INVESTIGATION CATALYST
Hazard Analysis Tutorial

© 2004 by Starline Software Ltd.

EVALUATING THE HAZARDS

This tutorial assumes the user is familiar with the use of INVESTIGATION CATALYST Diamond tools for assigning attributes to a problem to determine whether or not the problem should be addressed by some improvement action. The criteria for this determination are selected by the user, choosing either the default measures, or substituting their own.

The method used is deterministic, and the default expression of the risk is a qualitative "best estimate." While imprecise, if the criteria used are applied consistently, the relative gravity of the problem can be usefully estimated. If data about the occurrence of the interactions (and not just individual behaviors) for the tagged EBs or links are available, statistical methods might be used to develop statistical approximations of the relative risks.

Overview of Task

The task is to evaluate every Diamond tag on an Event Block or link to determine whether it is worth addressing from the perspective of its being an impediment to safe performance. Each Diamond contains a statement of the hazard or problem. This task is to assign attributes that will reveal the risk it poses.

The default criteria provided are explained in the Help menus. They will produce workable approximations of the relative risk levels.

Design stage tasks

During design stages, the evaluation criteria can be applied to any EB pair or set that is complete, that is, with confirmed and tested links. This can provide timely feedback to designers. Again, the main thrust of the effort during design should be to refine and complete the Matrix.

Start Up tasks

During construction and system start-ups, surprises should trigger a review of the attributes assigned relevant EBs, pair or sets to confirm that the earlier choices were still applicable. If not, they should be changed as promptly as possible, and that information disseminated promptly to all involved.

Change Control

During ongoing operations, it is good practice to review the attributes assigned to individual Diamonds to verify that the prior choices are still applicable, given the benefit of new observations during operations. The tabular displays of the Diamond Panel data facilitates such review.

Updates

During ongoing operations, the Matrixes produced by investigations of incidents should be analyzed to determine if the previously assigned attributes of risk remain valid. If not the data should be updated with the new information as part of the investigation process. Merged files describing the current system operations, should always be reviewed to verify the continuing validity of the evaluations, and updated whenever needed so the current merged and edited file becomes the working matrix for future activities.

Shutdown

In preparation for shutdowns, users should review the Diamonds to determine what impact shutdown activities will have on the problem ratings.

The computerized Matrix and Diamonds summary can make these follow-up activities relatively efficient, if the matrixes are kept current.

Previous page | Next Page | Tutorials Menu