Cause-Consequence Analysis (CCA) is a blend of fault
tree and event tree analysis. This technique combines
cause analysis (described by fault trees) and
consequence analysis (described by event trees), and
hence deductive and inductive analysis is used. The
purpose of CCA is to identify chains of events that can
result in undesirable consequences. With the
probabilities of the various events in the CCA diagram,
the probabilities of the various consequences can be
calculated, thus establishing the risk level of the
system.
Consequence analysis is done by considering accident
locations and computing the physiological damage and
lethality effects of heat fluxes generated from fires.
Subsequent effects on people located within a certain
distance from such fires is estimated. The total risk is
determined by summing the risk associated with each
fire/accident scenario.
A typical Cause-Consequence Analysis Diagram
The technique was invented by RISO Laboratories in
Denmark to be used in risk analysis of nuclear power
stations. However, it can also be adapted by the other
industries in the estimation of the safety of a
protective or other system.
