Volume 23, Issue 1 (2026)
ioh 2026, 23(1): 90-113 |
Back to browse issues page
Research code: 30586
Ethics code: IR.SBMU.PHNS.REC.1400.140
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Ashouri M, Eskandari D, Haji Qasemkhan A, laal F. Development of an Index for Classifying Process Units by Probability of Major Accidents: A Case Study in a Petrochemical Plant. ioh 2026; 23 (1) :90-113
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3770-en.html
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3770-en.html
Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences , eskandari.d@skums.ac.ir
Abstract: (105 Views)
Background And Aims: Developing methods to reduce or control hazards in chemical industries is essential. According to the literature, no study has classified process units by the probability of major accidents using a combined metric incorporating the Inherent Safety Index (ISI) and the Emergency Management Plan (EMP). This study aimed to develop a single index that integrates ISI and EMP to classify units or process sites according to their likelihood of major accidents.
Methods: After developing the new index (expressed as equation A/B), hazards associated with process units were quantified using the ISI (parameter A). The Emergency Management Plan was evaluated quantitatively (parameter B) based on guidelines adapted from the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum and OSHA standards. The developed A/B index was then calculated for production units in a petrochemical plant to assess the index’s applicability.
Results: Using the ISI and EMP indicators, we developed a new index to classify different units within an industry or adjacent industries according to their probability of major accidents. The index was calculated for several units in a petrochemical plant: benzene–toluene unit (0.82), xylene unit (0.76), and phthalic anhydride unit (0.73).
Discussion and Conclusion: We propose a novel, relatively comprehensive index for classifying process sites by the probability of major accidents. This index helps identify overall hazards of process units and supports their prioritization and classification. By enabling comparison and ranking of neighboring industries or different units within a facility, the index offers HSE managers and supervisors a practical tool for planning control measures and improvements.
Methods: After developing the new index (expressed as equation A/B), hazards associated with process units were quantified using the ISI (parameter A). The Emergency Management Plan was evaluated quantitatively (parameter B) based on guidelines adapted from the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum and OSHA standards. The developed A/B index was then calculated for production units in a petrochemical plant to assess the index’s applicability.
Results: Using the ISI and EMP indicators, we developed a new index to classify different units within an industry or adjacent industries according to their probability of major accidents. The index was calculated for several units in a petrochemical plant: benzene–toluene unit (0.82), xylene unit (0.76), and phthalic anhydride unit (0.73).
Discussion and Conclusion: We propose a novel, relatively comprehensive index for classifying process sites by the probability of major accidents. This index helps identify overall hazards of process units and supports their prioritization and classification. By enabling comparison and ranking of neighboring industries or different units within a facility, the index offers HSE managers and supervisors a practical tool for planning control measures and improvements.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Safety
Received: 2025/07/28 | Accepted: 2026/02/22 | Published: 2026/03/30
Received: 2025/07/28 | Accepted: 2026/02/22 | Published: 2026/03/30
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
