CLGS – Fault & Failure Cause Analysis Quiz

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

The purpose of RCFA is to resolve problems that affect plant performance. It should not be an attempt to& blame for the incident. Understanding that the investigation is not an attempt to fix blame is important for two reasons. First, the investigating team must understand that the real benefit of this analytical methodology is plant improvement. Second, those involved in the incident generally will adopt a self-preservation attitude and assume that the investigation is intended to find and punish the person or persons responsible for the incident. Therefore, it is important for the investigators to allay this fear and replace it with the positive team effort required to resolve the problem.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

The use of RCFA should be carefully scrutinized before undertaking a full investigation 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.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

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

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

A failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a design-evaluation procedure used to identify potential failure modes and determine the effect of each on system performance. Following this procedure provides a more reliable design. Also such correct use of the FMEA process results in two major improvements:

(1) improved reliability by anticipating problems and instituting corrections prior to producing product

(2) improved validity of the analytical method, which results from strict documentation of the rationale for every step in the decision-making process.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Two major limitations restrict the use of FMEA:

(1) logic trees used for this type of analysis are based on probability of failure at the component level and

(2) full application is very expensive. Basing logic trees on the probability of failure is a problem because available component probability data are specific to standard conditions and extrapolation techniques cannot be used to modify the data for particular applications.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Fault-tree analysis is a method of analyzing system reliability and safety. It provides an objective basis for analyzing system design, justifying system changes, performing trade-off studies, analyzing common failure modes, and demonstrating compliance with safety and environment requirements. It is different from a failure mode and effect analysis in that it is restricted to identifying system elements and events that lead to one particular undesired event.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Fault-tree analysis provides options for performing qualitative and quantitative reliability analysis. It helps the analyst understand system failures deductively and points out the aspects of a system that are important with respect to the failure of interest. The analysis provides insight into system behavior.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Cause-and-effect analysis is a graphical approach to failure analysis. This also is referred to as fishbone analysis, a name derived from the fish-shaped pattern used to plot the relationship between various factors that contribute to a specific event. Typically, fishbone analysis plots four major classifications of potential causes (i.e.. man, machine, material, and method) but can include any combination of categories.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

The fishbone graph provides no clear sequence of events that leads to failure. Instead, it displays all the possible causes that may have contributed to the event. While this is useful, it does not isolate the specific factors that caused the event. Other approaches provide the means to isolate specific changes, omissions, or actions that caused the failure, release, accident, or other event
being investigated.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

The advantage of the fishbone diagram is that it forces the investigator to logically group each of the factors identified during the investigation. This process may automatically eliminate some factors and uncover other issues that must be addressed.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Using a Sequence-of-Events diagram organizes the information collected, identify missing or conflicting information, improve the understanding by showing the relationship between events and the incident, and highlights potential causes of the incident.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Precisely and concisely describe each event, forcing function, and qualifier. If a concise description is not possible and assumptions must be provided for clarity, include them as annotations. As the investigation progresses, each assumption and unconfirmed contributor to the event must be either confirmed or discounted. As a result, each event, function, or qualifier generally will be reduced to a more concise description.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Qualifiers that provide all confirmed background or support data needed to accurately define the event or forcing function should be included in a sequence-of-events diagram. For example, each event should include date and time qualifiers that fix the time frame of the event.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

The incident box contains a brief statement of the reason for the investigation the incident box should be inserted at the proper point in the event sequence and connected to the event boxes using direction arrows there should be only one incident data box included in each investigation.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Unconfirmed conditions or contributing factors can be included in the flow diagram by using annotations this method permits the inclusion of multiple assumptions or unanswered questions that may help clarify an event.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Show events in a logical order from the beginning to the end of the sequence. Initially, the sequence-of-events diagram should include all pertinent events, including those that cannot be confirmed. As the investigation progresses, it should be refined to show only those events that are confirmed to be relevant to the incident.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

Event boxes in a sequence-of-events diagram should contain action steps rather than passive descriptions of the problem.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

As a general rule, only one subject and one verb should be used in each event box.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

The advantage of the fishbone diagram is that it forces the investigator to logically group each of the factors identified during the investigation. This process may automatically eliminate some factors and uncover other issues that must be addressed.

Develop a multiple choice question using the statement below according to the guidelines outlined:

RCFA is a logical sequence of steps that leads the investigator through the process of isolating the facts surrounding an event or failure. Once the problem has been fully defined, the analysis systematically determines the best course of action that will resolve the event and assure that it is not repeated. Because of the cost associated with performing such an analysis, care should be exercised before an investigation is undertaken.