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PLANT-MANAGEMENT5 MIN READ

Run a 5 Whys without blaming the operator

Use 5 Whys to move from symptom to system cause without stopping at blame.

The CIP pump trips for the third Friday in a row, and the first explanation is that operators are rushing washdown. 5 Whys should move from symptom to controllable system cause, with evidence at each step. The common trap is stopping at 'operator forgot' and calling a reminder a corrective action. Why 1 Why did the pump trip? The motor overloaded during washdown. Start with a clear effect and evidence from the trip log. Why 2 Why did it overload? Flow dropped below normal and the pump ran against restriction. Use the pressure and flow readings, not guesses. Why 3…

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