Risk assessment program requirements

Input requirements for MORT analysis, like those for any other detailed, comprehensive analysis, are extensive. Detailed information about the hardware and facilities, environment, procedures, and personnel directly involved is required for full evaluation of the specific control factors, and additional information about the management system is required to evaluate the policies, procedures, implementation plans, risk assessment program, and other upstream factors. Normally, a combination of interviews, physical inspections, and reviews of many procedures and project documents is required. The MORT chart and/or mini-MORT chart can serve as a planning and organizational tool for the collection of evidence and other relevant information. 

Data required for developing a risk assessment program are often acquired during the analysis of failed components and systems. However, conducting a failure analysis is not an easy or straightforward task. Early recognition of corrosion as a factor in a failure is critical, since much important corrosion information can be lost if a failure scene is altered or changed before appropriate observations and tests can be made. 

The primary document outlining risk assessment methods in the U.S. Department of Defense is a Military Standard, Ref. 39. This document requires a well-documented system safety program, based on risk assessment methods to be included in all new Department of Defense systems and facilities. Hazards analyses of the systems are mandated by this publication. 

Contemporary risk assessment practices for pesticides in foods require far more data than simply the residue levels evaluated in government monitoring programs. Exposure to pesticides is determined by multiplying the residue levels on food by the amount of the food item consumed once determined, exposure is compared with standard toxicological criteria derived from animal toxicology studies to determine the acceptability of the exposure. 

According to the Directive, an active substance cannot be used in a PPP unless it is included in an EU positive list. The Directive also requires very extensive risk assessments for effects on health and environment to be carried out, before a PPP can be placed on the market and used. In 1992, the European Commission started a Community-wide review process for aU active substances used in PPPs within the EU. Based on scientific assessments, each applicant had to prove that a substance could be used safely regarding human health, the environment, ecotoxicology and residues in the food chain. This program will be completed by 2008. From the end of 2003, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) deals with risk assessment issues and the European Commission retains the risk... 

The end state, as defined in this report, is the final required condition of a building, facility, or site after cleanup is accomplished. It must be known so that receptors and exposure to inhabitants can be defined in the risk assessment. The end state also must be known and specified for a realistic, cost-effective, and timely closure program to be developed. 

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