There’s a new IEC 62740 available, and it’s titled “Root cause analysis (RCA).” You can purchase your copy from Document Center Inc. in paper format, for pdf download or as part of our multi-user Standards Online subscription service. The standard addresses root cause analysis in general, so the publication can be used in any industry or setting.
Determining the causes of failure is an essential part of any quality process. Root cause analysis is a way to systematically determine the factors that led to a particular event. It’s used to identify systemic problems rather than symptoms. And of course, once these types of problems have been unearthed, the goal is either to eliminate them or develop strategies for “defusing” their negative impacts. While IEC 62740 does not specifically address safety or accident investigations, it certainly could be used for them.
The main clauses of the standard cover the first 11 pages of this 67-page standard (the true length of the document is 156 pages, including introductory material and the French language edition which covers the 2nd half of the publication.) In these clauses, IEC 62740 describes a process for performing RCA along with an explanation of techniques you’ll use. This means that after the usual scope, referenced documents and definition sections, the standard provides you with an overview, a detailed description of the process, and a section on the selection of techniques to be used.
However, the bulk of the information in this standard will be found in the Annexes A through E. Here you’ll get the detailed data that will help you implement the concept. Here’s a list:
- Annex A, Summary and criteria of commonly used RCA techniques
- Annex B, RCA models
- Annex C, Detailed description of RCA techniques
- Annex D, Useful tools for RCA
- Annex E, Analysis of human performance
As you can see, this new release gives you a complete run-down of all the essentials to implement this tool.
Now, you need to get a copy! You can order online at the Document Center webstore, www.document-center.com. Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’re an authorized distributor of the IEC standards and have been working with customers like you since 1982. Make us your Standards Experts!
