Safety analysis of a liquefied gas storage and loading system

• Published in: Journal of occupational accidents 1982-01, Vol.4 (2), p.347-354
• Main Author: Suokas, Jouko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0376-6349
• DOI: 10.1016/0376-6349(82)90044-X

With the aid of system safety analyses, the possible leakages in sulphur dioxide storage and loading equipment and the hazards in performing the work were investigated. The risk identifying was divided in two phases so that the leakage potentials connected to the storage and loading equipment were studied using operability study and human error analysis. Moreover, more detailed information was acquired on the failure potentials of the bottom valve in the storage tank with failure mode and effect analysis. The accident potentials in the loading work were studied with work safety analysis. The most successful method was the operability study. The best sides of the method were its easiness of use and its systematic way of proceeding. The operability study revealed the most significant risks connected to the loading equipment. The human error analysis did not reveal any new risks. However, the risks detected in operability study were found to have new causes when analyzing the operating procedures in greater detail. Work safety analysis revealed some new immediate accident hazards, which were not covered by other methods. The most important result of the study was the general view of risks related to the system producing a basis for systematical safety improvements.