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

A2.C.8. THE MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT AND RISK TREE
A2.C.8.1. FORMAL NAME. The management oversight and risk tree
A2.C.8.2. ALTERNATIVE NAMES. The MORT
A2.C.8.3. PURPOSE. The management oversight and risk tree (MORT) is the ultimate hazard ID tool.
MORT uses a series of MORT charts developed and perfected over several years by the Department of
Energy in connection with their nuclear safety programs. Each MORT chart identifies a potential
operating or management level hazard that might be present in an operation. The attention to detail
characteristic of MORT is illustrated by the fact that the full MORT diagram or tree contains more than
10,000 blocks. Even the simplest MORT chart contains over 300 blocks. Obviously, full application of
MORT is a very time-consuming and costly venture. The basic MORT chart with about 300 blocks can be
routinely used as a check on the other hazard ID tools. By reviewing the major headings of the MORT
chart, an analyst will often be reminded of a type of hazard that was overlooked in the initial analysis. The
MORT diagram is also very effective in assuring attention to the underlying management root causes of
hazards.
A2.C.8.4. APPLICATION. Full application of MORT is reserved for the highest risks and most mission
critical activities because of the time and expense required. MORT is also basically a professional tool
requiring a specially trained loss control professional to assure proper application. The basic MORT
diagram can be used to facilitate and check on the overall hazard ID process by those with the interest and
motivation to ensure excellence.
A2.C.8.5. METHOD. MORT is accomplished using the MORT diagrams. As indicated above there are
several levels of the MORT diagram available. The most comprehensive, with about 10,000 blocks
basically fills a book. There is an intermediate diagram with about 1500 blocks, and a basic diagram with
about 300. Of course it is possible to tailor a MORT diagram by choosing various branches of the MORT
tree and using only those segments. The MORT is essentially a negative tree, so the process begins by
placing an undesired loss event at the top of the diagram used. The MORT user then systematically
responds to the issues posed by the MORT diagram. All aspects of the diagram are considered and the
“less than adequate” blocks are highlighted for risk control action.
A2.C.8.6. RESOURCES. The best source of information on MORT is the supporting safety office.
A2.C.8.7. COMMENTS. MORT is the ultimate in ORM hazard ID processes. Unfortunately, in a military
context only rarely will the time, resources, expertise, and mission critical issue come together to permit
full application of the process. Nevertheless, the wise risk manager will become familiar with MORT
processes and will frequently use the basic MORT diagram to reinforce mainstream hazard ID tools.
The MORT diagram is essentially an elaborate negative logic diagram. The difference is primarily
that the MORT diagram is already fill-out for the user, allowing a person to identify various contributory
cause factors for a given undesirable event. Since the MORT is very detailed, as mentioned above, a person
can identify basic causes for essentially any type of event.
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