Risk-Based Explosive Safety Analysis
Abstract
The purpose of this technical paper is to present the underlying logic and algorithms used in risk-based explosives safety analyses. Quantity-Distance (QD) criteria have been used as the primary means for the safe siting of facilities for more than 70 years. Current QD criteria consider only explosives quantity, Hazard Division (HD), and facility type to determine a safe separation distance. QD siting assumes that someday the accident will happen and mandates minimum stand-off distances to mitigate the hazards. During the past 30 years, safety professionals have recognized that QD could be improved by considering other factors in the safety analyses to include type of activity, number of people present, building construction, and environment to assess the overall risk of an operation. The level of risk can be quantified as a function of (1) the probability of an explosives event, (2) probability of personnel being exposed to the event, and (3) the probability of injury or fatality due to exposure. Explosives safety siting of energetic liquids and propellants can be greatly aided by the use of risk-based methodologies. The low probability of exposed personnel and the characteristic protective construction found at test locations or facilities utilizing energetic liquids typically lead to low hazard probabilities. Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) Technical Paper 14 details general risk-based siting criteria accepted in the U.S. Risk-based analyses can also be used for risk management purposes and comparative studies when evaluating test programs that utilize energetic liquids or propellants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1026163
Entities
People
- J. A. Carlile
- T. E. Suatengco
- T. Ross
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory