Major Hazard Installation Engineers
Chemical Incidents
A chemical incident is the uncontrolled release of a toxic substance, potentially resulting in harm to public health and the environment. Chemical incidents can occur as a result of natural events, or as a result of accidental or intentional events. These incidents can be sudden and acute or have a slow onset when there is a ‘silent’ release of a chemical. They can also range from small releases to full-scale major emergencies.
The term “chemical incident” might refer to anthropogenic or technological events, including:
an explosion at a factory that stores or uses chemicals contamination of the food or water supply with a chemical an oil spill a leak from a storage unit during transportation deliberate release of chemicals in conflict or terrorism an outbreak of disease that is associated with chemical exposure.
Chemical incidents arising from natural sources include volcanos, earthquakes, and forest fires. An estimated 65 000 people died due to technological events between 2009-2018.
As the production and use of chemicals continue to increase worldwide the health sector must expand its traditional roles and responsibilities to be able to address the public health and medical issues associated with the use of chemicals and their health effects.
MHI Risk Assessment
- Oil & Gas – Flammable liquids and gas
- Chemical and Petrochemical Industry
- Energy and power generation
- Food and Beverage
- Cold Chain Storage
- Warehousing
- Water Treatment & Waste Management
- Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and handling
- Agriculture and Pesticide manufacture and storage
- Pharmaceuticals
Risk Quantification
The risk which a facility places on individuals and society is calculated.
Consequence Analysis
The effects of the consequences on society as a result of fire, an explosion or toxic gas release are evaluated.
Land Use Planning
The development zones around a major hazard installation is determined.
SANS 1461: Major Hazard Installation — Risk Assessments
What is SANS 1461?
SANS 1461 is the South African National Standard that outlines the procedures for conducting quantitative risk assessments (QRA) on installations that store, use, or transport hazardous substances. It applies to both fixed installations and cross-country pipelines, ensuring safety for workers, the public, and surrounding communities.
Key Components of SANS 1461:2018
- Risk Assessment Procedures: Establishes methodologies for hazard identification, analysis, and risk calculation.
- Scope of Work: Includes data gathering, defining hazardous scenarios, and evaluating potential consequences.
- Risk Judgment Criteria: Provides frameworks like ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) for determining acceptable risk levels.
- Land-Use Planning: Offers guidance on land-use restrictions based on hazard proximity.
- Emergency Response Planning: Recommends protocols for managing hazardous incidents effectively.
Why is SANS 1461 Important?
- Ensures compliance with MHI safety regulations from the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL).
- Reduces the risk of catastrophic accidents in industrial facilities.
- Protects both human lives and the environment through systematic risk management.
- Promotes responsible land-use planning around hazardous installations.
Who Should Comply with SANS 1461?
- Industries dealing with hazardous substances, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and gas pipelines.
- Risk assessors and safety professionals performing QRAs.
- Urban planners and municipal authorities managing land use near hazardous installations.
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