The industry standard, because it was published by an accredited consensus body
  2. Whichever document the inspector considers most technically sound
  3. The purchase order, unless it names another governing document Correct answer.
  4. The supplier's drawing, because it reflects the fabricator's current shop practice

Explanation

The purchase order is the controlling contract document. Documents it references, such as industry standards and drawings, apply as incorporated terms, but an explicit precedence clause in the order or contract decides which document prevails when conflicts arise.

Question 7Inspection Planning and Preparation

An inspector is reviewing mill test reports for pressure-retaining plate. Which check is most important?

  1. Confirm the report was printed on the supplier's letterhead paper
  2. Confirm the report lists the rolling mill's annual production total
  3. Confirm the report has been translated into the local language
  4. Confirm heat numbers match the marking on the received plate Correct answer.

Explanation

Heat number traceability links the delivered product to the reported chemistry and mechanical results. Without a match between the marking on the plate and the report, the mill certificate proves nothing about the material actually received.

Question 8Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which item should the inspector verify before accepting radiography performed by a subcontractor?

  1. That the radiographer's certification is current for the method and level Correct answer.
  2. That the radiographer holds a commercial driver licence
  3. That the radiographer owns the exposure equipment personally
  4. That the radiographer has been employed at the fabrication shop for over ten years

Explanation

Non-destructive examination results are only meaningful when the technique is performed by personnel certified to the applicable level for that method. The inspector verifies certification, its scope and its validity before relying on the subcontractor's results.

Question 9Inspection Planning and Preparation

How should the inspector treat a torque wrench whose calibration certificate expired two weeks ago?

  1. Recalibrate it against a similar wrench in the shop
  2. Accept it provided the previous calibration certificate showed no measurable drift
  3. Accept it for non-safety-related bolting only
  4. Reject it for inspection use until it is recalibrated Correct answer.

Explanation

Measurements taken with an instrument outside its calibration interval are not traceable and cannot be used for acceptance. The instrument must be withdrawn from inspection service and recalibrated before its readings are relied upon.

Question 10Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before welding begins on a pressure vessel, what should the inspector confirm about the welding procedure specification?

  1. It has been reviewed by the purchaser's legal department
  2. It was written by the welder who will perform the production weld
  3. It specifies the maximum travel speed the shop can achieve
  4. It is supported by a qualified PQR and has been approved Correct answer.

Explanation

Production welding must follow a written procedure that has been qualified by testing, normally documented in a procedure qualification record. The inspector confirms the procedure specification is qualified, approved and applicable to the joint being made.

Question 11Inspection Planning and Preparation

A carbon steel vessel is to be post-weld heat treated. Which planning item most directly affects whether post-weld heat treatment can be waived?

  1. The colour of the paint applied after hydrotest
  2. The number of welders employed by the fabricator
  3. The delivery date promised to the end user in the purchase order
  4. The impact-testing exemption and chemistry limits permitted by the code Correct answer.

Explanation

Most codes permit post-weld heat treatment to be waived or deferred only when thickness, chemistry such as carbon equivalent, and impact-testing requirements fall within defined exemption limits. Planning therefore depends on the material certification and the applicable code exemptions, not on commercial factors.

Question 12Inspection Planning and Preparation

During planning of a hydrostatic test, which detail must be agreed before the test is witnessed?

  1. The colour coding of the test manifold hoses
  2. The name of the clerk who will type the final test certificate
  3. The test pressure, hold time, water quality, and gauge calibration Correct answer.
  4. The number of visitors allowed in the test bay

Explanation

Test pressure, hold time, water quality and gauge calibration determine whether the hydrostatic test is valid and whether its results can be accepted. These parameters must be agreed and documented before the test is witnessed.

Question 13Inspection Planning and Preparation

A large lot of identical fittings is offered for dimensional inspection under a sampling plan. What does the acceptance number define?

  1. The time allowed for the inspector to complete the sample
  2. The maximum nonconforming items permitted for lot acceptance Correct answer.
  3. The number of items the inspector must measure in the sample
  4. The percentage of the lot that must be scrapped after rejection

Explanation

In acceptance sampling, the acceptance number is the largest number of nonconforming units allowed in the sample for the lot to be accepted. The sample size and the rejection number are separate elements of the same plan and must not be confused with it.

Question 14Inspection Planning and Preparation

How does surveillance differ from a witness point?

  1. Surveillance is unscheduled observation and does not stop the work Correct answer.
  2. Surveillance replaces the need for a documented inspection and test plan
  3. Surveillance applies only to the final acceptance pressure test
  4. Surveillance requires signed inspector approval before work may continue

Explanation

Surveillance is unscheduled observation of work in progress; it does not require notification and does not halt production. A witness point, by contrast, is a scheduled notification tied to a specific stage in the inspection and test plan.

Question 15Inspection Planning and Preparation

Castings are bought from a sub-supplier and incorporated into the assembly. What should the inspection plan include?

  1. A full re-melt of one casting from every shipment
  2. Verification of the sub-supplier's inspection status and receipt checks Correct answer.
  3. Destructive testing of every casting received
  4. No additional checks because the sub-supplier stamps its logo on each casting

Explanation

Purchased components carry their own inspection history, and the final product depends on that history. The plan should require checks of the sub-supplier's inspection status and of the receiving verification performed at the fabricator.

Question 16Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before entering a confined space at the supplier's plant to perform an internal inspection, the inspector must:

  1. follow the site's entry permit, gas-test, and standby procedures Correct answer.
  2. carry a personal torch and work alone to save time
  3. rely on the supplier's verbal assurance that the space was purged
  4. open all adjacent valves to improve ventilation inside the space

Explanation

Confined space entry is controlled by a permit system that includes atmospheric testing, isolation, ventilation and a standby attendant. The inspector follows the host site's procedures and never relies on informal assurances.

Question 17Inspection Planning and Preparation

A weld is found with porosity exceeding the acceptance criteria. What is the correct first action?

  1. Accept the weld if the vessel will not see cyclic service
  2. Record it in the daily log and continue with the next item
  3. Issue a nonconformance report and hold the item for disposition Correct answer.
  4. Ask the welder to grind the surface and re-inspect the area later

Explanation

A defect that exceeds the acceptance criteria means the item does not conform and must be controlled. A nonconformance report records the condition and routes it to the responsible engineering authority for disposition such as repair, rework or rejection.

Question 18Inspection Planning and Preparation

The supplier issues a new revision of the inspection and test plan shortly before shipment. What must the inspector do?

  1. Sign the new revision at the end of the job without reviewing the changes
  2. Obtain purchaser approval of the revision before accepting its sign-offs Correct answer.
  3. Continue using the earlier revision until the project is complete
  4. Accept the latest revision because later revisions always supersede earlier ones

Explanation

The inspection and test plan is a controlled document, and sign-offs are only valid against the revision approved by the purchaser. Changes to hold or witness points alter the inspection scope, so the revision must be reviewed and approved before it is used.

Question 19Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which set of documents is normally needed before the inspector recommends release for shipment?

  1. Completed inspection records, test reports, and conformance certificate Correct answer.
  2. The supplier's advertising copy and sales invoices
  3. The end user's operating manual and spare parts list
  4. Copies of the fabricator's staff training plan for the year

Explanation

Release for shipment requires evidence that all planned inspections and tests have been completed and accepted, together with the certificate of conformance. Without completed records there is no basis on which to recommend release.

Question 20Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which item belongs in the pre-shipment inspection checklist for coated carbon steel pipe?

  1. Coating thickness readings and freedom from visible damage Correct answer.
  2. Number of spare gaskets held in the shop store
  3. Seniority of the coating applicator within the shop's painting crew
  4. Colour of the shipping container's exterior paint

Explanation

Coating condition and thickness determine whether the corrosion protection meets the specification. Visible damage and low thickness readings must be identified before shipment so that repairs are completed at the shop rather than in the field.

Question 21Inspection Planning and Preparation

An inspector is offered a paid weekend job by the supplier whose work is being inspected. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Accept, provided the work is done outside normal inspection hours
  2. Accept, provided the supplier pays in cash rather than by transfer
  3. Accept only if the inspector's manager is told afterwards
  4. Decline, because it creates a conflict of interest Correct answer.

Explanation

Accepting paid work from a supplier under inspection compromises independence and creates at least the appearance of favouritism. The inspector declines such offers and discloses any potential conflict to the employer.

Question 22Inspection Planning and Preparation

A low-pressure, non-corrosive water service valve is ordered in a large quantity. How should the inspection level normally be set?

  1. At the highest level, because all valves are pressure-retaining
  2. By risk, with reduced surveillance for low-consequence items Correct answer.
  3. Identically to sour-service valves to keep procedures uniform
  4. By the supplier, since only the supplier knows the process capability

Explanation

Inspection effort is allocated according to risk: consequences of failure, service conditions, complexity and the supplier's history. Low-consequence, high-volume items normally receive reduced surveillance compared with critical service components.

Question 23Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which entry is essential in the inspector's daily surveillance report?

  1. A summary of the supplier's annual financial results
  2. The inspector's personal travel expense claims for the week
  3. Work observed, documents reviewed, and deviations found Correct answer.
  4. The weather forecast for the remainder of the project

Explanation

The report must allow a third party to reconstruct what was inspected, against which documents, and what problems were found. Personal and unrelated information does not belong in an inspection record.

Question 24Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before travelling to a supplier for the first inspection visit, the inspector should confirm that:

  1. the shipping documents have been signed by the end user
  2. the supplier has already completed all fabrication
  3. the purchase order has been cancelled by the buyer
  4. the ITP is approved and the first hold point is reached Correct answer.

Explanation

A visit is efficient only when the controlling documents are approved and the supplier is at or near the stage to be inspected. Confirming readiness prevents wasted travel and missed hold points that cannot be recovered later.

Question 25Inspection Planning and Preparation

During fabrication the supplier requests substitution of an alternative material. What is the inspector's proper role?

  1. Reject all substitutions as a matter of standing policy
  2. Approve it if the substitute has a higher yield strength
  3. Approve it if the substitute is cheaper and available sooner
  4. Refer the request to the purchaser for engineering approval before use Correct answer.

Explanation

Material substitution changes the design basis and requires engineering evaluation by the purchaser. The inspector verifies and reports the condition but does not grant design changes, regardless of the apparent merit of the substitute.

Question 26Inspection Planning and Preparation

What is the main purpose of a pre-inspection meeting held before fabrication begins?

  1. To agree on inspection points, document submittals, access, and reporting Correct answer.
  2. To witness the hydrostatic test at the end of production
  3. To carry out the final dimensional check of the finished product
  4. To negotiate the final price of the purchase order

Explanation

A pre-inspection meeting aligns the inspector and supplier on the inspection and test plan, hold and witness points, required documents, site access, and communication before work starts. Price negotiation, final dimensional checks, and end-of-production testing are outside this planning meeting.

Question 27Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which entry is essential in an inspection and test plan (ITP)?

  1. The characteristic, acceptance criteria, and inspection method Correct answer.
  2. The supplier's profit margin for each production batch
  3. The advertising brochure for the finished product
  4. The names of the supplier's shareholders and bankers

Explanation

An ITP identifies what will be inspected, the acceptance criteria, the inspection method, the stage of work, and the responsible party. Financial, ownership, and promotional information does not define inspection requirements.

Question 28Inspection Planning and Preparation

In an inspection and test plan, a hold point requires the supplier to:

  1. defer all inspection of that activity until final shipment
  2. continue work while notifying the inspector afterward
  3. stop the activity and obtain documented acceptance before proceeding Correct answer.
  4. invite the inspector only if the inspector is available

Explanation

A hold point is a mandatory stop in the inspection plan: the supplier may not proceed until the required inspection has been performed and documented acceptance is obtained. A witness point, by contrast, allows work to continue if the inspector does not attend.

Question 29Inspection Planning and Preparation

At a witness point, which statement is correct?

  1. The activity is reviewed only after the product is shipped
  2. The inspector must perform the test personally
  3. The supplier must stop work until the inspector signs off
  4. The supplier notifies the inspector but may proceed without attendance Correct answer.

Explanation

A witness point requires timely notification so the inspector can observe the activity if available, but it does not stop production when the inspector is absent. The supplier's own inspection records still must demonstrate conformity.

Question 30Inspection Planning and Preparation

Which document normally establishes the specific inspection and test requirements for a purchase order?

  1. The inspector's checklist from a previous project
  2. The shipping release note issued at dispatch
  3. The supplier's internal quality manual alone
  4. The purchase order and the specifications it references Correct answer.

Explanation

The purchase order, together with the codes, standards, drawings, and specifications it references, defines the contractual inspection and test requirements. The supplier's internal manual may describe the quality system but does not by itself set the order-specific acceptance requirements.

Question 31Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before performing code-required visual inspection of pressure-retaining welds, the inspector should hold:

  1. A qualification or certification recognized for the applicable code and scope Correct answer.
  2. A purchase requisition signed by the shipper
  3. A commercial driver's license valid in the supplier's region
  4. A notarized letter from the raw material supplier

Explanation

Code-required inspection work must be performed by personnel whose qualification or certification is recognized for the applicable code and scope. Licenses, requisitions, and supplier letters do not establish inspection competence.

Question 32Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before using a dimensional gauge for acceptance measurements, the inspector should confirm that the gauge is:

  1. the least expensive instrument available in the shop
  2. calibrated with current, traceable records Correct answer.
  3. manufactured in the same country as the product
  4. used by the supplier for at least one year

Explanation

Acceptance measurements require an instrument whose calibration is current and traceable to a recognized standard, and whose resolution and accuracy suit the tolerance. Cost, country of manufacture, and prior use time do not establish measurement validity.

Question 33Inspection Planning and Preparation

When planning a shop-floor inspection visit, the inspector's first safety step is to:

  1. review the supplier's site safety rules and required PPE Correct answer.
  2. begin measuring without notifying shop personnel
  3. disable machine guards to improve access
  4. enter restricted areas alone to save time

Explanation

Inspectors must follow the host site's safety requirements, including permits, PPE, restricted-area rules, and emergency arrangements. Starting work without notification or bypassing guards creates unacceptable risk.

Question 34Inspection Planning and Preparation

A lot of 5,000 identical fasteners is offered for dimensional inspection under ISO 2859-1, inspection level II, normal, AQL 1.0. What must the inspector determine first?

  1. The supplier's annual sales volume for fasteners
  2. The lot size code letter and the corresponding sample size Correct answer.
  3. The number of employees in the shipping department
  4. The color and style of the packaging cartons

Explanation

Under ISO 2859-1, the lot size determines the code letter, and the code letter together with the inspection level determines the sample size. The AQL then sets the acceptance and rejection numbers for the sample.

Question 35Inspection Planning and Preparation

For a newly forged component, when is a first article inspection most appropriate?

  1. Only after a customer complaint is received
  2. Before or at the start of production to verify the process Correct answer.
  3. Only after all production units have been shipped
  4. After the warranty period has expired

Explanation

First article inspection verifies that the manufacturing process can produce a component meeting all requirements before full production proceeds. It is a preventive planning activity, not a post-shipment or complaint-driven check.

Question 36Inspection Planning and Preparation

A vessel shell plate arrives at the fabricator. To maintain material traceability, the inspector should confirm that:

  1. the mill certificate is discarded after a quick review
  2. the plate is painted before any identification is applied
  3. the heat number matches the mill certificate and is recorded Correct answer.
  4. the plate is stored outdoors without tags or markings

Explanation

Traceability requires that the heat number or other unique identifier on the material match the mill certificate and be recorded in the material map or traceability record. Identification must remain visible or be transferred in a controlled way.

Question 37Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before non-destructive examination begins, the inspector should verify that the NDE procedure is:

  1. written in a language only the inspector understands
  2. written personally by the inspector for this job
  3. approved to the code and suited to the technique Correct answer.
  4. kept confidential from the supplier's NDE personnel

Explanation

The NDE procedure must be approved to the applicable code or specification and must be appropriate for the material, geometry, and technique being used. The personnel performing the examination also need access to the controlled procedure.

Question 38Inspection Planning and Preparation

A new welder is assigned to a pressure-retaining joint. What should the inspector confirm during planning?

  1. The welder's qualification covers the process, position, and thickness range Correct answer.
  2. The welder has never received a visual rejection
  3. The welder has the longest tenure in the fabrication shop
  4. The welder personally owns the welding machine

Explanation

Welder qualification must cover the welding process, position, material group, and thickness range for the joint being made. Seniority, equipment ownership, and an unblemished personal history do not establish qualification.

Question 39Inspection Planning and Preparation

For a protective coating system, which planning detail must be confirmed before application?

  1. The supplier's overtime schedule for the coating crew
  2. The required surface preparation grade and environmental limits Correct answer.
  3. The color of the inspector's personal protective helmet
  4. The brand of the shipping container used for export

Explanation

Coating performance depends on the specified surface preparation grade and on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and dew point during application and curing. Crew schedules, helmet color, and shipping containers do not control coating quality.

Question 40Inspection Planning and Preparation

When heat treatment is subcontracted, the inspector should first confirm that:

  1. the subcontractor is approved and the procedure meets requirements Correct answer.
  2. the subcontractor uses the cheapest available fuel
  3. the subcontractor has no written quality manual
  4. the subcontractor's facility is closest to the fabricator

Explanation

Subcontracted special processes must be performed by an approved subcontractor using a procedure that meets the contract and code requirements. Cost, distance, and absence of a quality manual do not establish acceptable process control.

Question 41Inspection Planning and Preparation

How should accepted material be identified on the shop floor?

  1. By a status tag or marking showing acceptance and traceability Correct answer.
  2. By moving it to an unmarked corner of the yard
  3. By painting it the same color as rejected material
  4. By removing all identification to avoid confusion

Explanation

Accepted material needs a clear status indicator, such as a tag or marking, that shows inspection acceptance and preserves traceability. Unmarked storage or removal of identification can allow nonconforming or untested material to be used inadvertently.

Question 42Inspection Planning and Preparation

During planning, how should the inspector prepare for possible nonconformances?

  1. Decide in advance to ignore minor nonconformances
  2. Agree on the reporting path, disposition authority, and segregation method Correct answer.
  3. Avoid documenting issues to prevent delays
  4. Allow nonconforming items to ship without records

Explanation

Planning should establish how nonconformances will be reported, who has authority to disposition them, and how affected material will be segregated to prevent unintended use. Ignoring or failing to document nonconformances undermines the quality system.

Question 43Inspection Planning and Preparation

Before the first inspection, the inspector receives a drawing marked 'Preliminary.' What is the best action?

  1. Ignore all dimensions on the drawing
  2. Use it as final because it is the only drawing available
  3. Confirm its revision status and obtain the approved-for-construction revision Correct answer.
  4. Ask the supplier to redraw it from memory

Explanation

Inspection must be based on the approved, current revision that is authorized for construction. A preliminary drawing may change and cannot be relied on for acceptance until its status is confirmed and the correct revision is obtained.

Question 44Inspection Planning and Preparation

A machined diameter has a tolerance of plus or minus 0.05 mm. Which planning choice is most appropriate?

  1. Estimate the dimension visually
  2. Select a calibrated instrument with suitable resolution and accuracy Correct answer.
  3. Use a tape measure because it is quick
  4. Use the supplier's uncalibrated shop ruler

Explanation

Measurement capability must be appropriate for the tolerance: the instrument needs adequate resolution and accuracy, and its calibration must be current. A tape measure, visual estimate, or uncalibrated ruler cannot reliably judge a 0.05 mm tolerance.

Question 45Inspection Planning and Preparation

Why should an inspection plan specify record retention requirements?

  1. To prevent the inspector from reviewing past results
  2. To replace the need for instrument calibration
  3. To increase the supplier's paper and storage costs unnecessarily
  4. To keep results traceable and retrievable for the required period Correct answer.

Explanation

Inspection records must remain available for the period required by the contract, code, or quality system so that conformity can be demonstrated and traced later. Record retention does not replace calibration or justify blocking access to results.

Question 46Inspection Planning and Preparation

An inspector plans surveillance for a high-volume, low-risk product and a low-volume, high-risk weld. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. Apply identical inspection frequency to both because all products are equal
  2. Allocate more surveillance and hold points to the high-risk weld Correct answer.
  3. Inspect only the low-risk product because it is easier
  4. Skip planning and inspect randomly without criteria

Explanation

Risk-based planning directs more inspection and surveillance resources to characteristics with higher consequence or lower process confidence. Treating all products identically or inspecting only the easy item ignores risk and can leave critical work uncontrolled.

Question 47Inspection Planning and Preparation

A supplier's inspection and test plan omits a required hold point for a critical closure weld. What should the inspector do before approving the plan?

  1. Remove all hold points to simplify the plan
  2. Require a revision adding the hold point and acceptance criteria Correct answer.
  3. Approve it because the supplier is responsible for its own inspection plan
  4. Wait until the weld is completed and then ask for records

Explanation

The inspection and test plan must include the hold points required by the contract and code, with defined acceptance criteria and notification arrangements. Approving an incomplete plan or waiting until after the weld removes the opportunity to control the critical activity.

Question 48Inspection Planning and Preparation

During planning, the inspector finds that a required characteristic cannot be measured after assembly. What is the best action?

  1. Plan the check before the characteristic is concealed Correct answer.
  2. Skip the characteristic because it is difficult to measure
  3. Measure it only after final painting
  4. Rely on the supplier's verbal assurance

Explanation

Inspection planning should place each check at a stage when the characteristic is still accessible and measurable. Once the feature is concealed, conformance may be impossible to verify without destructive or costly rework.

Question 49Inspection Planning and Preparation

A supplier proposes a hydrostatic test that follows the code but uses a water temperature below the minimum in the material standard. What should the inspector do?

  1. Replace the hydrostatic test with a visual check
  2. Allow any temperature if the supplier has prior experience
  3. Require the material standard's minimum or an approved alternative Correct answer.
  4. Accept it because the code always overrides the material standard without question

Explanation

All applicable requirements must be satisfied; a test procedure that meets the code but violates a material-standard minimum is not acceptable as written. The supplier must revise the plan to meet the minimum or obtain an approved alternative that addresses the technical risk.

Question 50Inspection Planning and Preparation

The supplier's inspection plan uses acceptance criteria from an old project that are less stringent than the current contract. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Let the supplier choose which criteria to apply
  2. Use the old criteria but mention it in the final report
  3. Require revision to the current contract criteria before inspection Correct answer.
  4. Accept the old criteria because they were approved on an earlier project

Explanation

Acceptance criteria must come from the current contract and its referenced documents, not from an earlier project with different requirements. The plan should be corrected before inspection so that acceptance decisions are based on the applicable requirements.