Environment hazard analysis, impact assessment

Fire hazard analysis (FHA) is the process to determine the size, severity, and duration of a scenario and its impact on personnel, equipment, operations, and the environment. Chapter 5 provided details of performing an FHA. The following paragraphs provide an overview of the FHA process. For example, one scenario could be a seal failure where the material being released is ignited and afire results. In assessing consequences, several questions must be considered ... 

A system is a part of the universe within a certain domain in space and time. What is an environment Outside the frontier of the system is the environment [1], Here, system shall have an identity, that is, deterministic. There shall be an external boundary to the system. An external boundary is determined by what aspect of system performance is of concern. This is stated here because for quantitative hazard analysis, boundary definition is extremely important. Also, the interface part needs to be considered (See Fig. V/3.0-l). The process definition for qualitative risk analysis is Qualitative Risk Analysis assesses the priority of identified risks using their probability of occurring, the corresponding impact [...] as well as other factors such as the time frame and risk tolerance [..On the contrary, quantitative risk analysis (QRA) as per DNV is Typically, a QRA can be defined as the formal and systematic approach of identifying potentially hazardous events, estimating the likelihood and consequences of those events, and expressing the results as risk to people, the environment or the husiness. ... 

Risk assessment starts with risk identification, a systematic use of available information to identify hazards (i.e., events or other conditions that have the potential to cause harm). Information can be from a variety of sources including stakeholders, historical data, information from the literature, and mathematical or scientific analyses. Risk analysis is then conducted to estimate the degree of risk associated with the identified hazards. This is estimated based on the likelihood of occurrence and resultant severity of harm. In some risk management tools, the ability to detect the hazard may also be considered. If the hazard is readily detectable, this may be considered a factor in the overall risk assessment. Risk evaluation determines if the risk is acceptable based on specified criteria. In a quality system environment, criteria would include impact on the overall performance of the quality system and the quality attributes of the finished product. The value of the risk assessment depends on how robust the data used in the assessment process is judged to be. The risk assessment process should take into account assumptions and reasonable sources of uncertainty. Risk assessment activities should be documented. 

The enterprise identifies safety and environmental impacts associated with system implementation. Applicable environmental laws and regulations should be identified, and the enterprise should ensure that these are complied with by any alternative solution. The enterprise completes an environmental impact and safety analysis to determine the impact on and by system products, and the impact of their life cycle processes on the environment, or to personnel. Use of materials, or generating by-products, which present a known hazard to the environment, are to be avoided to the extent feasible. Where not feasible, provisions must be provided for proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials or by-products. Results of these analyses influence trade-off analysis recommendations and assessments of system effectiveness. 

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