11 Failure mode and effects analysis

A failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is a initial approach to quantifying risk and thinking about mitigating options. It is a design approach for assessing risk associated with how parts of a system or the system as a whole can fail, identifies the consequences of failure, and provides a framework for revising the design and reducing risk. Remember, risk can be reduced by either decreasing frequency, reducing consequences, or both. Design techniques could include multiple barriers to failure; i.e., defense in depth and instituting redundancy and diversity.

How to execute FMEA

FMEA procedure

  1. Construct a detailed flow chart of the process.
  2. Determine how each step could possibly fail.
  3. Determine the “effects” of each possible failure.
  4. Assign a Severity Rating for each effect.
  5. Assign an Occurrence Rating for each failure.
  6. Calculate and prioritize a Risk Priority Number (RPN) for each failure.
  7. Review the process and conduct a root cause analysis.
  8. Take action to eliminate or reduce the Risk Priority Number.
  9. Recalculate the resulting RPN as the failure modes are reduced or eliminated.

Root cause analysis basics

Root cause analysis for missed free throws

Root cause analysis general examples

Plan-Do-Study-Act

License

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Risk Assessment Copyright © 2015 by R.A. Borrelli is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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