---
title: "Defining Causes (HAZOP)"
slug: "defining-the-hazop-causes"
updated: 2026-10-27T23:12:18Z
published: 2026-10-27T23:12:18Z
canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/defining-the-hazop-causes"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ims-handbook.cenosco.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Defining Causes (HAZOP)

For each [Deviation](/v414/docs/defining-the-deviations), the HAZOP team should identify feasible Causes and likely [Consequences](/v414/docs/defining-the-consequences-for-each-hazop-deviation).

## Defining Causes

For each Deviation, define its Cause(s):

- Click on the Cause card next to the Deviation.
- Enter a Description for the Cause. Take note that this is a required field.
- You can use “Intelligent Text Recognition” to add Equipment to the card. Just start typing the Equipment name in the description field and click <Ctrl> + <Space>. The selected Equipment will be added to the card.
- Click the fold-out bar (see image below).
- Select the Cause Type from the library. Note: For each Cause Type in the library a Frequency per year has already been defined. This Frequency per year will be used in LOPA calculations if a [LOPA is later created](/v414/docs/creating-new-lopas) for associated [Consequence](/v414/docs/defining-the-consequences-for-each-hazop-deviation).
- Select the Associated Equipment, if you did not add it yet.![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-causes-image-mvihwipz.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T17%3A38%3A02Z&se=2026-10-28T18%3A38%3A02Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Cf4AlMuZ5r49pUWpFT%2BEPop2nZLZJkCt4UumQ79LULI%3D)Select a Cause Type and Associated Equipment on the Cause details fold-out.
- Close the fold-out window.

## Indicating that no additional Causes identified

To indicate that no additional Causes were identified:

- Click on the fold-out bar of the Cause card.
- Check the No additional Causes identified box.![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-causes-image-ivb9hgli.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T17%3A38%3A02Z&se=2026-10-28T18%3A38%3A02Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Cf4AlMuZ5r49pUWpFT%2BEPop2nZLZJkCt4UumQ79LULI%3D)Add a checkmark when no additional Causes were identified.

In this case the card description will show “No additional Causes identified”. The Cause and its child objects are then no longer required to be defined.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-causes-image-9crhd5xp.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T17%3A38%3A02Z&se=2026-10-28T18%3A38%3A02Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Cf4AlMuZ5r49pUWpFT%2BEPop2nZLZJkCt4UumQ79LULI%3D)The Cause description shows “No additional Causes identified” and it is no longer required to fill in the card.

## Adding/Copying/Pasting/Deleting Causes

You can add an additional Cause for the Deviation, but only when the first Causes have been defined.

Use the buttons in the [Toolbar](/v414/docs/toolbars) or the [keyboard shortcuts](/v414/docs/keyboard-shortcuts) to Add / Copy / Paste / Delete Causes.