API Recommended Practice 576 describes the inspection and repair practices for automatic pressure-relieving devices commonly used in the oil and petrochemical industries. As a guide to the inspection and repair of these devices in the user's plant, it is intended to ensure their proper performance. This publication covers such automatic devices as pressure-relief valves, pilot-operated pressure-relief valves, rupture disks, and weight-loaded pressure-vacuum vents.

The scope of this RP includes the inspection and repair of automatic pressure-relieving devices commonly used in the oil and petrochemical industry. This publication does not cover weak seams or sections in tanks, explosion doors, fusible plugs, control valves, and other devices that either depend on an external source of power for operation or are manually operated. Inspections and tests made at manufacturers' plants, which are usually covered by codes or purchase specifications, are not covered by this publication.

This publication does not cover training requirements for mechanics involved in the inspection and repair of pressure-relieving devices. Those seeking these requirements should see API 510, which gives the requirements for a quality control system and specifies that the repair organization maintain and document a training program ensuring that personnel are qualified.