Introduction
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the MEDA (Maintenance Event Decision Aid) framework, focusing on both its theoretical foundation and practical application in the maintenance environment.
Over three days, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the MEDA methodology, its alignment with safety management systems (SMS), and how it fosters a just culture in event analysis. The course includes theoretical lessons, hands-on sessions, and practical exercises, culminating in a full-scale MEDA investigation.
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to analyze maintenance events effectively, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve safety, efficiency, and operational performance.
Who is the Course for?
This course is designed for maintenance professionals, safety managers, engineers, and anyone involved in safety management systems (SMS) or maintenance event analysis. It is ideal for those seeking to improve their skills in identifying root causes, analyzing events, and fostering a safety-focused culture.
What is the Benefit of this Training – What will I learn?
a) Deep theoretical understanding of MEDA and human factors.
b) Hands-on experience with event investigation and interviewing techniques.
c) Practical application of root cause analysis and corrective actions.
d) Developing and presenting full MEDA reports.
e) Confidence in implementing MEDA within a real-world maintenance environment.
Detailed Content / Topics – The following Subjects will be addressed
Day 1: Understanding the MEDA Framework (Deep Theory)
Objective: Establish a solid foundation in MEDA theory, its evolution, and the importance of a just culture.
- Introduction to MEDA
Evolution from Maintenance Error Decision Aid to Maintenance Event Decision Aid.
The shift from error-focused investigations to event-focused learning.
How MEDA aligns with SMS (Safety Management Systems) and human factors principles.
- Fundamental Concepts
Swiss Cheese Model and its relevance to maintenance events.
The role of latent conditions vs. active failures.
How Just Culture supports effective event analysis and reporting.
- Human Performance in Maintenance
Understanding task complexity and cognitive limitations.
The impact of fatigue, stress, and workplace conditions.
Real-world examples of maintenance events and their contributing factors.
- MEDA Event Analysis Structure
Types of Maintenance Events (commission, omission, procedural, knowledge-based, etc.).
Classifying contributing factors:
– Organizational/systemic issues
– Workplace conditions
– Tools & documentation
– Supervision & communication
Difference between error-producing conditions and organizational deficiencies.
Day 2: Practical Application Begins
Objective: Develop hands-on skills in event data collection and structured analysis.
- How to Conduct a MEDA Investigation
Step-by-step breakdown of data collection and interviewing.
Conducting non-punitive interviews with technicians.
Gathering and analyzing maintenance documentation and work records.
- Developing a MEDA Report
How to structure a report for maximum impact.
Identifying root causes vs. symptoms.
Presenting findings objectively.
Practical Session 1: MEDA Interviewing Techniques
Participants conduct mock maintenance event investigations.
Role-playing scenarios to improve non-judgmental questioning skills.
Group discussions on key observations and challenges.
Objective: Apply MEDA tools to real-world cases and develop corrective actions.
- Event Classification Exercise
Participants analyze case studies of past maintenance events.
Assigning categories and contributing factors.
Identifying systemic weaknesses.
- Developing Corrective Actions
Strategies to improve procedures, training, and resource allocation.
Implementing human factors-driven solutions.
Balancing safety, cost, and operational efficiency.
Practical Session 2: Event Analysis & Report Writing
Participants work in teams to analyze real-world maintenance event scenarios.
Prepare and present a structured MEDA investigation report.
Peer review and facilitator feedback.
Day 3: Full-Scale MEDA Investigation
Objective: Conduct a complete MEDA investigation from start to finish.
- Final Case Study – Conducting a Full MEDA Process
Participants receive a simulated maintenance event.
Perform a full MEDA investigation, including:
– Data gathering
– Interviewing techniques
– Root cause analysis
– Development of corrective action plans
Present findings and recommendations.
- Final Review and Improvement Strategies
How to embed MEDA into an organizational safety culture.
Measuring the effectiveness of MEDA processes.
Linking MEDA to Continuous Improvement & SMS.
Final Exercise: Team Presentations
Each team presents its MEDA findings.
Discussion on lessons learned and implementation strategies.
Target groups
This course is for maintenance professionals, safety managers, and engineers involved in event analysis and safety management.
Pre-requisites
The pre-requisites for this course include knowledge of maintenance processes, safety management systems (SMS), and human factors principles.
Learning Objectives
Build a strong understanding of MEDA theory, its development, and the significance of a just culture. Gain practical experience in collecting event data and performing structured analysis. Complete a full MEDA investigation, from initiation to conclusion.
What do People Say about Sofema Aviation Services Training?
“ Very well presented course material, Communication was excellent and Interaction with class”
“The instructor is deeply in the subject.”
The practical module was the most useful”
“Everything was very well-prepared.”
“The training was very detailed.”
“The instructor answers every question”
Duration
3 days -each day will commence at 09.00 and finish at 17.30, with appropriate refreshment breaks.
Sofema Aviation Services offers a flexible approach to developing all in-company training courses which are specific to the client’s needs. If you would like additional information concerning how course content may be configured to be more appropriate for your organisation please email [email protected]
