Title: Assessment of risks from technical systems: integrating fuzzy logic into the Zurich Hazard Analysis method

Authors: Jean-Pierre Krause, Ralf Mock, Adrian V. Gheorghe

Addresses: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland. ' Paul Schemer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland. ' Polyproject 'Risk and Safety of Technological Systems', ETH, Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract: In performing a classical hazard or risk analysis of an industrial plant, problems arise in integrating all hazards into an overall risk statement. The Zurich Hazard Analysis (ZHA) is a basic and practical tool to catalogue hazards and represent the corresponding risks by classifications of frequency and consequence of an (undesired) event in a risk matrix format. In extension, fuzzy logic makes it possible to generalize such strict classification schemes in order to consider different measurements, opinions, etc. Integration of fuzzy sets into the ZHA produces a linguistic overall plant risk indicator statement, including all or the most of important hazards. The procedures of computing are shown in a distinct number of working steps and discussed on the basis of practical ZHA case studies.

Keywords: fuzzy logic; hazard analysis; industrial plants; risk assessment; Zurich Hazard Analysis; ZHA; risk matrix; fuzzy sets; plant risk indicators; risk statement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.1995.028378

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 1995 Vol.5 No.2/3, pp.278 - 296

Published online: 17 Sep 2009 *

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