Critical Defect

Critical Defect

A critical defect is a form of defect or fault that renders a system or item of equipment inoperative or is likely to render the system or item of equipment inoperative placing a one or more people at significant risk (death or injury) or an asset (or building) at significant risk (loss or damage) of from fire or related emergency.

Australian Standard AS 1851 introduced the term critical defect in the 2012 edition of the Standard.  The definition was accompanied by a flowchart (Figure 1.5.6 - Routine Service Activity Failure) to illustrate the difference between a critical defect, non-critical defect and an observation.

Disclaimer

In preparing this definition, we have drawn from various sources including Legislation, Codes, Standards and industry information, research and knowledge.  Like the english language, these definitions may subtly change from time to time. As such these definitions are provided solely on the basis that users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the definition and and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.