ABSTRACT
Investigators routinely obtain and examine information maintained in various types of records during investigations, records that contain information describing characteristics of the systems, operators, and the companies that operate them. 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 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. The documentation is referred to as “written” although most such records, whether maintained by company, regulator, or small business, are largely electronically stored today.
