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 An Introduction to Tools and Techniques Minimize

This table summarises some of the Safety Assessment Tools and Techniques available to the safety assessor. Each of these tools has its own advantages and disadvantages and the extent to which these can be used during various phases of the product lifecycle, and the degree to which they can be applied to safety assessments, vary. For a list of Advantages and Limitations of each, see Appendix A to Aircraft System Safety: Military and Civil Aeronautical Applications.

It is extremely important to note that as the complexity of the tool increases so does the degree of training required for the user and/or the need for an experienced evaluation team to conduct the evaluation. On the plus side, the data derived from the more complex methodologies may be more supportable. Unfortunately, the primary disadvantage of such tools is that "trained subject matter experts" may have limited experience in the actual operational environment and, therefore, their evaluations may not be entirely applicable to the certification process.

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 Tools and Techniques Minimize
 NameSorted By Name In Ascending OrderDescription
Static Source Code AnalysisThe process by which software developers check their code for problems and inconsistencies before compiling.

Organizations can automate the source code analysis process by implementing a tool that automatically analyzes the entire program, generates charts and reports that graphically present the analysis results, and recommends potential resolutions to identified problems. Static analysis tools scan the source code and automatically detect errors that typically pass through compilers and become latent problems, including the following:
  • Syntax
  • Unreachable code
  • Unconditional branches into loops
  • Undeclared variables
  • Uninitialised variables
  • Parameter type mismatches
  • Uncalled functions and procedures
  • Variables used before initialization
  • Non-usage of function results
  • Possible array bound errors
  • Misuse of pointers
See Cleanscape Software International
and US Air Force Software Technology Support Center.
Statistical DistributionsWhen carrying out the tasks assigned to it, the "output" of a system can be expressed as statistical distribution which describes the probabilities that the system output will reach or exceed any particular values.
Structural Safety AnalysisThis method is used to validate mechanical structures. Inadequate structural assessment results in increased risk due to potential for latent design problems [Tarrents, 1980]
Structured What If Technique (SWIFT)High level structured brainstorming technique that originated from the process/manufacturing industry. As the name implies, this process is based around a series of structured and well-defined questions aimed at brainstorming possible failure mechanisms for the system at an early stage of the design. Considers complete systems, subsystems and processes. Has many similarities to HAZOPS, in that it is team-based brainstorming and uses prompts (e.g. checklists) to explore the behaviour of a system and identify hazards. Instead of Guide Words, SWIFT uses a series of questions which usually, but not always start "what if ...". For example:
What if;
  • A specific item of equipment fails?
  • The operator fails to carry out the correct procedure?
  • The level Control fails to operate?
  • A fire occurs in a particular part of the plant?
  • A flood occurs?
  • the maintainer tried to work without isolating the power supply?
[Defence Procurement Management Guide, DPMG/TEC/320 Iss1 (Sept98), 02/09/99]
Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT)Human Factors evaluative tool
SyRelAn (System Reliability Analysis)

SyRelAn (System Reliability Analysis) was developed by  the Insitute of Aircraft Systems of the Hamburg University of Technology  in cooperation with Airbus Germany. 
"The software tool SyRelAn (System Reliability Analysis) provides an environment for system engineers to model and analyse complex systems during the pre-design phase. The core of each system model is a hybrid model, imaging the failure-free system architecture with the use of Reliability Block Diagrams and the state discrete system behaviour and interactions of the components with the use of Concurrent Finite State Machines. In light of the fact that for modern and complex fault-tolerant systems not just the nominal behaviour but also the degraded system states with available performance levels are essential for system design, the existing environment has been enhanced by a Performance Degradation Analysis which considers active and standby system components as well as basic functionalities of components, like generation or conversion of power"

Systematic InspectionThis technique purpose is to perform a review or audit of a process or facility[Tarrents, 1980]
Task analysisTask analysis is a fundamental human factors method and underlies many other techniques. A small selection of known tools include:
  • Applied Cognitive Task Analysis (ACTA)
  • ATLAS
  • Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST)
  • Goals, Operators, Methods and Systems (GOMS)
  • Micro Saint (software programme)
  • Repertory Grid Analysis
Task Analysis is a method to evaluate a task performed by one or more personnel from a safety standpoint in order to identify undetected hazards, develop notes/cautions/ warnings for integration in order into procedures, and receive feedback from operating personnel [Tarrents, 1980]
Technique For Human Error Rate Prediction (THERP)This technique provides a quantitative measure of human operator error in a process [Tarrents, 1980] Widely used technique, which encompasses other human factor methods (e.g. FTA, Task Analysis, Performance Shaping Factors)
Technique for the Retrospective Analysis if Cognitive Error (TRACEr)TRACEr provides a human error identification technique specifically for use in the air traffic control domain. It builds on error models in other fields and integrates Wickens' (1992) model of information processing in ATC. TRACEr is represented in a series of decision flow diagrams. [Shorrock and Kirwan, 1999]

Based on models of human information processing where errors are caused by breakdown in:
  • Perception (misperceive or fail to perceive info correctly)
  • Decision (error of judgement, planning or decision making)
  • Memory (info forgotten or misrecalled).
  • Action (error in carrying out the task)
Developed by NATS (see Burret, G & Foley, S, Integrating Human Error Management Strategies Throughout the System Lifecycle, National Air Traffic Services, Bournemouth, UK, presented in Current Issues in Safety Critical Systems, Proceedings of the 11th Safety Critical Systems Symposium 4-6 Feb 2003).
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