Which process hazard analysis method involves brainstorming potential failures before taking further actions?

The process hazard analysis method that involves brainstorming potential failures is the "What if?" approach. This method encourages participants to think creatively and openly about potential failure scenarios without immediate constraints. During a "What if?" analysis, a team will pose questions such as "What if a certain event occurs?" or "What if a critical system fails?" This brainstorming approach helps identify a wide array of potential hazards and their consequences, allowing for comprehensive risk assessment.

By engaging various stakeholders in this brainstorming process, the "What if?" method promotes collaborative thinking and enables teams to explore varying perspectives on potential risks. It serves as an effective preliminary step in a risk management framework, as it fosters discussion and uncovering of issues that may not be immediately apparent.

In contrast, other methods like checklists or HAZOPS follow more structured approaches, focusing on predefined criteria or specific parameters rather than freeform discussion. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), while also systematic, involves identifying potential failure modes based on existing knowledge rather than brainstorming new possibilities, which distinguishes it from the "What if?" method.