Fire Risk Assessment: A Systematic Review of the Methodology and Functional Areas

Fire is a physical and social phenomenon that affects both individuals and the environment. Fire risk assessment is a critical part of a fire prevention program. In this process, the fire risk associated with the possibility of occurrence and severity of damage resulting from the fire is estimated and calculated. In this paper, a classification scheme and a systematic literature review are presented in order to classify and interpret the current researches on fire risk assessment methodologies and applications. Based on the scheme, 93 scholarly papers from 13 journals are categorized into application areas and other categories. The application areas include the papers on the topics of environmental impact, production and industry, transportation, buildings, power industry, oil and gas industry, urban fires and other topics. Scholarly papers are also classified by (1) year of publication, (2) journal of publication, (3) year of publication and application areas and (4) authors’ nationality. The survey results show that the largest number of papers was published during the period 2010-2012 with 31 (33.33%), the most of the studies have been carried out on environmental impact (47.31%), the journal of Forest Ecology and Management had the highest percentage of articles with 26.88%. It is hoped that the paper can meet the needs of researchers for easy references of fire risk assessment methodologies and applications. Therefore, this work would be able to provide useful insights into the anatomy of the fire-risk assessment methods, and suggest academic researchers and experts a framework for future attempts and researches

The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and general health among employees of a soft drinks industry

Background : regards body and mental mutually influence to each other, and the health of these two categories include integrity and human health, This study aimed to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and general health among employees of a soft drinks industry. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 workers from a soft drinks factory were selected on the basis of census which has more than a year working experience. Measuring devices containing demographic data collection questionnaire, GHQ-28 questionnaire and body map chart to record musculoskeletal disorders in different areas of the body. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software. Results: The results showed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was found in the neck (27.56%) and lower back region (25.5%) during the past 12 months. Age, BMI, years of experience, daily working hours, and shift work are a risk factor for body's organs musculoskeletal disorders, especially the lower back. Most employees surveyed were in a dubious status in public health (4.47 ± 25.89). People were not desirable in terms of physical health, anxiety and social dysfunction. Also, there was a significant relationship between anxiety symptoms with foot pain and depressive symptoms and back pain. Conclusion: The results of this study show that there is a significant relationship between general health with musculoskeletal disorders in the lower back and legs

Fire Risk Assessment: A Systematic Review of the Methodology and Functional Areas

Fire is a physical and social phenomenon that affects both individuals and the environment. Fire risk assessment is a critical part of a fire prevention program. In this process, the fire risk associated with the possibility of occurrence and severity of damage resulting from the fire is estimated and calculated. In this paper, a classification scheme and a systematic literature review are presented in order to classify and interpret the current researches on fire risk assessment methodologies and applications. Based on the scheme, 93 scholarly papers from 13 journals are categorized into application areas and other categories. The application areas include the papers on the topics of environmental impact, production and industry, transportation, buildings, power industry, oil and gas industry, urban fires and other topics. Scholarly papers are also classified by (1) year of publication, (2) journal of publication, (3) year of publication and application areas and (4) authors’ nationality. The survey results show that the largest number of papers was published during the period 2010-2012 with 31 (33.33%), the most of the studies have been carried out on environmental impact (47.31%), the journal of Forest Ecology and Management had the highest percentage of articles with 26.88%. It is hoped that the paper can meet the needs of researchers for easy references of fire risk assessment methodologies and applications. Therefore, this work would be able to provide useful insights into the anatomy of the fire-risk assessment methods, and suggest academic researchers and experts a framework for future attempts and researches

Risk assessment and consequence modeling of BLEVE explosion wave phenomenon of LPG spherical tank in a refinery

Introduction: Although human industrial activities are as a part of efforts to achieve greater prosperity, the risks related to these activities are also expanding. Hazard identification and risk assessment in the oil and gas industries are essential to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents and minimize damage to people and property before their occurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the liquefied and pressurized petroleum gas spherical tanks in a refinery and assessing the risks of Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) phenomenon. Material and Method: In this study, the risks of BLEVE phenomenon were assessed, using the Bowtie method. The consequences of explosion wave phenomenon and the resulting wave quantity and its impacts on the neighboring machineries and equipment were analyzed. PHAST software version 6.54 has been used for modeling the BLEVE phenomenon. Result: In this evaluation, generally five causes and two consequences were identified for BLEVE phenomenon. In order to reduce its consequences, forty-three controlling measures were introduced to prevent the BLEVE phenomenon and the impacts of 31 control measures were identified. According to the conducted analysis, it was found that the spherical tank blast wave caused by LPG can lead to explosion of close located tanks which can create a chain of explosions. Conclusion: The results of modeling and risk assessment can be used to identify the BLEVE phenomenon causes and its effects on nearby people and equipment. Based on these results, preventive controlling measures can be implemented and also be determined by adopting proper design and layout, margin of safety for personnel, equipment and accessories

Investigating and modeling of the effects of condensate storage tank fire in a refinery

Background & objective: Oil storage tanks are major industrial facilities which always pose risks of toxic substance release, fires and explosions. Fire has been recognized as the most common risk associated with such facilities, while explosion is the most important one in terms of ability to claim human lives and damage property. The current study aimed at investigating and modeling the effects of fires occurring in a gas condensate tank farm, according to which the level of possible emergencies were specified using the guidelines provided by the Center for Chemical Process Safety. Lastly, control measures were recommended. Methods: In the present study, the release and leakage of gas condensate from floating roof tanks were assessed using HAZOP method. Then, using PHAST software, the amount of radiation intensity received by the surrounding environment was determined, safe boundaries were computed, and according to the CCPS standard the emergency levels were determined. Results: modeling was performed based on the maximum capacity of tanks for both cold and hot seasons. The results revealed that safe distance for a maximum amount of irradiation density (4 KW/m2) related to a sudden release were 60 and 140 meters, respectively. Conclusion: according to the current condition of the plants and storage tanks, a plan was recommended for emergency management and practical suggestions were provided to improve the reliability and consistency