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Identifying Cause Classifications

An optional step in root cause analysis is to evaluate causes in terms of immediate and basic causes and lack of control. For each of these, the analysis team can provide descriptions and select the underlying cause classifications.

Cause classifications are used to identify causal factors. For example, immediate causes could have the classifications Substandard Conditions and Substandard Acts. Each classification identifies the factors that contribute to it. For example, Substandard Conditions could include one or more of the following:

•	A1 Defective equipment and tools

•	A2 Working environment

•	A3 External weather

•	A4 Modification of equipment

•	A5 Deterioration or Corrosion

This topic explains how document your analysis of classifications for an RCA in APM.

To Identify Cause Classifications

1.	In the RCA window, Definition view, select the Causes tab.

This tab displays text boxes for Immediate Causes, Basic Causes, and Lack of Control. Each text box supports the full range of formatting options. Below each box is a list of the classifications that have been defined for your organization. For example:

2.	Describe each type of cause in its text box. The types are:

Immediate Causes

Immediate causes are the circumstances that immediately preceded the event and can usually be seen or sensed. For example, if the incident is an oil spill, the immediate cause could be a break in the sealing.

Basic Causes

Basic causes are the real causes behind the immediate causes: the reasons why the substandard acts and condition occurred. In the case of an oil spill caused by a broken seal, the basic causes could be that the wrong type of sealing was used, the sealing had a design flaw, or it might have been installed incorrectly.

Lack of Control

Lack of control means insufficient oversight of the activities from design to planning to operation. Control is achieved through standards and procedures for operation, maintenance, and acquisition. If an oil spill occurred because of the incorrect installation of sealing, the lack of control cause could be related to inadequate procedures for checking after maintenance.

3.	For each cause, select the appropriate classifications and causal factors in the table below it. Here is an example of documented causes: