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Correlation of quantitative risk results for high hazard processes
Yanjun Wang1, Harry H West, Tom L Teague
1Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center, Chemical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University System, College Station 77843-3122, USA.
Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis
|September 13, 2003
Summary
Quantitative risk analysis assessed the VX neutralization subsystem at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. Recommendations were made to improve safety and reduce risks of agent release, personnel injury, and system loss to acceptable levels.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Risk Management
- Industrial Safety
Background:
- The U.S. Army Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility utilizes a VX neutralization subsystem.
- Safe and effective disposal of chemical agents is critical for national security and environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a quantitative risk analysis of the VX neutralization subsystem and associated facilities.
- To identify potential major incidents including agent release, personnel injury, and system loss.
- To recommend safety mitigations and design changes to reduce risks.
Main Methods:
- Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) was employed to model potential failure scenarios.
- Risk assessment codes were assigned based on incident severity and probability.
- Quantitative methods were used to evaluate the design's safety performance.
Main Results:
- Three major incident categories were analyzed: agent release, personnel injury, and system loss.
- Risk levels were quantified for identified failure scenarios.
- Specific safety mitigations and design modifications were proposed.
Conclusions:
- The risk analysis identified areas for improvement in the VX neutralization subsystem design.
- Recommended changes aim to transition risk levels from "undesired" to "acceptable with controls" or "acceptable."
- Implementing these recommendations will enhance the overall safety of the disposal facility.