Which of the following is NOT a method to prevent failures from occurring?

Identifying new defects is not a method to prevent failures; rather, it serves as a response to already existing problems. When defects are identified, the focus is often on resolution and correction, which occurs after a defect manifests. In contrast, preventative methods aim to eliminate the possibility of these defects arising in the first place.

Defect elimination, proactive operation, and proactive maintenance are all methods designed to anticipate and mitigate risks before they lead to failures. Defect elimination focuses on removing the root causes of failure in the design or manufacturing process. Proactive operation involves taking steps to operate systems in a way that reduces the likelihood of failure, while proactive maintenance emphasizes scheduled inspections and corrections to prevent breakdowns. Therefore, while identifying new defects is important for managing quality and reliability, it does not align with the proactive strategies designed to prevent failures.