Rapid quantitative risk assessment of a petrochemical industry using a new software package MAXCRED

Petrochemical industries use hazardous chemicals and processes which have the potential to cause major accidents if human or equipment failure occurs. As most such industries are situated close to densely populated urban or rural locations, especially so in developing countries, it is very important to study the accidents that may take place, and the damage these may cause, so that preventive/mitigative measures may be taken before any tragedy does occur. Such a study would also contribute towards evolving strategies for cleaner functioning of these industries. In this paper we have conducted a detailed risk assessment study of a typical petrochemical industry using the software package MAXCRED recently developed by us. The study has two objectives, (a) to provide a quantitative assessment of the accidents likely to be caused and the damage potential (as inputs for crisis prevention/management) and (b) to demonstrate the viability of MAXCRED as a user friendly tool for rapid risk assessment. It also suggests some measures to control the risk potential. The authors hope that these studies would highlight the severity of risk posed by the industry and would thus generate safety consciousness among plant managers. The studies may also help in developing accident-prevention strategies and installation of damage control devices.