WHAT IF

WHAT IS “WHAT IF”?

What if analysis is a structured brainstorming method of determining what things can go wrong and judging the likelihood and consequences of those situations occurring.
The answers to these questions form the basis for making judgments regarding the acceptability of those risks and determining a recommended course of action for those risks judged to the unacceptable.
In simple words, the examination of possible deviation from the design, construction, modification or operating event.

It allows us to identify Hazards, Hazardous situations or specific sequences that could produce undesirable consequences.
It identifies possible abnormal situations, their consequences and existing safeguards.
It suggests alternatives for risk reduction where obvious improvement opportunities are identified or where safeguards are judged to be inadequate.

Design documents, operating procedures and maintenance procedures are essential information.
Photographs and Videotapes of the operation or maintenance procedures.
Assembling a team with individuals experienced in the design, operation and servicing of similar equipment or facilities.
The team members should have knowledge of design standards, regulatory codes, past and potential operational errors as well as maintenance difficulties.
The team is comprised of Operating and Maintenance personnel engineer, Chemist, Structural engineer, Radiation expert and Safety representative.

Picking the boundaries for the review (single equipment / entire facility).
Make a clear definition of the boundaries for the analysis.
Most important step to form an experienced and knowledgeable team.
Gather the required information from the above sources.
A facilitator can keep the review moving productively and effectively as well as a scribe is assigned to take notes of the review.
Develop the “What-If” questions using the documents available and knowledge of review team. Questions can be formulated around human errors, process upsets and equipment failures.
Determine the answers / results for each question as the situation occurs.
Assessing the risk judgments and making recommendations for each situation.
Generate the report that details the scope of the review as well as major findings and recommendations and then submit to the Department or Plant Manager.