“A Simple Method of Risk/Hazard Assessment in Dredging”

Thomas M. Verna and

Dr. Luis. A. Prieto-Portar

October 23, 2012

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)• PHAs:

– Risk Assessment Tool– Defines the Activity or Work to be Performed– Identifies Hazards – Establishes Controls to Reduce the Hazard to an

Acceptable Risk Level– Living Document

• Changes with Site Conditions or Operations• Changes of competent/qualified personnel

for USACE, EM 385-1-1, 01.A.13.a states:

15 Sep 2008

Activity Hazard Analysis shall define the activities being performed and identify the work sequences, the specific anticipated hazards, site conditions, equipment, materials, and the control measures to be implemented to eliminate or reduce each hazard to an acceptable level.

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) Development

1. Define features of work2. Identify hazards for each feature3. Establish controls4. Identify the competent/qualified personnel5. Risk assessment (probability/severity)6. Equipment, Training & Inspection

The Dredging Risk Matrix

»

Probability: How many times that risk event can occur, or likelihood of the hazard to cause a incident, near miss, or accident

Severity: The impact upon the project, or outcome/degree of the incident, near miss, or accident

Risk Factors

Risk Assessment Code(RAC)

Probability: Occasional

Risk Assessment Code (RAC)

• Moderate Risk (M)• Identify (M) as RAC for the hazard on AHA• Repeat RAC process for each hazard

Severity: Marginal

M

Risk Mitigation

Red

Unacceptable; must be reduced.

Yellow

Reduce if feasible; proceed with caution.

Green

Proceed and keep monitoring.

Conclusion

• Dredging and marine construction work is inherently dangerous

• PHAs are a risk management tool to help identify hazards or risks and formulate controls to reduce the hazard to an acceptable risk level

• Communicate at all levels• PHAs shall be reviewed and modified as work

progresses • The Risk Matrix is a simple, visual method used by all

to reduce risk• Safety requires a TEAM EFFORT!

Questions ?Comments !

Contacts:Thomas M. Verna, USACE Institute for Water Resources, Alexandria, VAp:703-428-8562, email: thomas.m.verna@usace.army.mil

Dr. Luis. A. Prieto-Portar, Piedroba Marine Construction, Miami, FLp: 305-972-2779, email: dr.prieto@piedroba.com