Root Cause Analysis

PROBLEM:　Deviation from expected resultsDEFICIENCY:　Failure to meet standards or requirements

In today’s discussion we’ll be looking at problems and deficiencies.　Deficiencies can be symptoms of a problem at a process or a facility.　Sometimes it’s OK to fix a deficiency because it’s a one time occurrence or it’s not a symptom of some underlying problem in a process. Intuitive problem solving would be used to fix one-time occurrences.　 In other cases, deficiencies could be symptoms of a big problem.

As an environmental scientist, engineer, or manager responsible for a process or an operation, you have to ask:　How many times can I afford to fix a deficiency?　You also need to ask:　How long can I afford to let a deficiency persist between fixes.

Problem solving = use of judgement.　Raises issue of: Whose judgement?

Identify and implement permanent solutions = achieve desired results

The organized approach is what we’ll discuss in a minute

How much evidence, input and documentation are needed should be considered at each step in the approach.　Will discuss later.

Being committed to follow-up (monitoring effectiveness) means never having to say you’re sorry.　Just be ready to restart the process.