Accidents in industrial installations are random events. Hence they
cannot be totally avoided. Only the probability of their occurrence may
be reduced and their consequences be mitigated. The book proceeds from
hazards caused by materials and process conditions to indicating
engineered and organizational measures for achieving the objectives of
reduction and mitigation. Qualitative methods for identifying weaknesses
of design and increasing safety as well as models for assessing accident
consequences are presented. The quantitative assessment of the
effectiveness of safety measures is explained. The treatment of
uncertainties plays a role there. They stem from the random character of
the accident and from lacks of knowledge of some of the phenomena to be
addressed. The reader is acquainted with the simulation of accidents,
with safety and risk analyses and learns how to judge the potential and
limitations of mathematical modelling. Risk analysis is applied amongst
others to "functional safety" and the determination of "appropriate
distances" between industry and residential areas (land-use planning).
This shows how it can be used as a basis for safety-relevant decisions.
Numerous worked-out examples and case studies addressing real plants and
situations deepen the understanding of the subjects treated and support
self-study.