ABSTRACT
Investigators routinely examine information maintained in various types of written records during error investigations, records that contain information describing characteristics of the system, operators, and the companies that operate the system. Recognizing the value of written documentation and knowing when and how to apply the information they contain to an error investigation are critical investigative skills. In this chapter the types of written documentation available to investigators will be reviewed, preparation for examining written documentation discussed, qualitative aspects of the data considered, and the application of the data to various situations examined.
