BY ORDER OF THE AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 91-215 SECRETARY ...

A2.C.6. THE FAILURE MODE AND EFFECTS ANALYSIS
A2.C.6.1. FORMAL NAME. The failure mode and effects analysis
A2.C.6.2. ALTERNATIVE NAMES. The FMEA
A2.C.6.3. PURPOSE. The failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a professional level hazard ID
tool specifically designed to detect and evaluate the impact due to the failure of various system
components. Most FMEAs have traditionally been directed at the failure of parts in mechanical system,
but the tool is suitable for analyzing the failure of any component of any type of system. A brief example
of FMEA illustrating this purpose is the analysis of the impact of the failure of the communications
component (radio, landline, computer, etc.) of a system on the overall mission. The focus of the FMEA is
on how such a failure could occur (failure mode) and the mission impact of such a failure (effects).
A2.C.6.4. APPLICATION. The FMEA is generally regarded as a professional tool but with the assistance
of the FMEA job aid, most operational personnel can use the tool effectively. The FMEA can be thought
of as a more formal and detailed “What if” analysis. It is an especially useful tool in contingency planning
where it is used to evaluate the impact of various possible failures (contingencies). The FMEA can be used
in place of the what if analysis when greater detail is needed or it can be used to examine the impact of
hazards developed using the what if tool in much greater detail.
A2.C.6.5. METHOD. The FMEA is normally accomplished using a worksheet similar to the one
illustrated at Figure A2.41. As noted on the sample worksheet, a specific component of the system to be
analyzed is identified. Several components can be analyzed. For example, a rotating part might freeze up,
explode, breakup, slow down, or even reverse direction. Each of these failure modes may have differing
impacts on connected components and the overall system. The worksheet then calls for an assessment of
probability.
Figure A2.41. Sample Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Worksheet.
FAILURE MODE AND EFFECTS ANALYSIS
Component
Description
Page ___of ___Pages
System_________________________ Date___________
Subsystem _____________________ Analyst_________
Failure
Mode
Effects on
Other
Components
Effects
on
System
91
RAC or
Hazard
Category
Failure Frequency
Effects Probability
Remarks