Decision making, process risk management

Decision making, process risk management decisions, documentation, 105-106 Decision point, chemical reactivity tests, 90 Decommissioning, chemical reactivity hazard management, 25 Decomposition pressure test, chemical reactivity tests, 88... 

Table 3 describes the main parts of an environmental risk assessment (ERA) that are based on the two major elements characterisation of exposure and characterisation of effects [27, 51]. ERA uses a combination of exposure and effects data as a basis for assessing the likelihood and severity of adverse effects (risks) and feeds this into the decision-making process for managing risks. The process of assessing risk ranges from the simple calculation of hazard ratios to complex utilisation of probabilistic methods based on models and/or measured data sets. Setting of thresholds such as EQS and quality norms (QN) [27] relies primarily on... 

For all risk measures it is possible to estimate the risk level of the current process as well as the risk levels from incorporation of various risk reduction alternatives. Management can then use this information as an important input in the final risk decision-making process. 

In essence, the earlier components of this overall assessment process are mainly deterministic in character (albeit with some probabilistic elements), whereas the later stages are mainly probabilistic. Not all elements of the process are quantifiable (with any degree of confidence), however and the socicii-political-cultural context of any downstream decision-making process may be intensely uncertain. Such uncertainties make the process of risk communication and debate a complex and sometimes unpredictable undertaking. It is essential therefore that those elements of the risk management process that cein be objectively einalysed and evaluated (either qualitatively or quantitatively, as appropriate) are so assessed. 

Risk management combines the risk assessment with economic, political, public opinion, and other considerations to determine a course of action. These judgments seldom satisfy everyone. The principles of toxicology form the foundation for the risk assessment and ultimately for the risk management decisions. Individual and community involvement in the decision-making process is a critical part of developing sound policies to minimize risks to people and the environment. 

Risk management A decision-making process that considers political, social, economic, and technological information in conjunction with risk assessment information to select an appropriate response to a particular problem. 

The final step in the decision making process should be the selection of risk management options. Once the different options are evaluated, a decision has to be made as to which options are selected and which rejected. This decision is obvious if one or more options turn out to be dominant (relatively better on all criteria). Otherwise, trade-offs have to be made that need legitimisation (Graham and Wiener 1995). A legitimate decision can be made on the basis of formal balancing tools (such as cost-benefit or multi-criteria-decision analysis), by the respective decision makers (given his decision is informed by a holistic view of the problem) or in conjunction with participatory procedures. 

EU chemical risk assessment and management decision-making processes appear to be separated into five or more Techmcal Committees and Working Groups attended by different regulators and overseen by at least three Directorate-Generals of the European Commission. 

The interactive-two way dialogue with scientists, risk managers, and consumers, as well as the openness and transparency of scientific advice and the decision-making process are paramount. 

JECFA recommendations are used by Codex to render the final determination of internationally accepted MRLs. JECFA provides advice, and CCRVDF makes the risk management decisions. Withdrawal times are routinely maintained within the domain of each individual national government. The establishment of residues standards involves an eight-step procedure, encompassing the initial identification of the need for an MRL, the elaboration of MRL recommendations, debate, comment, and finally acceptance (the Procedural Manual can be obtained on line at www. codexalimentarius.net). This eight-step process typically requires several years from nomination to approval. 

Risk management is the decision-making process that follows the completion of a risk assessment. The risk assessment provides important information that supports decision-making and is integrated with other factors, including economic, feasibility, and cost-benefit analysis, in the risk management process. 

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