IPICA_Lite—Improvements to root cause analysis

• IPICA_Lite method representing an improved RCA using predefined tree is introduced.
• IPICA_Lite method is used to analyze an illustrative example.
• Results show enhanced ability of method to improve the management system.

A few modifications can significantly improve root cause analysis using predefined trees. These modifications are based on adopting four ideas: (1) Causes represent deficiencies in processes. (2) Processes connected to causes are grouped into a hierarchy. Superior processes shape the subordinate ones. (3) The same safety management system can be applied to all processes in the hierarchy. (4) The structure described in the CCPS Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety represents a universally applicable safety management system. Simultaneously, it can be transformed into a universal RBPS Root Cause Map.The resulting IPICA_Lite procedure described in this paper can serve as a tool that identifies underlying causes, including the problems inherent in a safety culture, and promotes corrective recommendations including the third layer recommendations, enforcement of which is often difficult.