Using the Performance Specification Process in Hazard Elimination and Control

Abstract

Performance specifications define the functional requirements for the product, the environment in which it must operate, and interface and interchangeability characteristics. A performance specification states these requirements in terms of the required results. However, a performance specification does not state the methods used for achieving these required results. They translate operational requirements into more technical language that tells the manufacturer what acceptable product performance is and how that product acceptability is determined. System safety professionals can make use of the performance specification process to include those items that will verify the elimination or mitigation and control of a variety of hazards. This paper discusses the history and provides an overview of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Performance Specification process. It will also provide guidance to the system safety professional in writing related performance specifications and how to best use this process to verify that potential hazards have been eliminated or controlled.