Risk-Based Radiological Site Investigation and Assessment Methodology for the Sellafield Site, Cumbria, UK

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamdi El-Ghonemy ◽  
Candida Lean ◽  
Alexander G. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Retrieval System ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Working Practices ◽  
Identification Stage ◽  
A Site

A preliminary assessment of the Sellafield site in Cumbria was undertaken to provide the information for the hazard identification stage in the environmental risk assessment process. This preliminary investigation has been crucial to understanding the site’s history, the zones of potential risk and for the design of a site investigation. The formalised assessment strategy that has subsequently been developed by BNFL for the Sellafield study has drawn upon UK and international guidance to take into account the size of the site and the anticipated complexity of issues. The approach presented represents an advance on existing working practices in contaminated land investigations. The use of a generic list of Features, Events and Processes (FEPs) has been adopted to ensure the systematic and comprehensive appraisal of all relevant uncertainties and sources of risk. Proforma have also been developed to provide a data management and retrieval system that is transparent for quality assurance purposes. This unique approach facilitates the development of conceptual site models as new data become available during the site investigation. It also aids in the development and justification of alternative site conceptualisations and in the early identification of data and interpretative uncertainty.

Study on the Efficient Cognition of Disaster Prevention Signs for Library Buildings

2013 ◽  
Vol 811 ◽  
pp. 319-324
Author(s):  
Yan Ran Chen ◽  
Li Chao Niu
Keyword(s):  
Site Investigation ◽  
Disaster Prevention ◽  
Public Buildings ◽  
A Site ◽  
Library Buildings

This paper is an research concentrated on the efficient cognition of disaster prevention signs for library buildings, considering the relevance between the domestic and foreign public buildings disaster and disaster prevention signs, with a site investigation and a questionnaire investigation of library public buildings. Proposals we raised for the efficient cognition of library public buildings in order to strengthen the design of the disaster prevention signs in the forms, details and humanization, improve and perfect the systematic settings of disaster prevention signs to achieve the effect of optimizing the efficient cognition of the disaster prevention signs.

scholarly journals Risk assessment for chemical substances: the link between toxicology and public health

1993 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. R. Paumgartten
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
Risk Assessment Process ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Adverse Health

Virtually all chemical substances may cause adverse health effects, depending on the dose and conditions under which individuals are exposed to them. Toxicology - the study of harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms - provides the scientific data base on which risk assessment of adverse health effects stands. Risk assessment (RA) is the process of estimating the probability that a chemical compound will produce adverse effects on a given population, under particular conditions of exposure. Risk assessment process consists of four stages: Hazard Identification (HI), Exposure Assessment (EA), Dose-Response Assessment (DRA), and Risk Characterization (RC). The risk assessment process as a whole makes it possible to carry out cost(risk)/benefit analysis, and thus risk management, on a rational basis. A capacity to undertake risk assessment is thus sine qua non for making decisions that are concerned with achieving a balance between economic development and adequate protection of public health and the environment.

Deep sampling and testing in soft stratified clay

2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon James Cummings ◽  
Vinayagamoorthy Sivakumar ◽  
Isaac Gregg Doran ◽  
Jim Graham
Keyword(s):  
Triaxial Compression ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Thick Layer ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Anisotropic Elasticity ◽  
Triaxial Tests ◽  
Compression Tests ◽  
Lower Zone ◽  
A Site ◽  
Triaxial Compression Tests

A 37-m thick layer of stratified clay encountered during a site investigation at Swann's Bridge, near the sea-coast at Limavady, Northern Ireland, is one of the deepest and thickest layers of this type of material recorded in Ireland. A study of the relevant literature and stratigraphic evidence obtained from the site investigation showed that despite being close to the current shoreline, the clay was deposited in a fresh-water glacial lake formed approximately 13 000 BP. The 37-m layer of clay can be divided into two separate zones. The lower zone was deposited as a series of laminated layers of sand, silt, and clay, whereas the upper zone was deposited as a largely homogeneous mixture. A comprehensive series of tests was carried out on carefully selected samples from the full thickness of the deposit. The results obtained from these tests were complex and confusing, particularly the results of tests done on samples from the lower zone. The results of one-dimensional compression tests, unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests, and consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests showed that despite careful sampling, all of the specimens from the lower zone exhibited behaviour similar to that of reconstituted clays. It was immediately clear that the results needed explanation. This paper studies possible causes of the results from tests carried out on the lower Limavady clay. It suggests a possible mechanism based on anisotropic elasticity, yielding, and destructuring that provides an understanding of the observed behaviour.Key words: clay, laminations, disturbance, yielding, destructuring, reconstituted.

The Difficulties of Undertaking Site Characterisation on Operational Nuclear Licensed Sites

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Booth ◽  
Robert Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Safety Cases ◽  
Site Characterisation ◽  
A Site ◽  
Ground Contamination

Undertaking site investigation on nuclear licensed sites is very different to site investigation on other sites, even those which are heavily contaminated. This paper sets out to highlight some of the issues which need to be considered when formulating a fit for purpose, yet defensible site characterisation programme on such a site. The first and most important aspect of the work is to set out clearly your objectives. There may be a number of reasons why a site investigation is being undertaken. These could include purely fulfilling your site licence conditions as an operator or they could be more specific like supporting a defined de-licensing or decommissioning project, installing a monitoring network, or determining the extent of ground contamination. Ensuring that a conceptual model exists is the next step, even if only at a preliminary stage, as this coupled with the desk study will help formulate the site characterisation programme. Logistical issues as well as technical requirements need to be factored in, but in order to maintain transparency it is important to declare the latter first. Like other sites with ground contamination, issues like sampling and analysis need to be considered. Clearance procedures on nuclear licensed sites are extremely stringent and can lead to delays. These need to be considered, especially if sending samples offsite for organics analysis. The laboratories themselves need to be licensed to handle radioactive samples and the transport regulations also need to be adhered to. Other logistical issues requiring consideration include safety cases, plant modification proposals and waste disposal. The technical side itself sets its own challenges in that decisions need to be closely linked into the logistics. Will the samples and data be collected primarily through intrusive techniques or is there a requirement to utilise non-intrusive methodology? How do you defend the proposed site sampling strategy when you have access restrictions? Do you need to have permanent monitoring facilities? These are just some of the questions which need to be answered if a site operator is to have a transparent and defensive site investigation programme on a nuclear licensed site.

Dry-Run of Site Investigation Planning Using the Manual for Preliminary Investigation in Japan

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeki Akamura ◽  
Tadashi Miwa ◽  
Tatsuya Tanaka ◽  
Hiroshi Shiratsuchi ◽  
Atsushi Horio
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Geological Environment ◽  
Geophysical Prospecting ◽  
Geological Disposal ◽  
Budget Planning ◽  
Planning And Management ◽  
First Editions

A stepwise site selection process has been adopted for geological disposal of HLW in Japan. Literature surveys, followed by preliminary investigations (PI) and, finally, detailed investigations in underground facilities will be carried out in the successive selection stages. In the PI stage, surface-based investigations such as borehole surveys and geophysical prospecting will be implemented. In order to conduct the PI appropriately and efficiently within a restricted timeframe and budget, planning and management of PI are very important. NUMO therefore compiled existing knowledge and experience in the planning and managing of investigations in the form of manuals to be used to improve and maintain internal expertise. The first editions of the two manuals were prepared on the basis of experience overseas, and then they were revised by taking geological environment, laws and regulation in Japan into consideration. This paper introduces the procedure of PI planning using the manual as well as the results of the dry-run, with the Yokosuka area as a hypothetical PI area, where the demonstration study is under way. Based on the dry-run, applicability of the manual is checked and, at the same time, further revisions are made to improve the content.

Once Misjudged and Banned: Promoting the Musical Heritage in the GDR and Discourse Surrounding the 1959 Felix Mendelssohn Festwoche

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-352
Author(s):  
BETH SNYDER
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
East Germany ◽  
German State ◽  
East German ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Felix Mendelssohn ◽  
A Site ◽  
Political Value ◽  
Musical Heritage ◽  
Working Out

AbstractIn February 1959 East Germany fêted the legacy of Felix Mendelssohn with a week-long celebration. Like earlier festivals honouring composers such as Handel, these festivities provided a site for working out in practical terms abstract theories of the ethico-political value of the Germanic cultural heritage to a socialist German state. Yet, discourse surrounding the Festwoche indicates a unique approach to such negotiations. Debates surrounding the festival are analysed, including publications in journals and newspapers as well as speeches, in order to demonstrate that the circumstances surrounding the Mendelssohn festivities fomented remarkably diverse responses to issues pertaining to the value of the musical heritage and to Mendelssohn's place within that heritage. Further, the problems Mendelssohn's life and work presented led one of the most important musicologists in the GDR – Georg Knepler – to embrace a radically Marxian (rather than Marxist–Leninist) account of the significance of the composer's music to East German audiences.

Extended multivariate approach for uncertainty reduction in the assessment of undrained shear strength in clays

2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Müller ◽  
Stefan Larsson ◽  
Johan Spross
Keyword(s):  
Shear Strength ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Undrained Shear Strength ◽  
Multivariate Approach ◽  
Total Uncertainty ◽  
Investigation Methods ◽  
Measurement Results ◽  
Strength Formula ◽  
A Site ◽  
Undrained Shear

Important features of the multivariate approach are discussed, and an extension to this approach is proposed whereby the total uncertainty in site investigation methods due to spatial averaging is assessed prior to its adoption. Results from a site investigation of spatially averaged values of undrained shear strength ([Formula: see text]) and the corresponding coefficient of variation ([Formula: see text]) in Veda sulphide clay were used as a practical illustration of the extended multivariate approach and provide a basis for discussion. The inherent variability and scales of fluctuation for different methods are presented. The study shows the usefulness of the extended multivariate approach for the evaluation of representative values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] based on results from different methods. It is also a way of implicitly reducing the transformation errors that arise when a property is derived from measurement results. Nevertheless, considerable care must be taken as a much lower COV for one method will have a significant impact on the results.

Guidelines to Conducting Threat Susceptibility and Identification Assessments of Pipelines Prior to Reactivation

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad Bunch ◽  
Glenn Cameron ◽  
Rafael G. Mora
Keyword(s):  
Threat Assessment ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Assessment Approach ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Identification Analysis

This paper provides guidelines to identify all threats and assess a pipeline’s susceptibility to those threats in order to select appropriate and effective mitigation, monitoring, and prevention measures prior to reactivating pipelines. The intent of this paper is to provide pipeline operators, consultants and regulatory agencies with a generic threat assessment approach that has to be customized to the pipeline-specific characteristics and conditions, and the regulatory requirements of its own jurisdiction. A literature review and authors’ experiences across the pipeline industry have identified the need for a generic, yet complete approach that guides pipeline integrity engineers in the methodologies that adequately and effectively assess threats prior to reactivation and that can be validated in a timely manner during the operations. Pipeline operators may be called on to reactivate pipelines that are facing challenges such as aging, changes in operational conditions, lack of maintenance and inconsistent integrity practices while facing constraints from increasing population density, higher pressure and flow throughput requirements of a competitive marketplace, and regulatory requirements insisting on higher levels of safety and protection of the environment. This paper was structured with the following components to assist the reader in conducting threat assessments: • Current regulations and recognized industry standards with respect to reactivating pipelines; • Definition of and differentiation between hazard and threat; • Hazard identification analysis for the known and potential situations, events and conditions; and • Threat susceptibility and identification analysis process for the known categories derived from the hazard identification process. A case study is described as an example of applying the guidelines to conduct threat susceptibility and identification assessments of a pipeline prior to its reactivation. The results from the threat susceptibility and identification assessment process can help operators, consultants and regulators in determining effective inspection, mitigation, prevention and monitoring measures.

Toward Improving Patient Safety Through Voluntary Peer-to-Peer Assessment

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W. Hudson ◽  
Christine G. Holzmueller ◽  
Peter J. Pronovost ◽  
Sebastiana J. Gianci ◽  
Zack T. Pate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Patient Safety ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Industry ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Nuclear Power Industry ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Assessment Process

Health care has primarily used retrospective review approaches to identify and mitigate hazards, with little evidence of measurable and sustained improvements in patient safety. Conversely, the nuclear power industry has used a prospective peer-to-peer (P2P) assessment process grounded in open information exchange and cooperative organizational learning to realize substantial and sustainable improvements in safety. In comparing approaches, it is evident that health care’s sluggish progress stems from weaknesses in hazard identification and mitigation and in organizational learning. This article proposes creating and implementing a structured prospective P2P assessment model in health care, similar to that used in the nuclear power industry, to accelerate improvements in patient safety.

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