Definition:
FaultTree Analysis (FTA) is a scenario modeling method shaped like a tree and goes top to bottom. It analyzes the combinations of failures or basic events that can lead to a predefined undesired event (like a major hazard such as a large flammable gas explosion). The event is always at the top because FTA is a deductive approach. FTA is widely used because it is both rigorous and visually straightforward to interpret.
“How could this accident happen? What failure or combination of failures could have caused it?”
It uses the classic Boolean logic gate symbols like OR and AND.
Key Points:
- Used to systematically analyze all failure combinations that could result in an undesired event.
- Complements event tree analysis for quantitative studies.
- Outputs a fault tree diagram
Example:
You use FTA to analyze the “Explosion” event by mapping all the possible underlying causes, events, and barrier failures that could allow that outcome.
See Also: ETA, layer of protection analysis (LOPA), process hazard analysis (PHA), bowtie analysis
Cited Source:
- CCPS – Guidelines for Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Analysis
- IFluids – process safety company in India – Great Article
- Wikipedia – Fault tree analysis