AS3788 Allowable deferral of inspection intervals 2006 (reconfirmed in 2016) to 2024 changes

The 2024 version provides more flexibility by explicitly allowing deferrals to meet production schedules and ensuring that deferrals are backed by assessments of the equipment's condition and operating conditions. This added specificity in 2024 ensures that deferrals are only made when it is safe and justified, while the 2016 version focuses more on the administrative agreement and documentation without the explicit need for an assessment of the equipment's condition and operating conditions.

AS3788 2006 (reconfirmed in 2016) shows: Table 4.1 under NOTES:

"The designated inspection date (as shown on the certificate of inspection) may be deferred by a maximum of three months to allow the inspection to be scheduled during a shutdown or maintenance period. A deferral is the subject of agreement between the owner and the competent person or in-service inspector. The justification for a deferral shall be documented by the owner, and included with the inspection records for the equipment concerned. The following inspection date shall be determined by the original designated date, not the deferred date. In New Zealand it is the responsibility of the inspection body to decide on the extension of inspection interval"

versus:

AS3788 2024 shows: 4.4.5 Allowable deferral of inspection intervals

"To help meet production schedules and to provide flexibility in shutting equipment down, the designated inspection date may be deferred by a maximum of 90 days, provided this is supported by the known condition of the equipment and an assessment that operating conditions have not substantially changed in a manner that would reduce the remaining life. The justification for deferral shall be documented."

Both versions allow for a deferral of the inspection date by a maximum of three months (or 90 days), emphasizing the need for proper documentation. However, the 2024 version introduces more stringent conditions for granting a deferral. While the 2016 standard focuses on administrative agreement and the convenience of scheduling during maintenance periods, the 2024 standard places a stronger emphasis on the equipment's condition and operational safety.

The 2024 version requires a detailed assessment to ensure that operating conditions have not changed detrimentally, thus incorporating a risk-based approach to deferral. This shift reflects a more modern understanding of asset management, where decisions are informed by data rather than just administrative convenience.

The approach in 2024 represents a more integrated and safety-conscious framework for managing inspection schedules.

3788 also covers this under the "3.2 Owner's responsibilities: The owner is responsible for ensuring that the inspection management system incorporates information on all important safety issues."

and

"3.1 General: A management system sufficient to ensure the continuing integrity and safety of items of pressure equipment is required. Such a system shall be documented and detail how objectives are achieved"