A Hazard analysis and risk assessment project

The village of South Caribbean faces a serious fire threat. There are roughly 500 000 inhabitants in the city, some of whom live there; some come for vacations; and the majority are interested in the company. Since the town is surrounded by manufacturing and production facilities and the roadways are congested, there is a risk of fire.

Since there have been some reported fires, the community is in danger. It is probable that there will be a fire, but this town is perilous because there is only one fire extinguisher department; Buildings are squeezed with a lot of jam that hinders navigation in the town.

Parameters

For this risk assessment, a team has to be selected. These include the mayor and his board, the assessment manager and a panel of personnel to handle the risk in case it happens. The city council should be ready to provide financial support.

Identification of hazards

The significant hazards are that many of the companies do not comply with the fire regulation act like for instance installation of fire extinguisher materials. Electrical appliances are poorly managed, many companies do not have fire alarm response units, they also don’t have first aid materials. Also, navigation through the town is confusing due to jam, and therefore response may be slow in case of a fire.

Possible failure modes leading to the hazard

The only fire extinguisher department may fail to respond to fire due to lack of facilities, poor communication, traffic jams and also failure to have qualified personnel to identify fire channels. Also, fire extinguisher facilities installed in different buildings may fail to respond due to poor maintenance.

Frequency (duration of exposure)

In case a fire starts in Caribbean town; it may be difficult to put out if immediate action is not taken. First of all the buildings are squeezed meaning that fire will spread quickly. If there is no quick response to fire, a minimum of thirty minutes will be enough for the fire to bring down a quarter of the town since the town is full of gas stations and fire will spread quickly.

Consequences of fire hazards

Due to the jam and few escape routes, people may be injured, and others may die. Also property worth millions can be lost therefore affecting the economy and living standards in the town.

Probability of occurrence

Fire may occur at any time of the year. Almost all the surrounding companies and businesses have electronic machines that may lead to electricity faulty. Therefore hazard control measures have to be implemented within the shortest time possible.

Initial risk

At first, there may be little risk, but when the fire advances and becomes stronger, then it may be difficult to tackle it no matter the number of personnel and resources brought in.

Risk prioritization

It is a significant hazard that may face the Caribbean Town. According to research and cases of small fires, there is a need of coming up with risk control measures. Administration and related stakeholders have to take action before the hazard occurs.

Risk control methods

The town council should consider adding more fire response departments, and they should be equipped with necessary skills and resources to tackle any fires.

The fire regulation act should ensure that every building has the right electrical appliances and are well connected as per the building regulation act.

The fire control department should supply enough fire extinguisher materials and train people on how to use them in case a fire occurs.

The public should be urged to be aware and report any cases of fire occurrence for example gas leakages.

The town council should consider expanding roads and making them more accessible to reduce jam in the city. There is need to ensure smooth navigation into the town in case a fire occurs.

There should be the development of enough medical facilities to cater for people injured in case of fire.

The public should be trained on awareness on how to carefully handle electrical appliances to avoid fire.

Connected (Residual risk)

Most fire outbreaks are caused by the failure of electrical fittings. Therefore there is a need for revising and urging the electrical department to check on transformers and cables.

Fire may also be caused intentionally by people who intend to cause damage to specific residents. Therefore security cameras have to be fitted in every corner to check on any suspicious activities.

Table 1: Hazard analysis and risk analysis project form

Fire analysis and risk assessment: The Caribbean town

Likelihood of occurrence (Within the town)

Catastrophic (Serious damage of property and death)

Critical (requires immediate action)

Marginal (Minorburns and less property damaged)

Negligible (Can be put out by the public through extinguishers)

Frequent

HIGH

If there is no immediate action taken

HIGH

Incase access to affected areas is limited

MEDIUM

There is need for first aid action

SERIOUS

Can be achieved if the public has knowledge to put off fire

Probable

HIGH

Absence of resources to tackle the situation

MEDIUM

If there are qualified personnel to identify the problem

HIGH

Good formulation and set up of medical facilities

SERIOUS

Need for fire alarm responses

Occasional

HIGH

Carelessness among people leads to extreme fires

SERIOUS

If the fire originates from gas stations, congested areas

LOW

Cases of proper use of fire extinguisher

SERIOUS

All fires require special attention despite their size

Remote

SERIOUS

Neglecting by authority

LOW

If there is coordination between the emergency teams

HIGH

Failure to report any threat of fire

SERIOUS

If there is no coordination among the affected people

Improbable

LOW

Fire originates from un congested and well equipped regions

SERIOUS

Lack of escape routes

LOW

Buildings which do not adhere to the fire regulation acts

HIGH

Cases of self inflicted fires through carelessness

Risk analysis project form

The risk assessment and Analysis is based on frequency, probability, occasional, remote and improbable. The analysis requires a lot of time and ideas. For example, understanding the nature of the town, what may cause a faster spread of fire, what may cause the fire hazard? In case of fire if the frequency of reaction is more rapid, then there will be no damage or injuries caused. Destruction will only happen if there is no response, if people have no idea on fire extinguishing and if there are no facilities. Fire may also be destructive depending on the occasional happenings. If it happens occasionally, there may be no time for resource allocation and even time to secure the most affected areas. After a complete analysis, it is essential to have all resources required to put out fires, adequate fire responses, and qualified personnel. There is also need for developing infrastructure regarding roads and electrical appliance fittings. The report presented can be applied in the Caribbean town to overcome any fire hazard that may happen in future.

Reference

Manuele, F. A. Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment. On the Practice of Safety, Third Edition, 251-271.