Hazmat transport: A methodological framework for the risk analysis of marshalling yards

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 147; no. 1; pp. 412 - 423
• Main Authors: Cozzani, Valerio, Bonvicini, Sarah, Spadoni, Gigliola, Zanelli, Severino
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 17-08-2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Accidents - classification; Accidents - statistics & numerical data; Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Dangerous goods; Environmental Exposure; Exact sciences and technology; Hazardous Substances; Hazmat transportation; Major accident hazard; Marshalling yards; Methods; Pollution; Quantitative risk analysis; Railway; Risk Assessment - methods; Safety; Transportation; Hazmat transportation; Quantitative risk analysis; Railway; Dangerous goods; Major accident hazard; Marshalling yards; Fault tree; Leak; Spill; Risk analysis; Transport process; Accident; Risk assessment; Hazard
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.01.065

A methodological framework was outlined for the comprehensive risk assessment of marshalling yards in the context of quantified area risk analysis. Three accident typologies were considered for yards: (i) “in-transit-accident-induced” releases; (ii) “shunting-accident-induced” spills; and (iii) “non-accident-induced” leaks. A specific methodology was developed for the assessment of expected release frequencies and equivalent release diameters, based on the application of HazOp and Fault Tree techniques to reference schemes defined for the more common types of railcar vessels used for “hazmat” transportation. The approach was applied to the assessment of an extended case-study. The results evidenced that “non-accident-induced” leaks in marshalling yards represent an important contribution to the overall risk associated to these zones. Furthermore, the results confirmed the considerable role of these fixed installations to the overall risk associated to “hazmat” transportation.