Risk theory and the establishment of acceptable levels of risk play a crucial role in the design of modern LNG send out or receiving facilities, especially when it comes to ensuring safety integrity levels. Safety Integrity Levels (SILs) are defined in international standards such as IEC 61508 and are used to quantify the effectiveness of safety systems in reducing the risk of hazardous events.
To apply risk theory effectively, it is important to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the LNG facility. This assessment involves identifying potential hazards, estimating the likelihood and consequences of those hazards, and determining the overall risk level associated with each hazard. The risk assessment process considers various factors, such as the design and operation of the facility, potential failure scenarios, and the potential impact on personnel, the environment, and surrounding communities.
When establishing an “acceptable” level of risk, it is common practice to compare the level of risk associated with the facility to other familiar risks in society. This is often referred to as the principle of ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable). In your view, comparing the risk level of the facility to the risk of commuting to work is a valid approach.
If an employee is exposed to risks during their commute, it can serve as a reference point for evaluating the acceptability of risk levels within the facility. For example, if the risks associated with the LNG facility are significantly higher than the risks of commuting, it may indicate that further risk reduction measures or safeguards are necessary to ensure an acceptable level of risk.
However, it’s important to note that the comparison of risks between commuting and an LNG facility is not a direct quantitative analysis. Risk assessment involves a more detailed analysis, taking into account factors such as the severity and likelihood of potential incidents, the effectiveness of safety measures in place, and the ability to mitigate and manage risks.
In practice, risk assessments for LNG facilities often involve multiple layers of protection and redundant safety systems to minimize the likelihood and consequences of hazardous events. These measures may include safety instrumented systems, emergency shutdown systems, safety barriers, and rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols.
Ultimately, the establishment of an acceptable level of risk is a complex process that requires consideration of various factors and a comprehensive risk assessment. The goal is to achieve a balance between the risks inherent in the facility’s operations and the protection of employees, the public, and the environment. The comparison to risks encountered during commuting can provide valuable insights, but it should be complemented by a thorough analysis of specific risks and appropriate risk mitigation strategies for LNG facilities.
Energy Risk Engineering Insights 