This Standard provides general guidance for the collection of incident data that can be used for R&M assessment purposes, It describes the common aspects of data classification and incident sentencing to be used within the MOD and on MOD contracts.

Guidance is given on the data reporting necessary to support data classification and incident sentencing.

Guidance is given on incident sentencing and the use of a summary code. The role of the Incident Sentencing Committee (ISC) within the R&M Panel system is described.

Where standard methods for incident sentencing have been adopted they are detailed in the Standard and are available to MOD departments. This Standard can thus be used in contracting for R&M.

This Standard defines and describes the standardized methodology applicable to MOD equipment for sentencing incidents arising where information is gathered for MOD R&M purposes. The methodology is applicable to procurement programmes, whether within the MOD or contracted, and to in-service R&M assessment programmes. A standardized approach has been adopted because equipments are rarely used in isolation, and it is often necessary to compare or use results from the R&M assessment of more than one equipment and/or source. Standardization has the further advantage of consistency of approach which is to the mutual benefit of the MOD and its contractors.

This Standard does not seek to replace contractors' own data coding methodologies for identifying incidents or fault conditions/patterns or failure modes. Such methodologies are as diverse as the equipment the MOD procures and are usually aimed at providing information for the internal use of that contractor.