Which statement best describes a DFS?

• A. A temporary deviation that has no impact on safety.
• B. Departures from Specifications occur when a system has been modified from the original design and can be Major or Minor and Permanent or Temporary.
• C. A routine maintenance procedure.
• D. A quality assurance audit.

Answer: (B)

Departures from Specifications are deviations from the approved design or specifications. They happen when a system or its operation is altered from what was originally approved, and they can be Major or Minor and Permanent or Temporary depending on the potential safety impact and duration. This captures that a DFS is a recognized change from the original design that may affect safety or performance and needs evaluation or authorization before continuing. The other options describe things that aren’t deviations from approved specs: routine maintenance is planned work to keep systems up to date, and a quality assurance audit is a review activity. A statement about a temporary deviation with no safety impact misses the point that DFS encompasses any departure from approved specs, regardless of perceived safety impact.