Doug/Dave,
Military Standard 882 "System Safety Program Requirements" describes a
process methodology to assess the failure risks with respect to product
safety.  While this standard is widely recognized it is a rather subjective
methodology.  It starts with a PHL "preliminary hazards list" and then
evaluates each risk (potential hazard) with a PHA "preliminary hazards
analysis".  The level of detail is dependent upon vitality.  A hazard
criticality matrix is then developed classifying Probablilty (frequent,
probable,..remote..) against hazard catagory (catastrophic, critical...
negligible).  These steps are to happen at the conceptual design phase and
used as input for the design team.  As the design is nears completion the
risks are again evaluated in more detail using FMECA "failure modes effects
and criticality analysis".    Reliability is covered by Mil-Handbook-217 and
offers a much more analytic approach to predicting failures and product life.
 I hope this is in some way relevant to your discussion.
Steve Ross

***************************************************************************
* TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 *
***************************************************************************
* To unsubscribe from this list at any time, send a message to:           *
* [log in to unmask] with <subject: unsubscribe> and no text.        *
***************************************************************************
* If you are having a problem with the IPC TechNet forum please contact   *
* Dmitriy Sklyar at 847-509-9700 ext. 311 or email at [log in to unmask]      *
***************************************************************************