How should piping in areas that are inaccessible due to safety concerns be inspected?

Inspecting piping in areas that are considered inaccessible due to safety concerns is best achieved during each scheduled shutdown. This approach ensures that the inspection can be conducted safely when the system is offline and poses no risk to personnel. Shutdowns are ideal times because they allow for a comprehensive assessment without the constraints and hazards present when the system is operational.

This timing takes advantage of a controlled environment, where technicians can thoroughly investigate the conditions of the piping, assess for leaks, or identify any degradation without the need to compromise safety protocols. Conducting inspections during annual maintenance, routine checks, or only when issues are reported would not provide the same level of safety or thoroughness, as it may not account for the risks associated with accessing these areas under normal operational conditions.