Comprehensive Hazard Research Articles

Numerical modelling of pump-driven tsunami generation and fluid-structure-interaction in idealized urbanized coastal areas during run-up

Tsunami wave inundations are still one of the most devastating natural disasters worldwide. Tsunamis striking a settlement frequently devastate much of its infrastructure. In instances where infrastructure withstands the tsunami’s actions, it acts as a flow resistance for the wave’s run-up, altering inundation dynamics and flow depth. Accurately predicting the complex dynamics of tsunami wave run-up in densely populated urban areas is paramount for informing effective evacuation protocols and conducting comprehensive hazard and risk assessments. In pursuit of improving wave run-up prediction capabilities, this study delves into the three-dimensional numerical modelling of wave run-up of non-breaking, long tsunami waves in urbanized areas. Leveraging insights from a physical experiment with pump-driven wave generation and idealized infrastructure, a novel pressure-based wave generation boundary condition is developed. The boundary condition achieves an average of 4.9% accuracy in replicating the water surface elevation from experiments. Additionally, it attains an average 1.5% precision in reproducing flow velocities, furthermore reproducing the spatial flow dynamics accurately. Physical experiment wave run-up is modelled with an average 6.9% deviation for both simulations with and without idealized infrastructure. 63.0% higher non-linearity waves than in the physical experiments are additionally investigated to highlight the boundary conditions capabilities of high non-linearity wave generation, change in run-up reduction for higher non-linearity waves for infrastructure interaction and furthermore in-depth flow field characteristics during tsunami inundation. Finally, the study highlights deviations from analytically calculated wave run-up, emphasizing the necessity for numerical and physical experimental evaluation for both high non-linearity waves and tsunami infrastructure interaction, ultimately fostering both resilience and preparedness against tsunami hazards.

A multidisciplinary perspective on the role of plastic pollution in the triple planetary crisis

In this perspective paper, we discuss the negative impacts of plastics and associated chemicals on the triple planetary crisis of environmental pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss from a multidisciplinary perspective. Plastics are part of the pollution crisis, threatening ecosystems and human health. They also impact climate change and accelerate biodiversity loss; in this, they aggravate the triple planetary crisis. We analyze the scientific state-of-the-art to identify critical knowledge gaps regarding the life cycle, release, fate, exposure, hazard and governance of plastics and associated chemicals, as well as links to climate change and biodiversity loss. Based on the outcome, we derive key research needs for a comprehensive hazard assessment of plastics and associated chemicals, amongst others, to address the largely missing regulation of plastic additives and in-use plastics. We offer a holistic perspective bridging disciplinary expertise from natural and social sciences to achieve effective plastic governance and risk management of plastics and associated chemicals that protect the Earth, its ecosystems and human health from the plastics crisis.

Landslides and flood hazard mapping using geomorphological methods in Santa Ana, Costa Rica

This study addresses the critical need for comprehensive hazard maps to guide urban and periurban risk management in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. Located near the capital, San Jose, Santa Ana is a rapidly developing municipality characterized by high-value properties, commercial zones, luxury housing, agricultural, and protected areas. However, it faces significant challenges from landslides and floods. Despite its vulnerability, the municipality lacks detailed, holistic hazard assessments. To bridge this gap, we employed geomorphological methods, including morphometry and morphogenetics, integrated with geographic information systems (GIS), historical data, and on-site validation. Our analysis identified that slopes exceeding 20° are particularly susceptible to landslides, with valleys and unstable hillslopes being critical zones for seismic and water-induced destabilization. For flood hazards, areas with low slope and high flow accumulation, such as alluvial fans and flood plains, were found to be highly susceptible. Field and mapping validation against the DesInventar disaster database confirmed the accuracy of our hazard zones. These findings provide essential geospatial insights for effective risk management, decision-making, and territorial planning, enabling proactive and adaptive responses to natural hazards in Santa Ana. While this study does not present radical methodological innovations, its main contribution lies in demonstrating how easy-access and practical geomorphological tools can be used to generate valuable information on risk zoning in regions with limited resources. Furthermore, the methodology and insights from this study are applicable to other urban and periurban regions facing similar geomorphic hazards, highlighting its broader relevance.

Assessment of Hazards in the High‐Pressure Continuous Flow Reactor for Dimethyl Ether (DME) Synthesis

AbstractThe objective of this study is to conduct a thorough hazard analysis specifically tailored to identify hazards and suggest precautions associated with the intricate process of dimethyl ether (DME) production. This exothermic nature of DME production introduces the critical concern of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the DME synthesis process demands precise control over both pressure and flow rate. These parameters are important for increasing DME selectivity and CO conversion. Inadequate monitoring of these values may not only prevent the synthesis from proceeding but may also lead to major risks to health and safety. For this reason, proactive measures must be implemented to eliminate or minimize the risks. The significance of such measures cannot be overstated, as they serve to safeguard not only the integrity of the synthesis process but also the surrounding environment and human health. To delve deeper into the hazard evaluation, a comprehensive Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis has been carried out, focusing specifically on the reactor within the DME process. This methodical examination involves a systematic review of potential deviations, identifying the associated hazards, and proposing effective preventive measures. The HAZOP analysis serves as a pivotal tool in ensuring the overall safety and reliability of the DME process.

Integrated assessment of geophysical and social vulnerability to natural hazards in North-East Region, Romania

The multidisciplinary approach outlined in this paper aims to assess the correlation between geophysical and social vulnerability for disaster risk reduction. To achieve this, two multi-criteria methods based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques have been integrated to assess the risk to natural hazards in the North-East Development Region. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to conduct a comprehensive hazard analysis, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method was applied to examine the spatial distribution of social vulnerability at the Local Administrative Unit (LAU level), utilizing 24 variables to generate 6 principal components. Based on these results a Regional Risk Index (RRI) was developed using the bivariate method, combining the multi-hazard distribution with social vulnerability. The results showed that the north-eastern part of the region presents the highest risk, encompassing 10.68% of administrative units. These results can contribute to the design of risk reduction programs and policies.

A Framework for a Hazard Taxonomy to Support Risk Assessment of Tangible Outdoor Heritage

The variety of hazards with a potential impact on cultural heritage requires a multidisciplinary approach and a preliminary overview of the existing methods for risk assessment in order to define a comprehensive hazard taxonomy. The starting point of the research thus aims to build a multidisciplinary framework to support the risk assessment process according to the classification of cultural heritage based on the harmonization of European vocabularies’ definitions and protocols. To collect the necessary information, such as hazard classification, indicators, indices and thresholds, a series of methodologies was adopted: analysis of the main international protocols and the EU Research projects related to risk assessment in cultural heritage, expert-based knowledge and a systematic literature review. The research aims to fill a gap in the field of quantitative and indicator-based risk assessment that does not present a unique and all-encompassing framework capable of collecting the main natural and anthropic risks along with the related taxonomy in a single repository. The framework has been set up to be consulted by researchers, professionals and public administrations to support the evaluation process of potential risks on tangible outdoor heritage enabling users to incrementally add exposure and vulnerability data for each specific risk.

Enhancing Urban Public Safety through UAS Integration: A Comprehensive Hazard Analysis with the STAMP/STPA Framework

Rapid urbanization in developing countries poses challenges such as rising crime rates and resource scarcity. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) offer a promising solution to enhance public safety, but their integration requires addressing specific challenges. This study employs the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) and System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) methodologies to identify potential hazards and requirements for integrating UAS into public safety systems in urban environments. The research objectives include identifying hazards and challenges, developing safety requirements and guidelines, and proposing strategies for efficient infrastructure investment. The proposed framework, based on STAMP/STPA, includes additional steps to consider early-stage systems and maintain stakeholder traceability. A risk matrix approach is utilized to prioritize risk mitigation measures for cost-effectiveness. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in developing countries seeking to harness the potential of UAS technology for enhancing public safety while addressing the unique challenges posed by rapid urbanization.

On the Chemical Pathways Influencing the Effective Global Warming Potential of Commercial Hydrofluoroolefin Gases.

The enforcement of a global hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant phase down led to the introduction of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) as a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) substitute, given their low atmospheric lifetime. However, to this date it is not fully clear the long-term atmospheric fate of HFOs primary degradation products: trifluoro acetaldehyde (TFE), trifluoro acetyl fluoride (TFF), and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). It particularly concerns the possibility of forming HFC-23, a potent global warming agent. Although the atmospheric reaction networks of TFE, TFF, and TFA have a fair level of complexity, the relevant atmospheric chemical pathways are well characterized in the literature, enabling a comprehensive hazard assessment of HFC-23 formation as a secondary HFO breakdown product in diverse scenarios. A lower bound of the HFOs effective GWP in a baseline scenario is found above regulatory thresholds. While further research is crucial to refine climate risk assessments, the existing evidence suggests a non-negligible climate hazard associated with HFOs.

Travaler Empowerment through Iot - Based Wearable Health Monitoring Glove

The Travel Empowerment with IoT-Based Wearable Health Monitoring Gloves for Accident Prevention is a cutting-edge device that uses the Internet of Things (IoT) to increase road safety and empower travelers. This innovative system includes a wearable device that resembles gloves and is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, including GPS, GSM, ultrasonic, infrared (IR), and a heart rate sensor. The intention behind incorporating these sensors is to provide travelers with a comprehensive safety net. The gloves' GPS and GSM components provide precise position monitoring and a real-time communication with emergency services. By using this service, travelers may be sure that assistance will be dispatched right to their area in the case of an accident or tragedy. The passenger receives an extra layer of safety from the ultrasonic sensor, which proactively prevents accidents by detecting potential hazards or blockages in the traveler's immediate surroundings. By identifying any hazards that the human eye might overlook, the infrared sensor enhances the safety system even more. This comprehensive hazard detection system improves overall travel safety as well as the prevention of accidents. Additionally, a heart rate sensor included into the gloves monitors the wearer's physiological well-being over time. In the case of an emergency while traveling, the technology may promptly send out alarms in the event of aberrant heart rate patterns. The Travel Empowerment system gathers data in real-time from various sensors. The gathered data is subsequently processed by a clever algorithm. In the case of an anomaly or emergency, the gloves instantly sound a warning, providing vital information to emergency contacts, including the traveler's whereabouts, the severity of the issue, and their heart rate. This Internet of Things (IoT)-based wearable health monitoring glove system not only addresses the urgent problems of emergency response and accident avoidance, but it also allows users to track their health in real time while traveling. By enabling a complete approach to travel safety, the combination of GPS, GSM, IR, ultrasonic, and heart rate sensors gives customers a more empowered and secure travel experience.

Enhancing Healthcare Worker Well-Being and Patient Safety in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Comprehensive Hazard and Risk Analysis

Providing a healthy and safe hospital environment improves employee health and prevents occupational diseases and accidents. This increases the motivation and productivity of employees and contributes to the improvement of service quality in hospitals. Healthcare workers have to work meticulously to provide accurate diagnosis, treatment and care services while competing with time. Working under pressure can cause fatigue, stress and burnout in healthcare workers. This can affect their decision-making abilities and lead to malpractice. Errors can cause occupational accidents or occupational diseases, while misunderstanding or misapplication can cause serious damage to the patient's health. In this study, hazards and risks were identified in order to ensure that employees working in the pediatric emergency department of the hospital work in a healthier and safer environment. Fine Kinney method was used as a risk analysis method in the study. It was observed that the high rate (86.7%) of employees' inability to participate in social and cultural activities (86.7%) due to occupational fatigue caused a decrease in the desire to work (70%), as well as the intense feelings of burnout and frustration (70%) caused by stress caused by the profession. As a result of the challenging conditions experienced, it was determined that the desire not to see patients during the day (76.7%) and dissatisfaction increased (46.6%). Healthcare workers need to be vigilant and careful, and occupational health and safety initiatives should be carried out systematically, team-based, and education-focused.

基于模糊综合评判的 FMECA 脱粒清选系统可靠性分析

Aiming at the traditional FMECA (Failure Modes, Effect and Criticality Analysis) results of the threshing and cleaning system, which are strongly influenced by subjective factors, imprecise and easy to repeat, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is introduced to quantify the results of the expert evaluation and reduce the subjective influence. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to assign weights to each influencing factor, and by calculating the comprehensive hazard level index, the hazard ranking of each failure mode is carried out, from which the critical failure modes are identified as the focus of improvement, so as to improve the reliability of the system. Comparison shows that the improved method effectively makes up for the shortcomings of the traditional FMECA analysis method, and it is easier to find out the critical failure modes, which provides a theoretical basis for practical application.

Modern technologies in enhancing situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Perspective of European Commission call in 2022

Objective: The research objective is to indicate current priorities of the European Commission in funding modern technologies that enhance situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Methods: We analysed strategic documents of the European Union informing CBRN safety and security Horizon 2020 program priorities and the proposal which won the call HORIZON-CL3-2022-DRS-01-08. This process allowed us to indicate patterns reflecting European Union’s priorities in funding development of modern technologies to enhance both the awareness and the preparedness. Results: Investigation of 7 fundamental documents gave strategic background for applying modern technologies that enhance situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Relevant directions were reflected in the call for proposals named Disaster-Resilient Society 2022. Only one proposal was selected for funding and it now forms the basis for CHIMERA project (the full project title is: Comprehensive Hazard Identification, and Monitoring systEm for uRban Areas). The project’s mission is to provide a technological improvement in the CBRN domain complying with European legislation and boosting the capabilities of end-users with novel detection, identification, and monitoring functionalities at relatively high TRL. Discussion: As CHIMERA project describes directly many of issues addressed in the call for proposals, the current directions reflect strategic assumptions for ensuring safety and security in Europe. The project also uniquely concerns CBRN response capability gaps identified by International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation. Success story of CHIMERA proposal may serve as a reference in developing new technologies in a project formula in the future.

Optimizing safety performance through risk-based modeling in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector

The Nigerian oil and gas sector is fraught with safety challenges that undermine operational integrity and worker welfare. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced risk-based intervention and modeling approach to improve safety performance. This study investigated the safety challenges in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, focusing on identifying and addressing hazards to enhance operational integrity and worker welfare. A semi-quantitative approach was used to develop a comprehensive hazard checklist, aligned with ISO standards and expert insights. Data on hazard likelihood and severity were gathered through questionnaires distributed among a diverse group of industry experts, workers, and stakeholders. The analysis highlighted key risks like inadequate infrastructure, valve and seal failures, security concerns, and oil spill risks, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote a safer working environment and reduce accident risks.

Tropical cyclone wind hazard assessment for Donghaitang wind farm (Zhejiang Province, China): Case study

Currently, offshore and coastal wind power resources are growing rapidly around the world, especially in China. However, systematic research on the hazard assessment of wind farms under tropical cyclone conditions remains lacking. This study simulated the wind field of tropical cyclones based on a parameterized tropical cyclone wind field model, and analyzed the characteristics of historical tropical cyclones in Donghaitang wind farm (Zhejiang, China). Four extreme tropical cyclone hazard factors including the maximum wind speed (Vmax), maximum duration of wind direction change (Tmax), maximum cumulative wind direction change (Δθmax) and maximum rate of change in wind direction (ΔDmax) were proposed and examined. Then a comprehensive hazard assessment model for wind farms based on the analytic hierarchy process was established, and the risk to the Donghaitang wind farm represented by tropical cyclones during 1949–2021 was evaluated. Results showed that the number and intensity of tropical cyclones made landfall near the coast of Donghaitang wind farm gradually increased with time, which results in a gradual increase in the composite tropical cyclone risk level of the Donghaitang wind farm with time. The numbers and risk levels of tropical cyclones traveling northwestward were much larger than those traveling northward or northeastward. Moreover, the average composite risk index for tropical cyclones passing to the left of the wind farm was 14.3% higher than that for tropical cyclones passing to the right. The large values of Vmax and ΔDmax are main reasons for the high risk of the wind farm, while the other two hazard factors (Tmax, Δθmax) proposed to account for the wind turbine backup power are also of great importance in the design, selection and operation stages of offshore wind turbines. The findings of this study could provide support for hazard assessment of offshore and coastal wind farms exposed to tropical cyclones, including macro site selection of wind farms and type selection of wind turbines.

Ensuring Safety in Ammonia Production: A Comprehensive Hazard Analysis of the Reforming Section

Ensuring Safety in Ammonia Production: A Comprehensive Hazard Analysis of the Reforming Section

A study on Generation and evaluation of Comprehensive Hazard Scenarios for Supporting Safety Design

A study on Generation and evaluation of Comprehensive Hazard Scenarios for Supporting Safety Design

Ensuring Safety in Ammonia Production: A Comprehensive Hazard Analysis of the Reforming Section

Ensuring Safety in Ammonia Production: A Comprehensive Hazard Analysis of the Reforming Section

Debris Flow Hazard Mapping Along Linear Infrastructure: An Agent Based Model and GIS Approach

Often linear infrastructure, including rail, highways, and pipelines, span large geographic areas intersecting a variety of terrain, predisposing infrastructure to a higher likelihood of geohazard interaction. Debris flow models can be particularly advantageous in remote hazard and risk mapping along linear infrastructure as runout from susceptible slopes may extend considerable distance downslope to a receptor. In this sentiment, a method is developed using an agent-based model, DebrisFlow Predictor, in combination with geographic information software (GIS), to produce regional debris flow hazard and risk profiles along widespread corridors. Thousands of debris flows upslope of a receptor(s) are simulated in the model environment (i.e., model scenarios). Outputs of the modelled scenarios provide probabilistic spatial attributes of debris flow runout and depth across a digital elevation model at a 5m resolution. The outputs of multiple scenarios are mosaiced and corrected to in-situ temporal and spatial debris flow initiation conditions in GIS. The corrected scenario outputs provide a comprehensive hazard profile along the infrastructure alignment, that in turn can facilitate quantified vulnerability and risk calculations. Thousands of modelled debris flows throughout several physiographic regions of Canada and the United States of America, calibrated to local conditions, provide substantive support for a novel methodology to identify key hazard and risk locations to major linear infrastructure.

Environmental Hazard Screening of Heterocyclic Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons: Physicochemical Data and In Silico Models.

Heterocyclic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (heterocyclic PAHs) are frequently found in the environment yet, compared to homocyclic PAHs, little attention has been paid to their environmental behavior and a comprehensive hazard assessment has not been undertaken. Surprisingly, the physicochemical data necessary to perform at least a screening-level assessment are also limited. To address this, we began by experimentally determining the physicochemical properties of heterocyclic PAHs, namely, water solubility (Sw), n-octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow), and organic carbon-water partition coefficients (Koc). The physicochemical data obtained in this study allowed for the development of clear structure-property relationships and evaluation of the predictive power of in silico models including conductor-like screening model for realistic solvation, the poly-parameter linear solvation energy relationship, and the quantitative structure-property relationship. Finally, heterocyclic and homocyclic PAHs were evaluated in terms of persistence, bioaccumulation, mobility, and toxicity to perform a screening-level comparative hazard assessment by integrating the data and evidence from multiple sources.

Assessment of the hazard of extreme low-temperature events over China in 2021

In January 2021, an impressive extreme low-temperature event (ELTE) occurred in China, bringing record-breaking low temperatures to some regions. The comprehensive hazard and the overall situation of ELTEs in the whole of 2021 are still unclear. Accordingly, the overview of ELTEs over the mainland in 2021 and their hazards were systematically reviewed and comprehensively evaluated by using an improved identification and assessment method, which can objectively determine the hazard levels of ELTEs and distinguish spatial differences in the hazard of a single event. A total of 20 ELTEs occurred in 2021; their intensity was remarkably higher than the climatology, while the impacted area and duration were lower than or near the climatology, indicating a normal hazard. In general, the losses of low-temperature related disasters in 2021 were relatively less than the average loss in the past ten years, which is likely related to the low proportion of higher-than-moderately low events in the whole year. ELTEs in 2021 had large impacts on Northwest, North and Northeast China and small impacts on the southeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and western parts of Southwest China. Winter and autumn had a higher-than-normal hazard index for ELTEs due to two high-hazard events in early-to-mid January and early-to-mid November, respectively. These two high-hazard events showed different spatial impacts. The former mainly affected central and eastern parts of China. However, the latter mostly attacked central and western parts of China, especially resulting in high-hazard in parts of Xinjiang.