7. Seventh Lesson: Barriers for Major Accident Risk

This chapter delves into the concept of barriers in risk management, particularly in the context of major accident risks. It begins by defining what barriers are and their hierarchical structure, which includes barrier functions, sub-functions, and elements. The text emphasizes the importance of performance requirements and performance-influencing factors in ensuring the effectiveness of barriers. It also discusses the distinction between safe and robust solutions and barriers, highlighting the role of barriers in preventing and mitigating incidents. The chapter explores the different types of barrier elements, including technical, operational, and organizational elements, and provides examples of each. It also discusses the importance of barrier management, which involves establishing and maintaining barriers to handle risk at any given time. The text concludes with the rationale behind barrier management, emphasizing the need for barriers even in safely designed and operated activities. The chapter also touches on regulatory requirements and the principles of barrier management, including specific assessment, prioritization of barriers, and the interaction between different barrier elements. It also discusses the role of maintenance in barrier management and the importance of barrier management in all phases of a facility's life. The text provides a comprehensive overview of the barrier management process, including establishing the context, risk assessment, risk treatment, and establishing specific barrier strategies and performance requirements. It also discusses the challenges faced in implementing barrier management and suggests tentative solutions. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the structure of barriers and hazards on offshore petroleum installations and the importance of communication and involvement in barrier management.