Risk assessment information flow

The information included in this chapter is based on contributions over several years from many professionals in Pfizer s Occupational Hygiene Community of Practice, as well as from the professionals in Occupational Toxicology. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of Jorge Marzari, PhD, CSP in the application of the Layer of Protection Analysis approach to our risk assessment process. Much of the data used for the case studies was generated by Mike Bums and Jeff Kaminski of OccuHealth, Inc. Thanks to Flow Sciences Inc. for the photograph (Fig. 16.2) used in this chapter to illustrate experiences. 

In short, the Accident Risk Assessment provides a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of the overall accident risk associated with the operation and maintenance of a specific facility, its systems, equipment, and hardware. It incorporates the results of integrated hazard analyses, recommended design changes, hazard reports, and procedural or administrative tools which will eliminate or reduce the risk of these hazards, operational flow charts, safety-critical procedure lists, and other such information pertinent to the overall assessment of accident risk. 

Technical information systems Timely, accurate, relevant technical information is essential to any risk assessment effort. The same factors should be evaluated here that were evaluated under technical information systems on the specific control factors side of the chart, but this time the evaluation is from the perspective of technical information as it applies more broadly to the overall risk assessment system. On the specific control factors side of the chart, the emphasis was on the adequacy of technical information systems as they applied to the specific unwanted energy flow involved in the accident. 

General management system characteristics in control of the job, so called G-factors. They include Plant policies, implementation of methods, staff, information flow, management services, budgets, and risk assessment system, such as technical information system, hazard analysis, safety program review etc. 

On knowledge/information, RC-GC commits signatories to continuously improve health, safety and environment (HSE) knowledge and performance of technologies, processes and products provide help-assistance across the value chain share best practices through an information network increase dialogue and partnership and help extend Responsible Care across the value chain. GPS recommends measures to periodically re-assess chemicals risk - using new and additional information participate in scientific HSE-related research improve the flow of hazard and safety information across the value chain and ensure public access to product stewardship information. 

The information presented therefore provides a kind of flow chart to assess the risk of using a particular excipient. In increasing order, these would seem to he ... 

Spirometry is the most widely available and useful PFT. It takes only 15 to 20 minutes, carries no risks, and provides information about obstructive and restrictive disease. Spirometry allows for the measurement of aU lung volumes and capacities except RV, FRC, and TLC and allows assessment of FEVi and FEF25%-7s%. Spirometry measurements can be reported in two different formats—standard spirometry (Eig. 25-2) and the flow-volume loop (Fig. 25-3). In standard spirometry, the volumes are recorded on the vertical (y) axis and the time on the horizontal (x) axis. In flow-volume loops, volume is plotted on the horizontal (x) axis, and flow (derived from volume/time) is plotted on the vertical (y) axis. The shape of the flow-volume loop can be helpful in differentiating obstructive and restrictive defects and in the diagnosis of upper airway obstruction (Fig. 25 ). This curve gives a visual representation of obstruction because the expiratory descent becomes more concave with worsening obstruction. 

Established pharmaceutical firms do fired almost all of their investment needs, not just R D, with internal cash flows from current operations (285). Internal funds may carry a lower cost of capital for complex investments like R D, because outside investors are at a disadvantage in being able to assess the potential returns on R D projects and will therefore demand a higher expected return on their money to cover the risk of being misled by company managers (170,189). The more complex the R D, the more these information disparities are likely to raise the cost of external sources of capital. 

Complete assessment of hazards should be made for all materials and suspected products associated with the experiment or procedure. Chapter 3 provides the basis for interpreting and applying much of the available hazard information. Both literature resources and knowledgeable contacts inside the local research community and in other institutions can provide additional information. If risks are determined to be unacceptable, experiments can be redesigned to minimize the volumes of chemicals used or to employ less hazardous alternatives that might do the job equally well. Some important considerations include volumes and flow rates to be employed, amounts required, physical properties of materials to be used, potential for exposure, regulatory concerns, and emergency response for unexpected events. 

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