Risk Assessments - Quantitative & Qualitative
Risk Assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards, evaluating the associated risks, and implementing appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce risks to an acceptable level. It enables organizations to proactively prevent workplace incidents, protect employees, property, ensure statutory compliance, and improve overall operational safety.
NSC conducts both Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Assessments based on the nature and complexity of the operations. Qualitative Risk Assessment prioritizes risks using a likelihood and consequence matrix, while Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) employs analytical models such as ALOHA and PHAST to evaluate the likelihood and consequences of major accident scenarios.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | HIRA | HAZOP | QRA |
|---|
| Main Purpose | Identify workplace hazards | Identify process hazards | Quantify major accident risks |
| Best For | All industries | Process industries | Hazardous chemical / process industries |
| Focus | People, equipment, activities | Process design and operation | Consequences to people, property & environment |
| Typical Question | What hazards exist? | What happens if the process deviates from design? | What will happen if a major accident occurs, and how severe will it be? |
| Output | Risk Register with control measures | HAZOP Worksheets with Process Safety actions | Risk Contours & Consequence Analysis |
Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)
QRA is a systematic and analytical methodology used to evaluate the likelihood and consequences of major accident scenarios involving hazardous chemicals and processes. NSC conducts QRA studies for chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, LPG/LNG, bulk chemical storage and other hazardous process facilities.
- Hazard Identification and credible accident scenario selection.
- Consequence Analysis for toxic releases, fires, explosions, thermal radiation, overpressure and vapour cloud dispersion.
- Frequency Analysis using historical data, reliability information and engineering judgment.
- Individual Risk and Societal Risk quantification, risk contours and comparison with accepted risk criteria.
- Software tools include DNV PHAST, ALOHA and SAFETI where applicable.
Hazard & Operability Study (HAZOP)
HAZOP is a structured and systematic technique used to identify potential hazards and operability issues arising from deviations from intended design or operating conditions. NSC uses a guideword-based methodology to review process nodes, causes, consequences, safeguards and recommendations.
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA)
HIRA systematically identifies workplace hazards, evaluates associated risks and determines control measures. Each hazard is evaluated considering likelihood, consequences, existing controls and applicable legal requirements.
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
JSA breaks a job into sequential steps, identifies hazards associated with each step, assesses risks and defines suitable controls before work begins.
Safety Documentation
Well-defined safety documentation forms the foundation of an effective Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) management system. NSC develops and reviews customized safety documents aligned with applicable statutory requirements, relevant standards and industry best practices.
- Safety Manual: preparation and review of organization-specific OSHE manuals.
- Emergency Plan: preparation and review of emergency response / disaster management plans.
- Safety Report: preparation and review of Safety Reports under applicable hazardous chemical rules.
- Standard Operating Procedures: development of safe operating procedures for routine and high-risk activities.
- Mock Drill Planning & Evaluation: design, conduct, observation and evaluation of emergency mock drills.
Customised & Special Assignments
Fire Adequacy Study
Ergonomic Study
5S Audit
Hazardous Area Classification
Machine Safety / Guard Audit
Warehouse Audit
Traffic Management Plan
Contractor Safety Passport
Accident Investigation
Customised Safety Audits & Inspections
