Environmental,health, and safety risks of the power lines nearby the human settlements

Advances in technology have not always been in favor of human beings and can lead to the emergence of “emerging contaminants” in human dwellings. These contaminants have taken a new form that is colorless, tasteless, and odorless and invisibly pollute the environment. Due to being intangible, their control and measurement are more difficult than the other types of pollutants. This study is an attempt to identify and assess the risks induced by high-voltage power lines crossing a residential area in southern Iran. To this end, the process of power transmission and the equipment used was initially identified. Afterward, the failure modes of the equipment resulting in the occurrence of risk were detected. In order to measure the strength of the magnetic field, the 3D EMF TESTER was used. The identified risks were scored based on the Environmental failure mode and effects analysis (EFMEA) parameters and a risk priority number (RPN) was assigned to each risk. In the final step, SPSS version 16 software was applied to calculate the risk level and identify the top priority risks. The highest RPN values obtained were related to the health risks so that all identified risks in this group were subjected to an emergency situation. The highest RPN was 360 assigned to “cable (no privacy)” and “power transmission line (non-compliance with privacy standards)”, while the lowest RPN was 60 subjected to disconnect switch (disconnector). Since majority of the identified risks has a high RPN, some mitigating measures were proposed to reduce the risk intensities as much as possible.     

Environmental Risk Assessment of Dams in Construction Phase Using a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Method

This study was conducted to identify environmental and human health risks caused by Balarood Dam, in construction phrase. The first step, all risk-generating factors were identified using a Delphi Questionnaire. Afterwards, the identified criteria were prioritized once using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and then by the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Due to the complex and uncertain nature of decision-making in times of risk, it was necessary to use more than one weighting method to ensure accuracy of weights. The results from AHP and TOPSIS revealed a mismatch in priorities; therefore, an integration method was presented blending Mean-Rank, Borda, and Copeland methods. According to the TOPSIS results, factors including cut and fill, explosion, and transportation, were first to third highest-priority risk-generating factors, respectively. Considering the results from the AHP method, factors cut and fill, drilling, and explosion were identified as first to third top-priority risk-generating factors, respectively. The results obtained from the integration method suggested that cut and fill, explosion, and drilling are the most important environmental risks at construction phase. As a general conclusion, different weighting methods can lead to different results by which the fate of a decision may be changed and it is essential to control final scores by applying more than one weighting method.     

Risk Assessment of Human Activities on Protected Areas: A Case Study

No study has been done on the impact of anthropogenic risks on protected areas. This may be due to complexity and diversity of risk assessment indices. In this research, using multicriteria decision-making methods, qualitative and complex indices were converted to simple and quantitative indices by which anthropogenic risks affecting the Helleh Protected Area in Iran were analyzed. To this end, a questionnaire was prepared and delivered to Delphi panelists consisting of environmental expertise. In order to prioritize the identified risks, Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Simple Additive Weighting Technique (SAW) were used as a subset of Multiple Attribute Decision-making methods (MADM). In this study, risk factors were evaluated using three criteria of severity, probability of occurrence, and sensitivity of the recipient environment. In order to reach enough transcendence (consensus on priority of risks), an integrated approach comprising average, Borda, and Copeland methods was used. The obtained results suggested that “dam inundation upstream of the study area” is a top-priority risky factor threatening the wetland. “Stopping water pumps from the wetland” and “use of modern irrigation systems” were recommended as the most effective managerial strategies to control the identified risk.     

Chemical speciation and risks of heavy metals in sediment of urban wetlands in southeastern China

Dredging, remediation, and other management of sediment in polluted urban wetlands require the information of environmental risks associated with heavy metals (HMs). In this study, sediment samples collected from three typical wetlands in the urban area of Wenzhou City, China, were analyzed to evaluate their risks posed by five HMs. Sediments from an industrial area stored higher Cr and Cu but lower Cd and Pb than those from the residential and agricultural areas. The assessment by the pollution load index method indicated that all of the three study wetlands were polluted. An ecological risk index approach identified low risk for wetlands in forested and residential areas but high risk for wetlands in an industrial area as well as in mixed residential and agricultural area, which was also confirmed by the geo-accumulation index (I_geo) method. Furthermore, the ratio of the secondary phase and primary phase and risk assessment code methods recognized that Cd poses a high pollution risk. The results indicated that sediment pollution by HMs in urban wetlands is possibly a widespread problem in China and needs great attention.     

基于失效模式与效应分析法的临床药学服务风险研究

目的 探讨临床药学服务过程中的风险及引起风险的主要原因,通过一定的方式规避风险。方法 应用失效模式与效应分析法对临床药学服务模式进行风险识别管理和研究。结果 分析得出临床药学服务模式共计15项流程,21项失效环节,对其中排名靠前的高危风险提出了相应的干预措施。结论 失效模式与效应分析法可以前瞻地有效地识别高危风险,并结合风险产生的原因,针对性地采取干预措施,从而最大程度地规避风险的发生。     

Application of a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Ranking Environmental Risks Caused by Petrochemical Industries: A Case Study of a Sodium Carbonate Production Unit

The occurrence of accidents in petrochemical industries that cause environmental catastrophes has persuaded experts to use risk-oriented approaches. The approach is to rank the key elements of risk assessment by which the priority of each risk is specified compared to the other ones. The present study was performed to test the applicability of a multi-criteria decision-making approach for prioritizing environmental risks of a petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran. Accordingly, all risky activities of the Sodium Carbonate Production Unit (SCPU) were identified initially. Afterward, the relevant environmental components affected by the risky activities were specified. According to the specification, the most significant risks were shortlisted using experts’ judgment based on three criteria: “impact intensity,” “occurrence probability,” and the “extent of contamination dispersion in the environment.” The shortlisted environmental risks were then prioritized by the Method “Elimination et Choice Translating Reality (Elimination and Choice Expressing Reality)” abbreviated as ELECTRE. Based on the obtained results, “decreased air quality” and “manpower health threatening” are the top-priority risks while “poor quality of groundwater” was identified as the least priority risk. In a general conclusion, a multi-criteria decision-making approach is quite useful for assessing environmental risks of petrochemical industries.     

Use FMEA method for environmental risk assessment in ore complex on wildlife habitats

Human activities are the most effective cause of wildlife habitat destruction and loss of quality. Some of these activities are the construction, operation, and utilization of mines. The present study investigates factory activity in the GolGoharSirjanOre Complex (Kerman province) and environmental risk assessment of the activities done by this complex on wildlife habitat. In order to identify the significant aspects of the complex, the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method is used. To determine the risk priority number, the significant aspects resulted from the multiplication of the criteria including probability of occurrence, the probability of detection, and severity of the effect. Based on the results of the current study, most of the activities of GolGoharSirjan Complex can have a significant adverse impact on the habitat of birds such as bustard Chlamydotisundulata (Vulnerable [VU]) and Podocespleskei, and mammals such as Striped Hyaena (Hyaenahyaena) (Near Threatened [NT]) and Capra aegagrus (Wild Goat) (VU). Some of the most important activities related to the activity include: Crusher (Risk Priority Number [RPN] = 720), the concentration of iron ore (RPN = 640), mining (RPN = 486), Stalker and Reclaiming (RPN = 504), and the transport of heavy machinery (RPN = 432). Significant aspects such as the emission of dust into the air; Nitrogen Oxide (NOX), Sulphur Oxide (SOX), and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas emissions to air; vibration; noise; and industrial waste discharges significantly influence the environment. The results of measurements of environmental pollutants that are carried out by reliable environmental laboratories have shown that the amount of pollutants mentioned are above the standard limit determined by the Iranian Department of Environment.     

失效模式与效应分析在化疗药物安全输注中的应用

目的运用失效模式与效应分析（FMEA）降低化疗药物输注过程中的风险,保证输注安全。方法根据FMEA方法,成立项目小组;制定操作流程图,进行失效模式与潜在风险原因分析,计算优先风险指数（RPN）;找出失效模式及原因;进行措施改进。结果 2012年1~5月与前年同期比较,化疗药物外渗和静脉炎的发生率差异有统计学意义（0.1%vs 0.6%;0.6%vs 1.5%,P〈0.05）。结论 FMEA应用于化疗患者,能显著降低静脉炎和药物外渗发生的风险,保证患者安全。     

A human health risk assessment of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Yanqi Basin,Silk Road Economic Belt,China

A total of 195 farmland soil samples were collected in Yanqi Basin, Xinjiang, northwest China, and the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were analyzed for their concentrations and pollution levels using the Nemerow comprehensive index. The health risk assessment model introduced by USEPA was utilized to evaluate the human health risks of heavy metals. Results indicated that the average concentrations of these seven metals were lower than the allowed soil environmental quality standards of China, while the average concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn exceeded the background values of irrigation soils in Xinjiang. The average contamination factor (CF) for Pb indicated the heavy pollution, whereas the CF for Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu and Cr indicated the moderate pollution. The average PLI of heavy metals indicated the low pollution. The non-carcinogenic hazard index were below the threshold values, and the total carcinogenic risks due to As and Cr were within the acceptable range for both children and adults. As and Pb were the main non-carcinogenic factors, while As was the main carcinogenic factor in the study area. Special attentions should be paid to these priority control metals in order to target the lowest threats to human health.     

Integrated environmental risk assessment approach for transportation modes

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to develop and implement new integrated environmental risk assessment for transportation activities. With this purpose, environmental risks occur from transportation activities from different transportation modes which are air, road, sea and rail are determined. Transportation modes are compared with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach in order to obtain importance weights and impact categories of air, soil and water are used as criteria where the weights are determined with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). For the risk assessment process, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) has been used and prioritizations of risks are calculated with weights of the calculated transportation modes. In the study, integrated multi-criteria decision-making methods with the classic FMEA method with different categories of impacts reveal new multidimensional perspective to classic environmental risk assessment methods.     

Safety,Health, and Environmental Risk Assessment of a Gas Power Plant: A Case Study from Southern Iran

This research was conducted to assess health, safety, and environmental risks of a gas power plant in southern Iran. In order to identify the subject risks of the power plant at operational phase a questionnaire was designed using the Delphi method. The questionnaires were put at the disposal of 99 electricity industry experts. Risk assessment was done using multicriteria decision-making methods such as technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), entropy, and Eigenvector technique. Following prioritization of risks at each power plant unit, top-priority risks were determined by one-way ANOVA. The obtained results indicated that the risk of working with medium voltage boards with a weight of 0.879 at the power plant's Electricity Unit is the most important safety and health risk in the studied power plant while risk of servicing the unit with fuel of gas weighting 0.807 and delivery of gas fuel with weight of 0.630 in the Exploiting Unit and work on liquid fuel clutch with weight of 0.603 in the Mechanical Unit are the most important environmental risks in the gas power plant. In conclusion, this study concludes that health, safety, and environmental risk assessment can be a structured and used as a systematic approach to plan for environmental protection and personnel health.     

Emission sources and probabilistic health risk of volatile organic compounds emitted from production areas in a petrochemical refinery in Hainan,China

Abstract

The emission sources and health risks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed and evaluated in a typical petrochemical refinery in Hainan, China. The sources and levels of 9 VOCs in five production areas were identified and qualified, and the probabilistic risk assessment method was employed to obtain more reasonable and scientific outcomes specifically realized by inhalation risk model and Monte Carlo simulation. Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis were also conducted to determine the influential factors in the risk evaluation process. The results indicated that for the refinery benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene were the primary pollutants in these production areas, where the aromatic hydrocarbon extraction device (AHED) and xylene fractionation device areas are main contributors. In terms of non-carcinogenic risk, the largest hazard index existed in AHED area. The non-carcinogenic risk values for all production areas were not more than 1. The risk value of substances such as benzene still exceed the carcinogenic risk value of 10^?6, indicating these substances existed potential carcinogenic risk to workers. Meanwhile, the findings can help to accumulate basic data for VOCs research in different installations of refineries, and provide evidence for VOCs pollution prevention and control.     

Validation plan of bone marrow collection,processing and distribution using the failure mode and effect analysis methodology: a technical report

Background aimsBone marrow (BM) is commonly used in the pediatric and adult setting as a source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The standards of the Joint Accreditation Committee of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy & European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (JACIE) include specific requirements regarding BM collection, processing and distribution. To run this process, each transplant team develops a series of JACIE-compliant procedures, customizing them with regard to local settings and paths. Moreover, JACIE standards require that transplant teams validate and periodically revise their procedures to keep the entire process under control. In this article, the authors describe the methodology adopted in our center to fulfill the aforementioned JACIE requirements.MethodsThe authors developed a validation plan based on the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) methodology. According to the FMEA approach, the authors carefully revised activities and procedures connected to BM collection, processing and distribution at our institution. The entire process was initially divided into five main phases (assessment of donor eligibility, perioperative autologous blood donation, preparation of BM collection kit, BM harvesting and BM processing and distribution), comprising 17 subphases and 22 activities.ResultsFor each activity, one or more failure modes were identified, for a total of 28 failure modes, and a risk priority number (RPN) was then assigned to each failure mode. Although many procedures were validated, others were subjected to substantial changes according to the RPN rating. Moreover, specific indicators were identified for subsequent monitoring to contain the risk of failure of steps emerging as critical at FMEA.ConclusionsThis is the first study describing use of the FMEA methodology within an HSC transplant program. Shaping the risk analysis based on local experience may be a trustworthy tool for identifying critical issues, directing strict monitoring of critical steps or even amending connected procedures. Overall, the FMEA approach enabled the authors to improve our process, checking its consistency over time.     

Sediment quality assessment in the delta of rivers Rhine and Meuse based on field observations,bioassays and food chain implications

The quality of sediment was assessed in 46 sites in the delta of the rivers Rhine and Meuse (The Netherlands) by means of physical-chemical analysis, field observations on the macrobenthic community structure, accumulation studies and bioassays using Chironomus riparius, Daphnia magna and Photobacterium phosphoreum. The results of chemical analyses were classified using national criteria for sediment quality. Results of field studies and bioassays were classified using criteria derived from research in reference areas or based on data from literature. Risk assessment was carried out according to the sediment quality triad and by means of multi criteria analysis (MCA). The Triad approach was used to demonstrate causal relations between effects on the macrozoobenthos community structure, effects demonstrated in bioassays and sediment pollution. This was done by making a comparison of sediment contamination levels with toxicity data from literature for the test organisms of the bioassays. Using the MCA method, for each site a numerical value was derived for total environmental risk in the present situation, based on observed effects. In this way, a relative risk ranking of all sites was realized. The MCA values for the present situation were also compared with MCA scores based on estimated risks after remediation in 1995, in order to set priorities for sites where remediation is expected to cause a significant reduction in environmental risk. In most of the 46 sites studied so far, the macrofauna community was poorly developed, judged by a low number of benthic species, low abundances and a high dominance of species regarded as relatively tolerant to chemical pollution. In bioassays high sediment toxicity was demonstrated for 24 sites. Using the sediment quality triad approach, 25 sites were identified as areas where pollution can be held responsible for the effects observed in the field. From a comparison of contaminant concentrations in different types of food with maximum tolerable risk levels, and the application of a bioaccumulation model it was concluded that the sediment pollution also implies high risks for plant-, benthos- or fish-eating birds (secondary poisoning of top predators). In the Nieuwe Merwede highest MCA risk scores were found for shallow parts where highly polluted sediments are found. It is concluded that the sediment quality triad and the MCA provide additional information which can be used to establish priorities for remedial action. Based on an ecotoxicological evaluation of the improved quality of new sediments that will be deposited after removal of the polluted sediments in the Nieuwe Merwede, it is concluded that in this upstream part of the Rhine delta remedial action will be effective.     

基于FMEA的C形臂X线机的使用风险分析与控制

??????? 目的 基于失效模式与效应分析（FMEA）方法分析控制C形臂X线机的使用风险。方法 成立FMEA 5人小组,运用现场观察和访谈的方法,识别C形臂X线机使用的潜在失效模式,并对其发生的严重度、发生概率及检测的难易度进行评价打分,计算失效原因的风险优先指数。结果 FMEA小组找出了必须优先解决的C臂机使用的失效模式,制定并实施了改进措施,在不增加管理成本的基础上,取得了良好的管理效果。结论 FMEA可以评估医疗设备使用过程的失效,并能排序优先解决的问题,不增加管理成本就能预防问题的发生,是有效的过程管理工具。     

Use of pollution risk and ecosystem service values in marine management strategies in Bohai Sea,China

Different coastal areas possess different pollution risks and ecosystem service values. The management strategies in these areas also differ. With limited environmental funds available, it is necessary to conduct in-depth study of pollution risks and ecosystem service values for developing marine conservation and management strategies. This paper proposes a management method that combines marine pollution risks and ecosystem service values to identify the management priorities of different sites, which are used to determine the appropriate management strategies. The management priorities of different bays in China's Bohai Sea were determined, and management strategies were recommended. The method can be used to determine effective management strategies for oceans around the world, especially in developing countries with limited environmental protection funds.     

基于故障树方法的非计划再次手术风险评估

目的 探索一种适合于在过程复杂、环境多变、风险多样的手术治疗系统中,对术前准备、术中操作、术后医疗护理及管理等贯穿围手术期全过程进行风险评估的方法。方法 通过危险事件的风险影响因子识别、定性分析与定量分析、基本事件综合风险等级评价,绘制具有实践操作意义的风险矩阵图,全面识别手术治疗系统风险、科学分析危险事件与风险影响因子,有效评价风险等级与可容忍度。结果 构建包括7个中间事件、29个基本事件、9个逻辑或门和1个逻辑与门的非计划再次手术故障树模型,故障树由8个一阶割集和104个二阶割集组成。当所有最小割集均存在时,被调查医院非计划再次手术的发生概率为0.950 10,同时确定25个基本事件在该医院的综合风险重要性等级,并根据绘制的风险图谱进一步确定风险应对的优先顺序。结论 基于故障树的手术治疗系统风险评估方法,可以全面识别手术治疗系统风险,科学分析风险影响因子,有效评价风险等级。     

美国、加拿大环境和健康风险管理方法

对目前美国和加拿大多个部门使用的风险评价与风险管理方法进行了全面回顾和综合分析,论述各种不同方法的特征,深入探讨各种管理方法的基础、利弊、使用经验,辨识环境、人类健康和职业健康风险综合方法中应该包含的要素,阐述风险管理目标的确定方法,以期为中国的环境风险管理提供经验。     

Environmental Risk Assessment of Dams by Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods: A Case Study of the Polrood Dam,Guilan Province,Iran

A dam's construction always imposes some risks to the environment. In this article, the environmental risks of the Polrood dam, located in a northern province of Iran, during its construction phase, were identified, ranked, and evaluated. The risk factors were initially identified by Delphi questionnaire and then rated using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Subsequently, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to classify the risk factors into four major categories, and Expert Choice software was used to weight them. Based on the obtained results, Physicochemical; Biological; Economic, Social, and Cultural; and Health and Safety risks were rated by the weights of 0.124, 0.080, 0.048, and 0.021, respectively. Among the physicochemical risks, Erosion and Sedimentation weighted 0.061 and 0.047, respectively, were identified as the most serious risks. Among the biological risks, the highest negative impact was assigned to Land Cover with the weight of 0.189. In the third category, the most important risk was Population Displacement, weighted 0.114. Workers’ Falls with the weight of 0.109 was also determined as the highest risk in the last category. A comprehensive risk response plan will be required for dealing with the identified risks and their mitigation.     

手机信令数据在粤港澳大湾区大气环境风险管理中的应用研究——以江门市为例

粤港澳大湾区是国际化程度、资源整合能力、经济价值和效益都极高的区域,必须高度重视其环境风险问题,避免区域生态系统和人民群众健康受到威胁。人类活动密集区的突发环境事件风险源和受体的涉及面广、来源复杂,利用传统统计数据和技术手段开展的环境风险评价越来越体现出其时效性弱、精准性差的缺点。尝试引入手机信令数据及其模拟分析的人口数据,并将其嵌入到网格化环境风险分析法中,对粤港澳大湾区的江门市大气环境风险进行评估,刻画区域环境风险空间分布特征,精准识别区域环境风险类型。研究方法是在遵循《行政区域突发环境事件风险评估推荐方法》的前提下,通过对比分析统计数据与手机信令数据得到的江门市人口空间分布、大气环境风险易损性及环境风险值,结果表明虽然两者的总体趋势是一致的,但利用手机信令数据得到的环境风险等级结果更精细化、分辨率更高、时效性更强、数据处理更高效。研究表明,基于手机信令数据开展分析显著提高了环境风险评估的风险受体人口分析精度,可为预测及管理区域环境风险提供准确参考,实现突发环境事件应急处置区域具体化、最小化,从而减小应急处理成本。