During the meeting all the system constituents are considered individually in regard to modes
of failures, probability of failures for the individual failure modes and the consequences of
failures addressing individually the different types of consequences of concern. Item by item
these characteristics are discussed and documented. Furthermore on the basis of conservative
qualitative evaluations consensus is reached in regard to whether the probabilities of failures
are negligible and whether the consequences of failures are negligible.
As a result of the risk screening a short list may be produced containing all sub-systems and
components of the considered system, which are subject for further quantitative assessments.
In the list is also included a description of the relevant failure modes and possible means of
risk treatment such as inspection, monitoring and preparedness plans.
It is important that both the basis for and the result of the risk screening is agreed upon
between all parties with interest in the risk assessment as this forms the basis for the further
risk analysis. As the extent of the further risk analysis is a product of the risk screening such
an agreement also forms an important part of the contractual basis for the further works.
Even though risk screenings are predominantly used in connection with risk and reliability
analysis in larger projects, it has strong virtues, which also may be utilised for smaller
projects of course then, however, with smaller groups of people participating in the meetings.
In fact taking the time to discuss the main issues and possible problem areas and subsequently
to write down an agreement between the client and consultant where it is specified; what is
the basis for the project, what problem areas should be included in the assessment and
especially which problem areas should not, must be a part of any engineering project no
matter the size.
Incident Databanks
Statistical or frequentistic information concerning incidents of failures and almost failures
(near misses) are available for various types of industries, systems and components. Such data
constitute important experience from previous applications and may readily be applied as a
basis for the already described procedures thus ensuring that at least the hazards, which have
proven relevant from previous applications are also taken into consideration in future
applications. However, care must be exercised, as these data do not provide any definite
answers to what might happen in the future.
Some of the existing databanks are:
Production, storage, transport and disposal of chemicals (FACTS), Bockholz (1987).
Storage, transport, extraction, handling and use of dangerous substances (SONATA),
Colombari (1987).
Incidents in nuclear power plants in Europe and the United States of America (AORS),
Kalfsbeek (1987).
Damages and accidents to drilling vessels and offshore platforms (PLATFORM), Bertrand
and Escoffier (1987).