A Conceptual Framework for Semantic Case-based Safety Analysis

Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Analysis and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) are among the most widely used safety analysis procedures in the development of safety-critical and embedded systems. These analyses are generally perceived as complex and time-consuming, hindering an effective reuse of previous results or experiences. In this paper we present a conceptual semantic case-based framework for safety analysis, which facilitates the reuse of previous HAZOP and FMEA experiences in order to reduce the time and effort associated with these analyses. We present the core technologies of the conceptual framework and evaluated a prototype of the framework, KROSA, in an experiment with domain experts at ABB Norway. Initial results confirm the viability of the conceptual framework for industrial application.