Risk assessment: methods on purpose?

Abstract

When considering three proven methods of risk assessment widely used within energy sector, PHA, FMEA and HAZOP, the question of the adequacy of the method to objectives is raised. After introducing the methodological framework for risk assessment, we take a look at an overview of the three methods. From a perspective shaped by systemic paradigm, we propose the concept of symptom, as thread running through of each method. After detailing the specific symptoms for each method, we put forward two hypotheses. First, a method is not neutral and symptoms are a sign of inclination and drive representations of the scenarios developed. Second, risk assessment workshops, seen as privileged locations for organizational learning, change the relationship between actors and hazardous situations. By locating each method within the triangulation of definition from the systemic paradigm, we invite risk assessment experts to make their tacit knowledge as explicit as possible in order to identify operational levers to control their activity.

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