16: External Events
Definition/Typical Issues
Was the incident the result of an external event that cannot be controlled by the organization? Was the incident caused by events that took place outside the facility?
Typical issues coded under this node include:
- Release from outside the facility
- Fire in an adjacent facility
- Supplier problems
- Actions of the public
- Commercial shipping companies external to the organization (e.g., a trucking company not owned by the organization)
Note 1: There is no path beyond this node (it is a dead end) because these external events cannot be controlled by the organization through better organizational systems. However, any failures of the organization to address mitigation of these issues through design and management systems should be addressed through other portions of the Root Cause Map™.
Examples
Example 1
- A release of chlorine from an adjacent facility affected the operators in your facility.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's response to the release should also be addressed to determine whether emergency response planning and implementation should be improved.
Example 2
- A chlorine tanker accident on a nearby railroad spur required the evacuation of a portion of your facility.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's response to the release should also be addressed to determine whether emergency response planning and implementation should be improved.
Example 3
- A nearby accident on the expressway prevented shipments from leaving your facility for an 8-hour period. As a result, some deliveries were not made on time.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's response to the traffic issue should also be addressed to determine whether contingency planning and implementation should be improved.
Example 4
- A key supplier's warehouse was struck by a tornado. As a result, the warehouse was unable to supply your facility with raw materials for 2 weeks.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's supplier selection process should also be addressed to determine whether multiple suppliers should be used.
Example 5
- The local utility's power plant shut down, resulting in a 5-minute power outage to your facility. It took 2 hours to restart the plant and stabilize the process.
Note: Issues associated with the design of backup power supplies for the facility should also be addressed to determine whether emergency power sources should be modified.
Example 6
- A model airplane club flies its planes near your facility. A stray airplane flew into your facility, striking a worker and injuring her.
Example 7
- On the 4th of July, some kids were lighting fireworks. One of the fireworks entered your facility and started a small fire.
Example 8
- Product shipped to a customer via a commercial shipping company was damaged during shipping when the commercial shipping company's truck was involved in an accident. As the truck was crossing a bridge, the bridge collapsed.
Example 9
- Product shipped to a customer by Good Stuff Inc. via a commercial shipping company (ABC Trucking) did not arrive at the customer's site on schedule. ABC Trucking's driver was provided with an incorrect address by ABC Trucking. The correct shipping address was sent from Good Stuff to ABC Trucking.
Typical Recommendations
- Develop emergency response plans to address events that may take place near the facility.
- Work with nearby facilities to understand their operations and address any issues in emergency response plans.
- Develop contingency plans for supplier issues.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 13 | External Events |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 18 | External Events |