Elements and Performance Criteria

There are many possible causes of any problem. Eliminating some will have no impact, others will ameliorate the problem. However, elimination of the root cause will eliminate the problem. There should only be one root cause for any problem and so the analysis should continue until this one cause is found. Elimination of the root cause permanently eliminates the problem.


The series of causes is referred to as the cause tree. Not all root causes are accessible and able to be eliminated. Breaking the cause tree is such a way that the problem cannot recur is an acceptable alternative.

Not all situations can wait for the


Uptime refers to the overall availability of the plant - it is the inverse of downtime - or the unavailability of the plant. Ideal uptime is 100%.


Appropriate techniques/charts may include the following:

control charts

Pareto charts

run charts

flow charts

cause and effect diagrams

tree diagrams

4W analysis.


Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) is the combination of the main factors causing loss of productive capacity from equipment/plant and is:

where:

availability takes into account losses due to breakdown, set up and adjustments

performance takes into account losses due to minor stoppages, reduced speed and idling

quality rate takes into account t losses due to rejects, re-works and start up waste.

Overview of assessment requirements
The competent operator will be able to recognise problems in their process and undertake a root cause analysis, either alone or with assistance and propose permanent solutions.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?
Access to an organisation using root cause analysis.

What critical aspects of evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit?
Evidence of root cause analyses undertaken should be available.

In what context should assessment occur?
Assessment will need to occur in an organisation implementing root cause analysis or by simulation or project.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?
This unit could be assessed concurrently with other units dealing with the improvement of the process.
This unit could be co-assessed (and delivered) with:
This unit is related to

What method of assessment should apply?
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.
The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance?
Generally a range of root cause analysis activities will be required in order to generate sufficient evidence.