An integrated safety for business analyses of process plants

In this study a safety assessment technique is described, in which the relative contribution of multiple aspects of safety can be compared and quantified. Results can be used for input in recommendations regarding investment decisions, and for development of safety performance indicators that could be used by management alongside other (more traditional) business performance indicators. The technique revolves around the identification of incident scenarios in a LOPA type approach. In LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) severity and likelihood of these scenarios are assessed in a semi-quantitative way. Scenarios can be related to. the (chemical) process, or the integrity of installations and components. Safety studies addressing non-technical, organisational aspects are bundled in a Safety Quality Factor, which is used to adjust scenario frequencies. A safety rating can be calculated from the frequency of occurrence of the scenarios. A comparison of the safety rating with the target values set for the scenario may yield a safety gap. Safety measures can then be identified and their effect on the safety rating can be assessed. If financial implications of these measures are also calculated the cost-effectiveness can be determined. This may help deciding which measures should be taken. The SBA technique is being pilot tested on a real chemical site in the Netherlands. First results are shown.