HOW LAYER OF PROTECTION ANALYSIS IN EUROPE IS AFFECTED BY THE GUIDANCE DRAWN UP AFTER THE BUNCEFIELD ACCIDENT

摘要

Prior to the Buncefield explosion, the most likely consequences from the overflow of an atmospheric storage tank could have been assumed to be a flash fire and/or pool fire potentially leading to a single fatality on site. Following the explosion at Buncefield, the most severe human safety consequence should now be assumed to be an explosion that may cause damage to occupied buildings accompanied by a flash fire and multiple pool fires with resultant more severe effects on people and the environment. In the case of the environment, there were effects on the environment caused by the overflow, fire and by the necessary emergency response measures.When risk assessment has been carried out for storage and distribution facilities possible failures and their possible consequences are normally used as a starting point for addressing the likelihood of their occurring. Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) is one of a number of techniques which can be used for risk assessment.