Page 14 - Root Cause Failure Analysis

Introduction 5

In more complex investigations, a team of investigators is needed. As the scope and
complexity increase, so do the costs.

As a result of the extensive personnel requirements, general use of this technique
should be avoided. Its use should be limited to those incidents or events that have a
measurable negative impact on plant performance, personnel safety, or regulatory
compliance.

WHEN TO USE THE METHOD
The use of RCFA should be carefully scrutinized before undertaking a full investiga-
tion because of the high cost associated with performing such an in-depth analysis.
The method involves performing an initial investigation to classify and define the
problem. Once this is completed, a full analysis should be considered only if the event
can be fully classified and defined, and it appears that a cost-effective solution can be
found.

Analysis generally is not performed on problems that are found to be random, nonre-
curring events. Problems that often justify the use of the method include equipment,
machinery, or systems failures; operating performance deviations; economic perfor-
mance issues; safety; and regulatory compliance issues.