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What If/Checklist

What is a What If/Checklist Analysis?


What IF/Checklist Analysis is a combination of the What If Analysis and the Checklist Analysis. When used by an experienced team, What If/Checklist has the potential to be an extremely powerful technique.

When should you use a What If/Checklist Analysis?


You can use a What If/Checklist analysis at any time with either an existing or a new facility.

What If/Checklist Methodology

  • 1. Obtain all checklists that will be of value to the study. If no checklists are available, you must create one by first consulting all available sources of information, such as material safety data sheets and research literature.
  • 2. Designate checklist items that are not applicable as “N/A” and review the remaining.
  • 3. For checklist items that are applicable:

    a. Postulate problems and failures by asking questions, such as “What if …?” or “Is it possible for … to occur?” or “Has … been considered?”
     
    b. For each question asked in step 3a, record the consequences.
     
    c. For each question asked in step 3a, record any safeguards present that may prevent the occurrence of the hazard or mitigate the consequences.
     
    d. For each question asked in step 3a, propose any recommendations required to prevent the occurrence of the hazard or mitigate the consequences.