Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Purpose

This course is designed to provide a wide understanding of the use of the FMEA process. This process may be considered a quantum leap strategy for improving equipment, processes, initial design, and work environment safety. The application of the FMEA tools is relatively simple, and when properly applied, FMEA provides effective and timely improvements toward attaining desirable goals.

This technical aid includes instructions on three types of FMEAs: Product Design, Process, and Job Safety Analysis. There are separate instructions on Equipment FMEAs in the course titled Process and Equipment Reliability Methods.

Time Requirement

4 - 6 hours on each type of FMEA. The instructions are best applied when linked to an initial analysis of an improvement project

Prerequisites

None

Primary Resource Materials

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis manual and additional material linked to the project. This could include, but is not limited to, flowcharts of the process, job and work area descriptions, equipment parts lists, and standard operating procedures.

Content Outline

• Introduction
  • FMEA Timing
  • Commonly Used Failure Effects Analysis Techniques
  • FMEA Forms
  • FMEA Evaluation Criteria
  • Note on Ranking Criteria
• Instructions for Performing an FMEA
  • Product Design FMEA
    • Planning Stage
    • Conducting the FMEA
    • Study the RPN's
    • Acting on Results
• FMEA PDSA Cycle
  • Process FMEA
    • Planning Stage
    • Conducting the FMEA
    • Study the RPN's
    • Acting on Results
• Job Safety Hazard Analysis (JSHA)
  • Planning Stage
  • Conducting the FMEA
  • Study the RPN's
  • Acting on Results