CIVL4170-2025-S1-Week02-_Lecture_3_4_-_The_Risk_Management_Process_-lecture_slides_1_

CIVL4170: Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering

Lecture Overview

• Lecturers: A/Prof Ilje Pikaar

• Course Structure:

  • Week 2 - Semester 1, 2025

Risk Management Process

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Overview of ISO 31000 Risk Management Framework

1. Step 1: Establish the Scope

   • Define objectives and stakeholders

   • Clarify the scope of risk management activities

   • Document context to ensure common understanding

1. Step 2: Risk Identification

   • Identify, recognize, and describe risks

   • Utilize team of experts from various engineering disciplines

1. Step 3: Risk Analysis

   • Evaluate the probability and consequences of risks using qualitative and quantitative methods

1. Step 4: Risk Evaluation

   • Assess whether risks are acceptable or require treatment

   • ALARP - As Low As Reasonably Practicable

2. Step 5: Risk Treatment

   • Determine controls needed to mitigate risks

1. Step 6: Monitoring and Reviewing Risks

   • Keep the risk register up-to-date and evaluate the effectiveness of controls

Importance of Risk Management for Civil Engineers

• Engineers design processes and structures involving hazards such as height, speed, and hazardous substances.

• Systematic and transparent risk management is crucial to ensure safety.

• Compliance with regulations like the Health and Safety Act (2011) and Environmental Protection Act (1994).

Defining Key Terms

Definition of Risk

• Risk: Effect of uncertainty on objectives.

  • Effect: Deviation from expected outcomes (positive or negative).

  • Objectives: Can vary across levels (strategic or project-based).

  • Uncertainty: Lack of information related to events and consequences.

Definition of Hazard

• Hazard: A source that can cause injury, illness, or circumstances leading to harm as per ISO 45001.

Importance of Probability and Repetition

• Understanding how repetition impacts likelihood.

• Example: Dutch dike design assumes flood exposure probability of 1 in 1250 years.

Systematic Risk Analysis Framework

• Systematic approach helps choice-making amidst ambiguity in projects.

• Risk management framework assists engineers in making organized decisions.

Key Findings from Week 1

• Many incidents arise from failure to manage known risks effectively.

• Risk management ensures clear stakeholder communication and understanding.

Detailed Steps in Establishing Scope

• Importance of scope:

  • Helps avoid overlooking risks and prioritizing critical risks.

  • Enhances clarity for stakeholder expectations, leading to improved decision-making.

Scope Table Elements

• People: Involved in risk management or impacted by risks.

• Locations: Areas affected by risks.

• Equipment: Tools and infrastructure involved.

• Activities: Operations linked to risks.

• Environmental considerations: Climate and weather-related impacts.

Risk Identification Techniques

1. HAZID/ PHA: Identifying potential hazards.

2. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Analyzing job-specific risks.

3. HAZOP: Structured examination of processes for hazard identification.

4. Checklists: Reviewing policies at various design and operational stages.

5. FMEA: Analyzing potential failure modes in systems and their impacts.

Risk Analysis Methodologies

• Common techniques include:

  • Risk Matrix: Qualitative assessment of risk likelihood and impact.

  • Quantitative Methods: Conditional probability methods and mathematical modeling.

Risk Evaluation and Treatment Essentials

• Evaluate risks against acceptable standards (ALARP principle).

• Focus on inherently safe designs and layers of protection.

• Monitoring and reviewing existing controls to ensure effectiveness and compliance.

Concluding Remarks

• Important principles: Inherently Safe Design, Defence-in-Depth, and continuous improvement in risk management.

• Ongoing communication and documentation are crucial to ensure effective risk management practices.