Advance preparation for accident investigation

Factors which must be considered in advance planning for accident/incident investigation are discussed and developed in analytical tree format. Basic areas developed are those relating to: Reporting and classifying events; Methods for preservation of evidence; Considerations in setting up the investigation group; Methods for establishing the investigation group; Methods for initiating and conducting the investigation; Training of personnel; Reporting procedures and controls; Post-investigation activities. This paper also relates advance preparations for formal accident investigation to the comprehensive investigation methodology recently developed by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration. These considerations are, however, perfectly general and represent the necessary and sufficient conditions for establishing a state of readiness for any investigating methodology. (author)