Mohammad Shahriari

Inherent safety evaluation in process plants— a comparison of methodologies

A global population increase and an improved standard of living are generally expected. To meet these demands, an increased production of chemicals will be necessary while protecting human health and the environment. However, most current methods of chemical production are unsustainable. New designs must result in plants that assure process and operator safety, the sustained health of workers and the community, and the protection of the environment. Traditional safety precautions and process controls minimize risk but cannot guarantee the prevention of accidents followed by serious consequences. Therefore, the general approach to environmental and safety problems must be changed from reactive to proactive. One way is to further develop the concept of inherent safety.In this paper some methods for inherent safety evaluations are reviewed. The aim of the study is to analyze the different tools available for inherent safety evaluation and identify the most important criteria in determining the inherent safety of a process plant. A model is proposed to show the interactions of different factors on the inherent safety level of a process and the model is illustrated by a case study.

Decision making under uncertainty - a case study

Oil production and handling is blamed for serious accidents. Hence safety issues are of prime importance as any possible accident could cause catastrophic disasters such as loss of assets, human fatalities or injuries and environmental damages. The essence of designing a safe process plant and delivering sustainable performance makes an efficient risk management plan necessary for promoting safety in hazardous industries such as oil production. The aim of this paper is an attempt to present an efficient model to provide an appropriate decision making approach under uncertain situations. An oil field development plant is selected as a case to apply the presented model to demonstrate its efficiency. It was found that the model has the ability to support decision makers in the oil and gas industry to take appropriate action by addressing the key variables which may cause potential for failure.

Assessment of the liability risk in the Nordic port

This study was conducted for insurance purposes at the oil refinery of Company X in one of the Nordic countries whose facilities such as depot and terminal lie in the port. The facilities of Company X in the port are surrounded by the facilities of other companies. In case of an accident caused by Company X, the oil tanks and buildings of other companies would be damaged and there would be potential liability claims from their side. Insurance risk assessment is a well-developed approach for insurance of a company’s own property. It is not normally used for liability risks. This study suggests methodology for determination of liability insurance values. Based on the obtained results and calculations of replacement values, the worst case scenario for Company X in the port was chosen and recommendations were made regarding the liability risk.

Management process quality and safety at organizational level (A case study at an international airport)

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between quality of processes and safety at an organizational level, and also to facilitate the implementation of robust system thinking. A model presenting a process based system approach to safety that integrates safety climate is proposed and also a quality evaluation process in line with the value adding process. This evaluation process should be continually improved in the same way as the value adding process in which the employees are adding value together with its support functions. Should attempts to put in driving out fear from organization and ensure more openness and fairness towards its employees. It should also focus on the development of robust system thinking. To achieve this goal, application of a newly developed method is highlighted, by exploring a case study at Landvetter airport control tower.

Evaluating EML Modeling Tools for Insurance Purposes: A Case Study

As with any situation that involves economical risk refineries may share their risk with insurers. The decision process generally includes modelling to determine to which extent the process area can be damaged. On the extreme end of modelling the so-called Estimated Maximum Loss (EML) scenarios are found. These scenarios predict the maximum loss a particular installation can sustain. Unfortunately no standard model for this exists. Thus the insurers reach different results due to applying different models and different assumptions. Therefore, a study has been conducted on a case in a Swedish refinery where several scenarios previously had been modelled by two different insurance brokers using two different softwares, ExTool and SLAM. This study reviews the concept of EML and analyses the used models to see which parameters are most uncertain. Also a third model, EFFECTS, was employed in an attempt to reach a conclusion with higher reliability.

Risks in decision making —learning from the Brent Spar case

Decision making is an important element in managers¿ work. Despite the importance it happens that decision makers do not pay enough attention to some important factors. A decision which seems to be right might face considerable risk due to its sensitivity to other factors. One way to avoid such a situation is learning from historical cases. This paper is focused on Shell Brent Spar case and the decisions leading up to its disposal. The aim of the study is to analyse and assess interactions of different actors which are involved by means of risk assessment to identify the main influencing factors affecting the failure of the decision. The results show that different moral grounds of the actors, poor communication of Shell with the society, and being distracted by economic benefits were the most important influencing factors affecting the decision.

EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF MAN-MACHINE INTERACTION IN TANK LORRY LOADING – A CASE STUDY

Abstract: Loading of tank lorries with petroleum products at refineries is associated with spillage that can cause fire and explosion. Reviewing incident reports showed that the overflow prevention system for both the lorry and the depot as well as mistakes made by the driver cause the highest number of incidents. Therefore, improving the existing loading systems including man-machine interaction could minimize the likelihood of spillage. This paper analyzes and recommends improvements to the existing loading systems by means of identifying and eliminating the main causes of the incidents. Copyright