Citation

Ashmore FS, Shama Y. Fire Safety J. 1988; 13(2-3): 125-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes some of the methods used to resolve decisions affecting plant safety in design. Traditional approaches such as codes and standards leave gaps. An alternative approach is to define safety goals for an overall design in terms of the effects of potential incidents and their estimated probability.

An example is taken from recent design work. A retrospective analysis was carried out of the potential effects and probability of a fire involving the separation train designed for a floating oil-processing unit. It showed that previous design decisions had been satisfactory but that minor engineering changes would greatly reduce the risk. The design decisions during the project involved significant discussion and could have been accelerated using the techniques which are discussed.