Applications of finite element methods into risk assessment

The paper presents a new approach in risk analysis, using the finite element concepts in order to improve and optimise this analysis.
The focus of risk analysis on a finite element of the work place( where all the risk elements could be found) will allow a quantitative representation of risk action, taking into account all the four elements of the man-machine system (human operator, task, machine and work environment) and will contribute to a better understanding of specific risk actions.It will also lead towards a global risk image  at the enterprise level, in order to have the optimum data to develop efficient prevention plans.Formalisation equations are shown in the paper.
An orientative Finite Risk Element schema is shown in the figure 1.

Figure 1-Finite Risk Element

The risk interactions between the elements of man machine system could be expressed considering an observer in a specific observation point (human operator, task, machine, work environment) and following the other elements interactions with this point .For example, Ri_task=(Ri_task-human operator,Ri_task-machine,Ri_task-work environment) = (4,2,3.5) .
The paper presents also some aspects regarding the practical possibilities offered by this approach. The development of this method would be extremely usefull in order to be able to quantify specific risks action, especially in the process industry where the risks implying human operator and task are not well formalised.

THE 10 ELEMENTS METHOD- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AUDIT

General aspects

Would it be possible to have a simple and efficient method in order to audit the safety and health of any enterprise?  Would it be possible to perform a safety audit without a fancy method that is not understood even by the top management of the enterprise? Would it be possible to have an efficient safety audit that would protect the enterprise against future risks?

The answer could be affirmative- with the method of 10 elements.

Short discussion regarding the principles that are standing at the basis of the method

The developed method is based on the finite element analysis (FEA). As it main objectives there could be mentioned:

-To understand the safety behaviors of a complex and distinct defined objects (specific workplaces);

– To predict the safety performance and safety behaviour of the facility on the basis of a safety audit of specific elements;

-To calculate the safety margin- as a safety level at the audit moment; and to identify the

weakness of the enterprise accurately as certain weak points; to establish a relative importance of these weak points so that to be able to decide which of them must be dealt with immediately; which must be mitigated in the near future and which should be monitored and mitigated on mid and long term.

The method  of the 10 elements  says that being given a space of abstraction called α we will always find 10 elements μ ii = 1 ... 10 describing unambiguously and fully considering a certain safety objective- the previously defined object space α.

We are introducing the notion of safety audit node that is describing a well-defined element, specific for the economic unit being audited- and which is describing a significant part of the safety state of the unit being audited.

Short description of the method

Main Objectives

-Safety audit of the facility using the audit nodes;

-Establishment of a safety score for each element and the facility as a whole;

-Identification of weak points and ordering them starting with the ones that should be immediately solved;

-Opening to more deep safety audits;

-Connecting with the Capability Maturity Model and establishing a Safety Capability Maturity Model on the basis of the audit.

The next figure gives a descriptive schema of the main 10 elements.

Figure 1 Schema of the main 10 elements

Conclusion

The method is very efficient and easy to use- mainly for SME s but also for any enterprise, regardless of the size. It starts with the audit node- that could be as small as the auditor wants- and is using a set of 10 elements that could be defined each one by other sets of 10 elements, etc.