Note 1 to entry: The criticality evaluation criteria normally refer to the effects of the failure mode on the top-level in the system, item or process hierarchy.

Note 2 to entry: Criticality measures normally combine severity of effect with at least one other characteristic of a failure mode, e.g. failure mode probability or likelihood.

Note 3 to entry: The specific meaning of criticality is dependent upon the evaluation method defined within an analysis.

Note 4 to entry: Criticality relates to the failure mode and not to the failure causes (if the latter are identified at all).