Hazard identification selection techniques

In this section, a selection of commonly used hazard identification techniques is presented. These techniques can be used in the fine chemicals and pharmaceutical industries. The methods presented here are designed to provide a systematic search for hazards with the final objective of providing a comprehensive analysis. 

Chapters bear titles such as, Preparing for Hazards Evaluation Studies, Hazards Identification Methods and Results, and Selecting Hazard Evaluation Techniques. Supplemental Questions for Hazards Evaluation in Appendix B is excellent. Appendix B contains some of the important questions that are not thought of when performing a HAZOP study. There are 45 pages of probing questions on the process, specific classes of equipment, operation and maintenance, and hazard searching review. List price 120. 

The operating staff must properly prepare for maintenance. Operations must ensure that the equipment is free from residual materials, at a safe temperature and pressure. Key steps include hazard identification, proper selection of isolation points, testing for contamination, and securing isolation for the duration of the work. (Some key techniques include proper purging schemes, flammable or toxic substance testing, etc.)... 

Occupational health and safety management tools (including hazard identification and risk assessment, selection and implementation of appropriate hazard controls, developing proactive and reactive performance measures, understanding techniques to encourage employee participation and evaluation of work-related accidents and incidents)... 

In the previous chapter, it was established that in industry, plant hazards can cause harm to property (plant—machinery, asset), people, or the environment. So, it is important to develop some means of analyzing these and come up with a solution. Unfortunately, it is not as straightforward as it sounds. There are plenty of plant hazard analysis (PHA) techniques and each of them has certain strengths and weaknesses. Also each specific plant and associated hazard has specific requirements to be matched so that hazard analysis will be effective. In this chapter, various hazards (in generic terms) will be examined to judge their importance, conditions, quality, etc. so that out of so many techniques available for PHA it is possible to select which one is better (not the best because that needs to be done by experts specifically for the concerned plant) suited for the type of plant. So, discussion will be more toward evaluation of PHA techniques. Some PHA is more suited for process safety management (PSM) and is sometimes more applicable for internal fault effects [e.g., hazard and operability study (HAZOP)]. In contrast, hazard identification (HAZID) is applicable for other plants, especially for the identification of external effects and maj or incidents. HAZID is also covered in this chapter. As a continuation of the same discussion, it will be better to look at various aspects of risk analysis with preliminary ideas already developed in the previous chapter. In risk analysis risk assessment, control measures for safety management systems (SMSs) will be discussed to complete the topic. 

Since hazard identification is the foundation of future courses of action, the selection of a proper identification technique is essential. The following are the features expected of hazard identification techniques ... 

Introduction Theprevious sections dealt with techniques for the identification of hazards and methods for calculating the effects of accidental releases of hazardous materials. This section addresses the methodologies available to analyze and estimate risk, which is a function of both the consequences of an incident and its frequency. The apphcation of these methodologies in most instances is not trivial. A significant allocation of resources is necessary. Therefore, a selection process or risk prioritization process is advised before considering a risk analysis study. 

The mammalian liver through its tremendous metabolic flexibility disposes of many toxic substances, including those released from hazardous waste sites, in very few common, polar forms. In a sense we hope to exploit this capability to convert pollutants to polar, involatile forms amenable to direct TSP LC/MS determination. The development of improved means for separation, selective detection and identification of metabolic conjugates in biological fluids has applications in the dosimetry of many toxic substances. Such techniques may be useful in screening exposures to a multitude of compounds simultaneously. 

A formal hazard analysis of the anticipated operations was conducted using Preliminary Hazard Assessment (PHA) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) techniques to evaluate potential hazards associated with processing operations, waste handling and storage, quality control activities, and maintenance. This process included the identification of various features to control or mitigate the identified hazards. Based on the hazard analysis, a more limited set of accident scenarios was selected for quantitative evaiuation, which bound the risks to the public. These scenarios included radioactive material spills and fires and considered the effects of equipment failure, human error, and the potential effects of natural phenomena and other external events. The hazard analysis process led to the selection of eight design basis accidents (DBA s), which are summarized in Table E.4-1. 

Identify risks/hazards/events that affect achievement of an entity s objectives. This step involves the systematic search for events and associated scenarios. The identification step is of critical importance as only identified events can be dealt with. Numerous techniques have been developed for the identification of events and associated scenarios. The different frameworks leave considerable room for the selection of appropriate methods (e.g. checklists, HAZOP, FMEA). 

Many petroleum-based samples contain complex mixtures of PAHs, which are known or suspected carcinogens and mutagens. Multidimensional fluorescence analysis is suitable for the identification of fluorophores contained in oil samples. The basis of this technique is to employ a unique spectral fingerprint for the selective characterization and mapping of certain PAHs in the oil. Such a procedure is likely to provide a detection scheme for selective analysis of environmental samples for analytically important hazardous compounds. The primary goal will be to expand this technique to create a library containing... 

Selection and initial and continuing training of workers to reduce the risk of injuries from human failure identification of training needs individual and group training techniques. Provision of information on hazards and reasons for appropriate systems of work. Definition and design of messages choice and use of media. 

APPLICATION OF SELECTED HAZID TECHNIQUE IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD, CAUSE, CONSEQUENCE CONTROL... 

Fire identification and reporting procedures The classes and hazards of fire How to activate the fire alarm and notify others How to select and use the proper fire extinguisher Techniques for controlling smoke and fire Evacuation routes and egress responsibilities... 

---