---
title: "Step 2 Identify Threats and Barriers (Define the CL)"
slug: "step-2-identify-threats-and-barriers-define-the-cl-1"
status: "update"
updated: 2026-10-27T23:12:55Z
published: 2026-10-27T23:12:55Z
canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/step-2-identify-threats-and-barriers-define-the-cl-1"
---

> ## 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.

# Step 2 Identify Threats and Barriers (Define the CL)

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/Degradation%20Management%20Final%20(2).jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T11%3A53%3A41Z&se=2026-10-28T12%3A53%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=GDFL7doDNb9Rnzdg7RXz6EXddeYqchfoj4vy9lUuJfI%3D)

## Aim

In this step (as part of the Asset definition) the CL must be defined. This includes a definition of the CL boundaries and a process description. It further includes the identification of the [Threats](/v414/docs/degradation-classification-theory) and [Barriers](/v414/docs/barrier-types) (including the [IOWs](/v414/docs/integrity-operating-windows-iows-theory)) associated with the CL. An initial Barrier assessment is also advised during Barrier identification. Lastly, to complete the CL definition, all Components, forming the CL, should be assigned to the CL.

The compiled overview of Threats and Barriers, also called the Degradation Management Board in IMS, will serve as input to the next phase of the Degradation Management process: The Barrier verification (and design thereof) - [Step 3](/v414/docs/step-3-start-rbi-analysis-and-assign-dms-to-the-component-1) – [Step 13](/v414/docs/step-13-barrier-verification-execute-analyze-document).

See [Methodology Step 2](/v414/docs/methodology-step-2) and [Software Step 2](/v414/docs/software-step-2).