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MainRisk assessment of hazardous production facilities

Risk assessment of hazardous production facilities

Risks are inherent in any activity. They can vary by source, timing and circumstances of occurrence, by methods of analysis and assessment. Conducting analysis and independent risk assessment using various methods is mandatory in most companies when evaluating large investment projects with high levels of financial costs, including strategic projects.

Risk assessment is a set of analytical measures that allow predicting a certain amount of damage from an emerging risk situation and untimely adoption of risk prevention measures.

The basic part for studying risks consists of the following steps:

  • Identifying possible risk zones.
  • Detection and assessment of risk.
  • Calculation of negative consequences.
  • Reflecting benefits when eliminating risk and its consequences.

When developing problems of technogenic risk, the main attention is paid to a systematic approach to studying various factors. Impact risk assessment covers analysis of its frequency and consequences, as well as their combined effect. Organizations should choose the most productively "working" methodologies and approaches to meet the requirements of relevant standards and monitor the effectiveness of their implementation.

Risks can be most correctly determined using quantitative risk analysis methodology, which is normatively used in developing, for example:

  • safety declarations (SD) of hazardous industrial facilities
  • safety passports of hazardous facilities
  • plans for localization and elimination of emergency situations at chemical-technological facilities (in calculation and explanatory notes on risk analysis)
  • plans for localization and elimination of emergency oil and petroleum product spills (in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia dated 28.12.04 No. 621).

The main types of risk assessment work for HSEQ (health, safety, environment and quality) may include, but are not limited to:

  • Risk identification and assessment procedures (HAZID, HAZOP).
  • Consequence analysis and impact modeling.
  • Calculation and modeling of hydrodynamic processes (CFD).
  • Analysis of toxic gas hazards, including hydrogen sulfide presence assessments.
  • Analysis of low-temperature process risks.
  • Qualitative and quantitative risk assessment (HRA).
  • Assessment based on the "as low as reasonably practicable" principle (ALARP).
  • Development and application of work execution standards.
  • Safety integrity level assessment (SIL) and layer of protection analysis (LOPA).
  • Risk assessment during facility construction.
  • Emergency escape, evacuation and rescue analysis (EERA)
  • Preliminary planning of emergency response plans.
  • Emergency system reliability analysis (ESSA).
  • Dropped objects studies.
  • Flare emission studies.
  • Noise analysis.
  • Bow-tie diagram analysis.
  • Incident investigations.
  • Development and implementation of comprehensive HSE scenarios (comprehensive safety assessment of hazardous industrial facilities).
  • Development of HSE management systems.
  • Environmental management.
  • Design and operation of enterprises considering human factors, engineering psychology.
  • Cultural and behavioral improvements.
  • Business risk assessment.
  • Project risk management.
  • Enterprise knowledge management.
  • Safety management.
  • General HSE support: policy, planning, procedures, safe system operation, audits and accident investigation.

The result of such work is a comprehensive safety assessment report, the development of which requires a structured, formal risk management process covering the following main stages:

  • Identification of potential hazards and consequences;
  • Assessment of potential consequences and probability of their occurrence;
  • Identification of control elements available to the company to prevent or minimize the probability of hazards and consequences;
  • Identification of recovery measures to mitigate consequences;
  • Search for further possible risk reduction measures.

Major/main risks require thorough risk analysis using bow-tie diagrams (Bowties) to identify control and recovery methods. Additionally, quantitative risk assessment is conducted.

For example, for an offshore oil production platform, the scope of work may include the following activities:

  • Assessment of marine operations.
  • Assessment of onshore logistics processes — transportation of materials and personnel.
  • Assessment of onshore warehouse operations.
  • Assessment of port operations (if any).
  • Assessment of helicopter operations.
  • Assessment of operations related to cargo delivery by aircraft.
  • Assessment of operations related to waste generation.

The result of the work is a comprehensive report indicating that there are sufficient/insufficient HSEQ control methods to ensure safe operation of the facility and, consequently, the hazardous industrial facility complies/does not comply with the requirements necessary for continuing its safe operation.

In the latter case, a set of recommendations is issued to eliminate identified problems or reduce their consequences. Their implementation is mandatory to confirm compliance with safety requirements.