API 580, Section 12.4 and 12.6 emphasize that inspection should be optimized and risk-focused. Excessive inspections can increase exposure to damage mechanisms (such as mechanical or corrosion risks introduced during inspection activities), especially if not needed.

From Section 12.4:

“Organizations should be deliberate and systematic in assigning the level of risk management achieved through inspection and should be cautious not to assume that there is an unending capacity for risk management through inspection.”

Further, in risk-optimization contexts (Section 12.5):

“While there is a potential for reduction of inspection costs through utilization of RBI, increased equipment integrity and inspection cost optimization should remain the focus.”

Therefore, excess inspections may be:

Unjustified

Economically wasteful

Risk-enhancing (e.g., opening equipment unnecessarily may lead to deterioration)