OHST Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a Fault Tree Analysis?

1. To ensure operational safety

2. To analyze product specifications

3. To identify system failures

4. To improve employee training

The correct answer is: To identify system failures

The primary purpose of a Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is to identify system failures. FTA is a systematic, deductive failure analysis technique that aims to identify the cause of failures in a system. By constructing a fault tree, analysts can thoroughly understand how various faults can lead to a particular undesired event, allowing them to identify potential failure points and assess their likelihood. In the context of safety and reliability engineering, FTA helps organizations uncover the root causes of failures, which can then be addressed to improve overall system performance and safety. This framework allows for the visualization of complex interactions between different components, leading to better decision-making regarding risk management and mitigation strategies. While operational safety, product specifications, and employee training are all important aspects of system management, the fundamental aim of FTA is specifically focused on identifying and analyzing failures to enhance system reliability and safety.