Abstract
Root cause analysis (RCA) is a class of problem solving methods aimed at identifying the root causes of problems/ incidents. By directing corrective measures at core causes, it is hoped that the chances of problem recurrence will be minimized. Thus, RCA is frequently considered to be an iterative process, and is frequently viewed as a tool of continuous improvement. RCA, initially is a reactive method of problem detection & solving. This means that, the analysis is done after an incident has occurred. By gaining proficiency in RCA it becomes a pro-active method. This means that RCA is able to estimate the possibility of an incident even before it could occur. Root cause analysis mainly consists of three steps A): Define the problem. B): Analyze the problem. C): Find the solutions for the problem.
In view of the accident which took place recently i.e. Gulf of Mexico oil spill 2010, there were eight catastrophic failures which led to the explosion that destroyed the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. These failures included the sending of unofficial cement by specialist cementing services, no indications of testing done on the surface by drilling rig provider company before deploying it, pressure test which would have revealed problems in the drill was incorrectly deemed as a success by operator company and drilling rig provider company rig personnel. A complex and interlinked succession of mechanical failures, human judgments, engineering design, operational implementation and team interfaces caused this tragedy. Consequences of these plain errors were quite hazardous. It affected the humanity, environment, economy and also the settlements.
The core objective of the paper is to bring about a detailed analysis so as to throw light on new techniques and how they can be utilised to prevent such disasters. To achieve this objective we acknowledged all the possible solutions for this issue so that the most excellent solutions can be selected and the challenges that are to be faced are studied thoroughly and examined to prevent future errors. However, it is recognized that complete prevention of reappearance by a single intrusion is not always possible. On the belief that problems are best solved by attempting to correct or eliminate root causes, as opposed to merely addressing the immediately obvious symptoms.
