PSI - Issue 48

Snežana Stojičić et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 48 (2023) 104 – 112 Stojičić et al/ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 ( 2023) 000–000

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Especially in industrial branches that have large quantities and high-quality data on the occurrence of adverse events in work processes, it is possible, based on such data, information, and risk assessors, to assess the probability and severity of adverse events caused by fires and explosions with a certain degree of accuracy. 4. The importance of forensic engineering on risk assessment Forensic engineering involves knowledge of the legal basis relating to the adverse event (fire or explosion) it investigates, particularly in relation to the identification of risks and the response undertaken as part of risk management. Knowledge and experience arise even separately from the topics of risk management and forensic engineering their collective potential for knowledge about preventing adverse events and mitigating their consequences is greater than the sum of individual contributions. Forensic engineering is absolutely necessary for risk management. Having good risk management in place can not only reduce accidents, but also serve as a tool in forensic engineering. A professional understanding of the differences between risk management and forensic engineering has practical benefits. These two fields, after all, have similar professional focuses, functions, purposes, and scopes. Risk management is essential as an integral part of forensic engineering, whether to analyse an accident or to prevent an accident, especially when legal implications may affect outcomes. Also, various methods and tools, as well as the use of a risk matrix for risk management, can be applied to forensic engineering. Legal aspects, especially in cases of violation or failure to act in accordance with the same, have an impact on the determination and application of penal provisions according to the areas of activity because risk assessment and risk management control are also important in the processing of cases for which forensic processing is required. One of the basic questions when processing a case by a forensic engineer is whether there is a risk assessment for a certain activity, and whether appropriate preventive and corrective measures have been implemented in relation to potential impacts that can lead to the occurrence of fires and explosions (Krishnamuthly, N., 2016). Risk assessment and management are widely represented in engineering projects related to the planning of measures to improve safety and reduce potential loss of life or property. Risk assessment generally includes threat identification techniques, qualitative and quantitative risk assessment to obtain a risk qualification. Also, risk assessment methods depend on the area in which they are applied. They can generally be classified into three levels, i.e. risk analysis, risk assessment, and risk management (Fig. 6). At the first level of risk assessment, risk analysis begins with the identification of threats that may lead to adverse events and possible scenarios. Quantitative threat assessment represents a higher level of risk analysis that provides an assessment of the consequences for each of the possible events and impacts on employees, equipment, and the environment, along with a prediction of the frequency and probability of occurrence. Consequence and frequency assessment are used together as a measure and for overall risk ranking.

Fig. 6. Risk and safety management process in engineering systems

After identification of threats and analysis, at the second level, risk assessment involves ranking unwanted events and their potential consequences and determining the level of risk according to specific case defined criteria. Figure