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Risk Score

Risk & Failure Analysis
mechanicalprocess

Definition

A numerical value representing the level of risk for an equipment item, calculated as the product of Probability of Failure and Consequence of Failure scores. Risk scores provide a continuous scale (1-25 in a 5x5 system) that enables granular prioritization within risk ranking categories and supports quantitative risk trending over time.

Context

Used alongside risk rankings for finer-grained prioritization. While risk rankings provide categorical groupings (A-E), risk scores allow ranking equipment within the same category. Risk scores are used in Reliatic for sorting the RBI inspection queue and tracking risk reduction over time.

Formula

Risk Score = PoF x CoF (in a semi-quantitative system)

Examples

  1. Two items both ranked Category C have risk scores of 12 (PoF=4, CoF=3) and 9 (PoF=3, CoF=3) — the score differentiates their priority within the same category.
  2. A risk trending chart shows the aggregate risk score for a process unit declining from 1,200 to 800 over three years as inspection and maintenance actions reduce failure probabilities.

Applicable Standards

  • API 580
  • API 581
  • ISO 31010:2019

Related Terms

Risk Ranking

A categorical classification (typically A through E) derived from the risk matrix that represents the combined probability and consequence of failure for an equipment item. Risk ranking determines the urgency and extent of inspection, monitoring, and maintenance activities. Rankings are typically: A (lowest risk) through E (highest risk), each with prescribed inspection strategies and maximum interval limits.

Risk Matrix

A two-dimensional grid that combines Probability of Failure (PoF) on one axis and Consequence of Failure (CoF) on the other to produce a visual risk ranking. The matrix divides risk into categories (typically A through E or Low/Medium/High/Very High/Extreme) that determine inspection priority, interval, and strategy. Risk matrices provide a standardized framework for comparing and prioritizing risks across diverse equipment populations.

Probability of Failure(PoF)

A quantitative or semi-quantitative measure of the likelihood that an equipment item will fail within a specified time period. PoF is determined by the generic failure frequency of the equipment type, modified by damage factors that account for specific active degradation mechanisms, and adjusted by a management system factor reflecting the quality of the facility's integrity management program.

Consequence of Failure(CoF)

A measure of the impact resulting from an equipment failure, encompassing safety (personnel injury/fatality), environmental (release to atmosphere/ground/water), production (lost throughput and business interruption), and equipment (repair/replacement cost). CoF is evaluated based on the worst credible release scenario, considering fluid properties, operating conditions, detection and isolation systems, and the surrounding environment.

Where this appears in Reliatic

This concept is used in the FMEA & Risk module.