The Standardised Approach to Evaluate Risk by Using Layer of Protection Concept in Risk Assessment for Operational Safety

Abstract

The simplified approach to calculate risk is the development of semi-quantitative approaches mixing between the risk matrix and Layer of Protection concepts. Risk assessments can be difficult, time consuming, with variable outcomes based upon a number of factors, e.g. team members, their competency, their understanding in risk assessment, and risk perception, etc. This new approach helps to minimize these concerns and allows assessments, to be undertaken more quickly. The new approach is an application of the LOPA technique, combined with elements of the qualitative criteria from a designed risk matrix to access the adequacy of the risk reduction measures provided for an activity when performing risk assessment report for operational safety. The main purpose of this work is to demonstrate that Layer of Protection concept can be applied for personnel safety risk risk assessment to ensure the measures for prevention and mitigation employed appropriately result in a level of risk reduction to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). This approach also assists a risk assessor to avoid common errors during performing hazard identification and risk assessments.