DNV invites SCAT users to provide suggestions for improvement

DNV’s SCAT (Systematic Cause Analysis Technique) is a widely used methodology for structured analysis of incidents, based on predefined categories of loss events, their potential direct and basic causes and guidance towards a management system structure for effective improvement. The DNV loss causation model forms the prime structure of this thinking, which is presented in an easy-to-use SCAT chart.

Since its origin about 20 years ago several SCAT chart versions have been developed. The SCAT version that aligns with the 6^th version of the International Safety Rating System (ISRS) is probably most widely used. This version addresses a full range of loss control events, however focuses explicitly on occupational health & safety incidents. As part of the ISRS version 7 family of products DNV developed a SCAT chart that addresses the full range of HSEQ incidents and allows to investigate the direct and basic causes of several types of safety, environment, quality, health incidents from a more generic sustainability point of view.

This chart links into the 15 most important business processes that are required for sound management of all HSEQ hazards in a company. Recently a specific SCAT-PSM (Process Safety Management) chart was developed to address the specific issues involved in more complex (process safety management) incidents. This version was developed as part of a DNV global research project with the aim to bring DNV’s PSM service portfolio to a next level. Barrier-based thinking is key in this new development.

Anno 2011 it is observed from several discussions with clients in the industry that one common updated version of the SCAT chart would be appreciated and welcomed by the industry. Therefore an internal project is launched to better understand the learnings and experiences in using the current SCAT chart(s) and identify which improvement items are perceived by its users. All SCAT chart users are therefore invited to provide input and guidance to this new development. Suggestions related to both the paper chart as well as to potential software applications are more than welcome.

Datum: maandag 27 juni 2011