Dr. Leszek Kasprzak, Principal Risk & Safety Consultant, and Dr. Shirin Pegg, Technical Director at Bureau Veritas, discuss how Fault Tree Analysis is helping to re-evaluate risk, and what this means for the future of Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR) assessment.
The modern-day approach to risk assessment must keep pace with technological advancements and emerging hazards. Forward-thinking methodologies are redefining the boundaries of safety and reliability within evaluation of hazardous facilities.
One of the most recent and innovative developments in risk assessment practices is the comprehensive application of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). Unlike more traditional assessment models, FTA offers a detailed, system-level approach to identifying potential failure paths and evaluating the risk of critical events. This method allows organisations to gain a deeper, data-driven understanding of complex risk factors. Such insights not only support compliance but actively enhance safety measures and operational efficiency.
FTA and its significance in the current landscape
The answer to this lies in the multi-layered nature of modern industrial processes, where a single fault can trigger cascading failures. FTA maps out intricate dependencies and quantifies the likelihood of such chain reactions, considering elements like human error, component failures, and environmental influences. For instance, when analysing the risk of hydrogen explosion at battery charging stations potentially leading to severe injuries, the assessment shows transparently the presence of potential ignition sources, process controls and ventilation system failure; and occupancy level within the impacted area. This level of transparency is crucial for mitigating risks comprehensively and proactively.
Modernising risk assessment reports is another essential aspect of evolving safety practices. Detailed visual representations and extensive data references, sourced from reputable industry statistics and authoritative agencies, enhance comprehension, translating complex assessments into actionable insights. When reports are designed with clarity and precision, they not only inform but foster trust through well-documented methodologies and findings.
A significant challenge faced by many industries today is the risk posed by emerging technologies, particularly lithium-ion batteries. The multi-faceted hazards associated with these energy storage solutions are only beginning to be fully understood. Risk assessments need to extend beyond standard flammable risk considerations to include factors such as thermal runaway reactions, which can be influenced by environmental and operational variables. By examining oxidizers and reactive chemical interactions, risk evaluations can highlight potential failure scenarios that might otherwise be overlooked. Such forward-thinking analysis is essential for addressing next-generation industrial challenges.
The ability to anticipate and evaluate evolving risks - from hydrogen use in new energy systems to advanced battery technologies - positions risk assessment not just as a regulatory requirement but as a strategic pillar for safety innovation. Continuous refinement of methodologies ensures that organisations are not only compliant but prepared for the unexpected.
In an era where safety cannot be compromised, meticulous and forward-thinking risk assessments set a benchmark for resilience. Expertise and a commitment to proactive strategy are necessary to initiate a conversation that challenges the industry to think beyond immediate risks and toward future-proofed safety.
