6. Sixth Lesson: Risk-Based Emergency Response Planning

Given the severe consequences of major accidents, regulatory authorities and enterprises have paid considerable attention to emergency response planning. This lesson explores the risk-based emergency response planning from a practical point of view. To begin with, the philosophy of risk-based emergency response planning is presented. After that, particularities of offshore emergency preparedness are addressed. Then, the controversial relationship between accident prevention and emergency preparedness is explored from the perspectives of regulatory requirements and industry viewpoints. On this basis, principles for achieving a balance between regulatory and industry viewpoints are suggested. In addition, the general requirements on the establishment process of risk-based emergency response are presented on the basis of the most recent NORSOK Z-013 standard. Further, the lesson explores the area-based emergency response planning on the basis of defined situations of hazards and accidents (DSHAs), of which the critical parameters for the risk-based emergency response planning are discussed. Finally, the lesson discusses the challenges for deciding on the response level, emphasizing the determination of what is “realistic worst case” and what is not. The lesson holds critical value for readers in building a theoretical framework and practical expertise in risk-based emergency response planning.