Impact of Weak Signals on the Digitalization of Risk Analysis in Process Safety Operational Environments

Abstract

Weak signals in risk analysis digitalization are of great importance for preventing major accidents in risk analysis in the process industry, especially for process operations and production. However, some of the negative impacts are incorrect operational risk identification, significant inventory carrying costs, disruption of risk frequency, and risk consequence analysis, all of which will signal inaccurate information about unforeseen and current dangers in process facilities and operational environments. While the positive impacts are viewed as an early warning system that provides information on operational risk system status, the identification of potential risk weaknesses in process facilities, indicators of a transition or an emerging problem that may become significant in the future, highlighting future assumptions, challenge our views of the future and expand the selection of a processing facility. Lastly, weak signal identification in the digitalization of risk analysis can provide relevant information in supporting, assessing and analyzing the risks associated with the operation, in order to design a technical system and estimate the industry’s level of accident risk, as well as the possible control of a system. The present research will provide valuable information to the process industry on how to protect their operational facilities and increase process safety by providing information on weak safety risk monitoring systems in operations, strengthening the processes of the operational area.

The impact of interventions on health, safety and environment in the process industry

“…Thus, this industry is characterized by continuous or batch production methods, intricate supply chains, and a strong emphasis on complying with rigorous regulations. Furthermore, process industries frequently work with hazardous chemicals, substances, and processes, substantially raising the risk of operational catastrophe in their activities, such as operations under temperatures and pressures that are extremely high or low, respectively, which might pose a serious risk to the facilities and operational environment [ [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] ].…”

“…However, this was caused by the breakdown of an automatic tank measuring system. For example, the alarm could not send signals to control systems [ 6 , 14 ]. Furthermore, the incidents that occurred in the process industry have highlighted the importance of HSE and prompted a renewed focus on the implementation of HSE management systems.…”