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Fire and Explosion Fault Tree Analysis Examples

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a systematic, top-down approach to identify and evaluate the combinations of events that can lead to a fire or explosion. This collection showcases fault tree diagrams for fire and explosion occurrence across four high-risk industries: chemical processing, grain handling, fuel dispensing, and oil storage.

Standard NUREG-0492 Fault Tree HandbookEngine schematex-faulttreeExport SVG · PNG · PDF
4 templates
Fault tree Fire and Explosion Fault Tree Analysis
Oil Refinery Storage Tank Vapor Cloud ExplosionOil Refinery Storage Tank Vapor Cloud ExplosionFire and Explosion Fault Tree AnalysisUse template →Gasoline Station Dispenser Fire and Flash FireGasoline Station Dispenser Fire and Flash FireFire and Explosion Fault Tree AnalysisUse template →Grain Silo Dust Explosion and FireGrain Silo Dust Explosion and FireFire and Explosion Fault Tree AnalysisUse template →Chemical Reactor Fire and Explosion Fault TreeChemical Reactor Fire and Explosion Fault TreeFire and Explosion Fault Tree AnalysisUse template →

Nothing close enough? Start from a blank fault tree → Describe it in one paragraph.

How to

How to use a fault tree template.

  1. 01Define the top event

    Start by clearly stating the fire or explosion event you want to analyze, such as "Chemical Reactor Fire" or "Dust Explosion in Silo".

  2. 02Identify immediate causes

    Determine the events that directly lead to the top event, such as fuel presence, ignition source, and oxygen supply.

  3. 03Break down causes further

    Continue decomposing each intermediate event into basic root causes (e.g., faulty valve, maintenance error) until you reach the base level.

  4. 04Connect with logic gates

    Use AND gates when multiple conditions must occur simultaneously; use OR gates when any single condition can trigger the next event.

  5. 05Validate the tree

    Review the fault tree for completeness and logical consistency, ensuring no missing pathways or redundant branches.

FAQ

Questions about fault tree templates

What is a fault tree analysis?

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a deductive failure analysis method that uses Boolean logic to map the pathways from a top undesired event (like a fire) down to basic root causes. It helps identify failure combinations and prioritize preventive measures.

How is fault tree analysis used for fire and explosion risk assessment?

FTA models the causal chains that can result in fire or explosion, enabling safety engineers to quantify the probability of such events, pinpoint weak points in protective systems, and design effective controls.

What are common basic events in fire and explosion fault trees?

Typical basic events include: presence of flammable vapor, static discharge, hot work without permit, lightning strike, equipment overheating, corrosion, and human error (e.g., bypassing safety interlocks).

Can I customize the gate symbols and styles in the fault tree tool?

Yes, our diagram tool lets you switch between standard AND/OR gate shapes, adjust colors, add labels, and reorganize branches. You can describe changes in plain English, and the AI will apply them.

What is the difference between fault tree analysis and event tree analysis?

Fault tree analysis is a top-down, backward-looking method that starts with an undesired event and identifies its possible causes. Event tree analysis is forward-looking—it starts with an initiating event and maps out possible consequences. Both are complementary in process safety.