Risk assessment for incidents/accidents: a case study at chemical storage warehouse at northern region of Malaysia

• Main Author: Kannadasan, Nagalingam
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: HD Industries. Land use. Labor.; HD61 Risk Management
• Online Access: https://etd.uum.edu.my/10817/1/s902834_01.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/10817/2/s902834_02.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/10817/

Chemical incidents/accidents and vulnerabilities can cause devastating effects and this study examined the impact in chemical storage warehouses. The objective of this study was to systematically apprehend the risk factors by identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risk to determine a conducive, safe, and confident working environment. Despite the negative impact of chemicals, and the increase of accident data in reports of DOSH, BOMBA and SOCSO, the actual numbers of incidents/accidents, health, and spillage statistics contributed by chemical storage warehouses are unclear. This study investigated this occurrence and simultaneously examined to identify how chemical vulnerabilities are managed, and the effectiveness of risk models employed since there is scarce academic research that has explored this issue. The qualitative methodology employing the phenomenology approach was engaged, utilising face- toface interviews as the major data collection method. Twelve participants from chemical warehouses (CW) and manufacturers with chemical storage (MCS) in the northern region states of Malaysia were selected employing purposive sampling and the Snow Balling technique. The findings reveal that CW and MCS contributions are minimal and do not contribute significantly towards the incidents/accidents volume as reported. The level of awareness and alertness towards chemical vulnerabilities examined also suggest a high level. Apparently, 75% of organizations employ 11 different effective risk models in managing risk factor, and 8 new models employed were identified. The overall indication is that the MCS sector is intact and in comparison, to the CW sector which is more vulnerable with 83% accidents recorded, and 43% organizations in the CW sector engage in less effective methods. The study recommends more training, collaborations, knowledge- sharing, and risk model adoption to move forward.