Equipment failure mode

An equipment failure mode is the specific way a component or system fails to perform its function, the starting unit of analysis in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Each mode is described with its cause, its local and system effect, and a severity, occurrence, and detection rating that combine into a risk priority number used to rank mitigation. In shipping, FMEA is required for dynamic positioning systems and is used in machinery reliability and class risk assessments. Identifying failure modes drives the planned maintenance system intervals, the spares holding, and the condition-monitoring strategy for critical equipment.