Safety Analysis and Risk Assessment for Pressure Systems

There have been many instances where serious injuries and fatalities have resulted from over-pressurization, thermal stress, asphyxiation and other potential hazards associated with testing, handling and storage of compressed gases and pressure facilities at numerous production and research facilities. These hazards are major issues that should be addressed in system design and in materials selection appropriate for high pressure applications. Potential hazards may be mitigated through system analysis and design process which are the major factors in preventing thermal/pressure hazards caused by possible leaks and fragmentation, in the case of rupture. This paper presents a conceptual model and framework for developing a safety analysis which will reduce potential hazards, accidents and legal liabilities. The proposed systematic approach allows to identify hazards provide timely documentation of potential hazards and risks associated with systems, facilities, and equipment. As a result of this hazard analysis process, provisions and actions for hazard prevention and control have been put in place, and all identifiable potential hazards can be reduced to a low risk level.