VII. Data Collection and Use
C. Failure analysis and correction
2. Failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action system (FRACAS) (Apply)
Identify reporting, analysis, and corrective action system (FRACAS) demonstrate the importance of a closed-loop process that includes root cause investigation and follow up.
It is a process that starts when a failure occurs and ends when confirmed fixed.
Additional References
FRACAS (article)
Quick Quiz
1-66. Arrange the following failure data steps in the proper sequence from start to finish.
I. Verify the failure.
II. Report the fail.
III. Investigate the failure.
IV. Identify and control the failure.
V. Provide corrective action and follow up.
(A) I, III, IV, II, V
(B) II, I, IV, V, III
(C) IV, II, I, III, V
(D) IV, II, I, V, III
(C) IV, II, I, III, V
In part this is common sense as is a systematic failure reporting and corrective action system (FRACAS). The basic steps in a closed loop FRACAS may include:
- Identify a problem
- Control or contain the problem (also safety steps)
- Report the failure
- Log any associated data
- Conduct failure analysis
- Determine and implement short and long term corrective/preventative actions
- Determine effectiveness of corrective actions, monitor preventative actions.
1-72. Identify all the aspects of a comprehensive failure analysis and corrective action feedback loop.
I. determining what failed
II. determining how the item failed
III. determining why the item failed
(A) I and II only
(B) I and III only
(C) II and III only
(D) I, II, and III
(D) I, II, and III
The question is asking you to judge each option on whether it is part of a FRACAS or not. They all are, not the list is not all encompassing. The basic steps in a closed loop FRACAS may include:
- Identify a problem
- Control or contain the problem (also safety steps)
- Report the failure
- Log any associated data
- Conduct failure analysis
- Determine and implement short and long term corrective/preventative actions
- Determine effectiveness of corrective actions, monitor preventative actions.
1-74. Identify all the correct statements concerning failure data collection, analysis, and corrective action (FRACAS).
I. FRACAS is a requirement of MIL-STD-785.
II. FRACAS should be conducted by competent staff using a computer.
III. FRACAS always pays for itself in the long run.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and III only
(D) I, II, and III
(A) I only
Being familiar with MIL-STD-785 is essential here to know this answer. On the other and the two other options can be logically ruled out. FRACAS does require compentent staff, yet does not require a computer (in some projects a database application is certainly helpful). Also, the word “always” limits the correctness of the last option.
1-75. For a FRACAS to be effective, how many failures should be allowed to pass before corrective action should be taken?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 10
(D) It depends on the expected reliability.
(A) 1
A failure is “gold”, it is the product telling you that there is an opportuntity to prevent future problems. The key word in this question is “should” as in practice for a complex system, given the volume of failures considered, not every issue will receive attention or corrective actions. The aim to do so, none the less.
1-78. Identify the most important role of a failure reporting and corrective action system.
(A) determining responsibilities for failures
(B) identifying, investigating, and analyzing failures
(C) recording costs associated with corrective action
(D) defining the goals of the FRACAS team
(B) identifying, investigating, and analyzing failures
Of the options (B) is best. (A) if done to assign ‘blame’ should not be part of a FRACAS. (D) is a good thing to do, yet not necessary as part of a FRACAS. I would say the primary role of FRACAS is to effectively implement correction/preventative actions that reduce failures rates. (B) has essential elements for an effective FRACAS.
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