Failure Mode and Effects Analysis

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is one of the most commonly used techniques for hazard analysis and risk assessment. This chapter addresses the practical use of the FMEA technique in identifying failure modes and their effects, existing control measures, and ranking systems according to their importance or criticality. FMEA is designed to identify all potential failure modes of the parts of the system and subsystems, or various steps of the process. A clear meaning of a "failure mode" is necessary for those using FMEA and other failure analysis techniques. The FMEA technique is designed to identify failures and their resulting risk exposures making the risk descriptors and scoring system vital to an effective analysis. FMEA methodology is well described in military and civilian standards and can be applied to both military and civilian projects and products. FMEA is applicable to human, equipment, and system failure modes as well as software, hardware, or processes.