Recent computer modeling advances for process hazard analysis

Abstract

Major accident risk management is a complicated aspect of chemical plant management. The managers involved (and typically the majority of managers working in a chemical plant will be actively involved in safety issues) have to work to strike a balance between many conflicting pressures. Examples of such factors include profitability, production targets, legislation, the workforce and the environment. Sometimes there is an ideal solution where an alternate engineering design can completely eliminate the risk of a major accident. However, more often than not, even after design modifications, there will be finite risk of a major accident. The successful risk management policy will result in an acceptable balance between the driving pressures of the business and decreasing risk. The balance might be sought considering both local and federal governments, the public, the media, the company workforce, the environment, the relevant insurance company and the financial interests of the business. An essential part of the risk management process is optimizing the use of the available safety budget. A large budget could very easily be spent with no significant increase in safety if the wrong decisions are made regarding priorities in design changes or plant modifications. This article discusses forms of methodical analysismore » to assist in enabling optimum use of the safety engineering budget.« less