Methods of study most used for the evaluation of major accident risk in the chemical industry

Abstract

The serious consequences of the accidents that have occurred in industrial or service installations in recent years (leaks of toxic or flammable substances, fires, and explosions) have established that people, material and environment close to the vicinity of an establishment where hazardous substances are used, processed, transported or stored are subject to greater risks of accidents. The most important aspect is to decide what type and level of risk one is willing to accept in exchange for the economic and social benefits that these facilities represent, for which it is first necessary to identify and evaluate the risks that these facilities represent for the vulnerable elements located in their interior and exterior environment, and based on this, to define the preventive and mitigation protection (safety) measures that must be implemented or reinforced so that the risk levels correspond to those accepted by society.  The objective of this work is to describe the main characteristics and limitations of the most commonly used predictive study methods in any of the life stages of the installation under study: design, construction, modification, or operation. It is recommended to use in risk studies the qualitative HAZOP method in processes of any level of complexity, the quantitative ACAF method for complex processes, and the Bow-Tie method when the analysis is focused on determining the efficiency and inadequacy of the control barriers. At the same time, the need for the multidisciplinary team performing the risk assessment to include people with knowledge