Industries
Regulations, Guidelines and Manuals
Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) Facilitators
December 4, 2002
As part of the Dam Safety Performance Monitoring Program (DSPMP),
in cooperation with a team of dam owners and independent consultants,
FERC developed guidance for carrying out a potential failure mode
analysis (PFMA) as part of the FERC Part 12D Periodic Inspections
by an Independent Consultant. Draft Chapter 14 of the Engineering
Guidelines describes the goals and expectations in the conduct
of a PFMA and also presents a known, workable procedure for the
conduct of the potential failure mode analysis. Those procedures,
which include the use of a facilitator to guide the PFMA, have
been used and tested during the pilot project phase of the DSPMP.
Facilitator Requirements - The Potential Failure
Mode Analysis (PFMA) facilitator should be a civil engineer with
a broad background and experience in dam safety engineering and
experience in performing a PFMA similar to that described in this
guidance. A basic recommended qualification for the facilitator
is that the proposed facilitator for a project should have been
involved in an actual PFMA of the nature described in these guidelines.
Qualifying experience is participation as a core team member of
a PFMA or actually facilitating a PFMA. This ensures that the
person leading the PFMA process knows not only how the process
is carried out, but also is aware of what can be accomplished.
This is especially critical if the other core team members have
not been through a PFMA which may often be the case. As an alternative
to actual experience participating or facilitating a PFMA, the
proposed facilitator should have attended an FERC sponsored Dam
Safety Performance Monitoring Program Training Workshop. FERC
will periodically provide training opportunities to help develop
facilitators, especially during the implementation phase of this
new program.
It is important to understand that if the facilitator does not
accomplish the goals of the PFMA, which is identifying and obtaining
a clear understanding of each dams site's specific potential failure
modes, the PFMA may be required to be supplemented or redone entirely.
We encourage anyone interested in facilitating PFMAs to contact
project owners who have scheduled PFMAs to request permission
to observe the PFMAs. DSPMP training workshops are being scheduled
that will include PMFA facilitator training.
As we become aware of additional individuals who have the appropriate
experience, the list will be updated. If anyone is interested
in facilitating PFMAs and believe you have the appropriate experience,
please see Contact Information above.