• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.57-81
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• 2015

Water inrush and mud outburst always restricts the tunnel constructions in mountain area, which becomes a major geological barrier against the development of underground engineering. In view of the complex disaster-causing mechanism and difficult quantitative predictions of water inrush and mud outburst, several theoretical methods are adopted to realize dynamic assessment of water inrush in the progressive process of tunnel construction. Concerning both the geological condition and construction situation, eleven risk factors are quantitatively described and an assessment system is developed to evaluate the water inrush risk. In the static assessment, the weights of eight risk factors about the geological condition are determined using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Each factor is scored by experts and the synthesis scores are weighted. The risk level is ultimately determined based on the scoring outcome which is derived from the sum of products of weights and comprehensive scores. In the secondary assessment, the eight risk factors in static assessment and three factors about construction situation are quantitatively analyzed using fuzzy evaluation method. Subordinate levels and weight of factors are prepared and then used to calculate the comprehensive subordinate degree and risk level. In the dynamic assessment, the classical field of the eleven risk factors is normalized by using the extension evaluation method. From the input of the matter-element, weights of risk factors are determined and correlation analysis is carried out to determine the risk level. This system has been applied to the dynamic assessment of water inrush during construction of the Yuanliangshan tunnel of Yuhuai Railway. The assessment results are consistent with the actual excavation, which verifies the rationality and feasibility of the software. The developed system is believed capable to be back-up and applied for risk assessment of water inrush in the underground engineering construction.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.425-437
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• 2015

Objectives: Risk assessment is a tool for predicting and reducing uncertainty related to the effects of future activities. Probability approaches are the main elements in risk assessment, but confusion about the interpretation and use of assessment factors often undermines the message of the analyses. The aim of this study is to provide a guideline for systematic reduction plans regarding uncertainty in risk assessment. Methods: Articles and reports were collected online using the key words "uncertainty analysis" on risk assessment. Uncertainty analysis was conducted based on reports focusing on procedures for analysis methods by the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In addition, case studies were performed in order to verify suggested methods qualitatively and quantitatively with exposure data, including measured data on toluene and styrene in residential spaces and multi-use facilities. Results: Based on an analysis of the data on uncertainty, three major factors including scenario, model, and parameters were identified as the main sources of uncertainty, and tiered approaches were determined. In the case study, the risk of toluene and styrene was evaluated and the most influential factors were also determined. Five reduction plans were presented: providing standard guidelines, using reliable exposure factors, possessing quality controls for analysis and scientific expertise, and introducing a peer review system. Conclusion: In this study, we established a method for reducing uncertainty by taking into account the major factors. Also, we showed a method for uncertainty analysis with tiered approaches. However, uncertainties are difficult to define because they are generated by many factors. Therefore, further studies are needed for the development of technical guidelines based on the representative scenario, model, and parameters developed in this study.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2010

The Finnish risk assessment practice is based on the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act aiming to improve working conditions in order maintain the employees' work ability, and to prevent occupational accidents and diseases. In practice there are hundreds of risk assessment methods in use. A simple method is used in small and medium sized enterprises and more complex risk evaluation methods in larger work places. Does the risk management function in the work places in Finland? According to our experience something more is needed. That is, understanding of common and company related benefits of risk management. The wider conclusion is that commitment for risk assessment in Finland is high enough. However, in those enterprises where OSH management was at an acceptable level or above it, there were also more varied and more successfully accomplished actions to remove or reduce the risks than in enterprises, where OSH management was in lower level. In risk assessment it is important to process active technical prevention and exact communication, increase work place attraction and increase job satisfaction and motivation. Investments in OSH are also good business. Low absenteeism due to illness or accidents increases directly the production results by improved quality and quantity of the product. In general Finnish studies have consistently shown that the return of an invested euro is three to seven-old. In national level, according to our calculations the savings could be even 20% of our gross national product.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2018

Objectives: This research is part of a study to be conducted over five years starting from 2017 by the Ministry of Environment on the development of technologies to evaluate the impact of chemical accidents on the human body. Methods: For this research, a five-stage specific study method was developed. Results: In brief, the developed health risk assessment method can be summarized as follows. First, a health risk assessment system was built based on the guidelines set forth by the USA NRC/NAS. Second, based on the disease manifestation theory, the health risk assessment method was divided into 1) a carcinogenic health risk assessment method focused on all carcinogens except non-genotoxic carcinogens and 2) a non-carcinogenic health risk assessment method focused on noncarcinogens including non-genotoxic carcinogens. Third, the detailed contents of the health risk assessment method were developed in four stages(hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk determination) through theoretical consideration of the assessment of the level of health risk related to chemical exposure. Finally, a health risk assessment methodology, classified into stages to address acute, subacute/subchronic, and chronic conditions was developed after considering the physicochemical behavior of hazardous chemicals upon implementation of countermeasures after a chemical accident. Conclusions: A method to evaluate the health risks related to toxic chemicals generated by chemical accidents was developed. This study was performed with the purpose of developing a mathematical health risk assessment method to evaluate the health effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals upon implementation of emergency countermeasures after chemical accidents.

• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.179-188
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• 2009

WIG crafts are a high speed vessel with features of dynamic supported craft. These crafts, which are predominantly of light weight and operate any substantially greater speeds than conventional craft such as bulk carrier, tanker, container ship, etc., could not be accommodated under traditional maritime safety instruments. It means that there is the need for risk and safety levels to be assessed on a holistic basis, recognizing that high levels of operator training, comprehensive and thoroughly implemented procedures, high levels of automation and sophisticated software can all make significant contributions to risk reduction. To response this requirement, the Interim Guideline for WIG craft(MSC/Circ.1054) were developed in the view of the configuration of WIG craft, which fall between the maritime and aviation regulatory regimes. This paper reviews a safety assessment process and methodology to be used in the design phase of a new ship. The process and methodology is based on the risk-based approach and is applied to safety assessment in concept development phase of small WIG craft in the 20-person class.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.14-22
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• 2024

This study established risk-based fluoride soil contamination standards according to the Korean Soil Contaminant Risk Assessment Guidelines (SRAG). Ten exposure scenarios were evaluated, broadly categorized into Scenario 1, which used the default parameters from the current SRAG, and Scenario 2, which used the latest exposure factors and bio-concentration factors. Fluoride soil standards corresponding to a total hazard index (HI) of 1.0 were determined for each scenario. For children in agricultural areas, the derived risk-based soil fluoride standard was 70 mg/kg for Scenario 1 and 27 mg/kg for Scenario 2. In industrial areas, the risk-based fluoride soil standard was 2200 mg/kg in Scenario 1 and 2300 mg/kg in Scenario 2. This study clearly demonstrated that the crop ingestion exposure pathway exerted predominent influence on the estimated human health risk standards. Additionally, using the Added Risk Approach and considering soil background concentrations, the total fluoride soil standards for residential areas ranged from 232 mg/kg to 444 mg/kg, while the standards for industrial areas ranged from 2405 mg/kg to 2674 mg/kg.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.497-507
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• 2011

This research studied human health risk assessment of benzene from industrial complexes of Chungcheong Province (Seosan industrial complex) and Jeonla Province (Iksan industrial complex and Yeosoo industrial complex). The residents near the industrial complexes areas can be often exposed to volatile organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes) through a number of exposure pathways, including inhalation of the organic pollutant via various environmental matrices (air, water and soil), contaminated water, and soil intake. Benzene is well known to be a common carcinogenic and toxic compound that is produced from industrial and oil refinery complexes. In this study, a number of samples from water, air, and soil were taken from the residential settings and public school zones located near the industrial complex sites. Based on the carcinogenic risk assessment, the risk estimates were slightly above $10{\times}10^{-6}$ at all three industrial sites. According to deterministic risk assessment, inhalation was the most important route. The distribution of benzene in the environment would be dependent on vapor pressure, and the physical property influencing the extent of the potential risks. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment of benzene shows that the values of Hazard Index(HI) were much lower than 1.0 at all industrial complexes. Therefore, benzene was not a cause of concern in terms of non-carcinogenic risk posed to the residents near the sites. When compared to probabilistic risk assessment, the CTE(central tendency exposure) cancer risk values of deterministic risk assessment were close to the mean values predicted by the probabilistic risk assessment. The RME(reasonable maximum exposure) values fell within the range of 95% to 99.9% estimated by the probabilistic risk assessment. Since the values of carcinogenic risk assessment were higher than $10{\times}10^{-6}$, further detailed monitoring and refined risk assessment for benzene may be warranted to estimate more reliable and potential inhalation risks to receptors near the industrial complexes.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Railway
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.550-557
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• 2017

Owing to the established international standards for reliability and safety management of railways and the third-part conformity assessment implementation, quantitative risk assessment focusing on communication system related to railway safety has being implemented. The quantitative risk assessment starts from the establishment of quantitative RAMS requirements; the risk has to be maintained under an acceptable safety level. This paper introduces the risk assessment process based on international standards ; risk assessment was conducted using failure data for railway facilities for about 5.5 years. In addition, based on the results, a scientific risk management method for railway facilities is suggested.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.33-41
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• 2022

As the number of automobile registrations increases yearly, parking spaces that are located in downtown areas are increasing, and mechanical parking facilities are also increasing. Therefore, there is a high risk of accidents when installing and repairing a mechanical parking facility. In the preceding six years (from 2012 to 2018), the statistics that pertain to accidental disasters indicated that a total of 137 disaster victims were generated by the construction sector, 33 accidents occurred, and 10 people died. However, only the safety management items pertaining to accidents that occur during maintenance work and the use of the installed mechanical parking facilities are being studied; furthermore, there is no ongoing research with respect to the risk management that is conducted at the construction site. In 2017, the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) announced the "Guidelines for Safe Installation and Maintenance of Mechanical Parking Equipment"; however, it is a safety guideline that is limited to the installation of basic protective equipment and to facility installation. There is no model for mechanical parking facilities that is indicated in the "Risk Assessment Model by Construction Industry Type", which is issued by the Safety and Health Corporation and is widely utilized for risk assessment in the construction industry; moreover, elevator installation work CODE N0: 22 is the only major example of a disaster. In this study, "risk assessment through a focus group interview" was performed, and data was derived from the "risk assessment of Article 41 (2) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act", which reflects the characteristics of the construction industry based on AHP analysis. The results of this study can be utilized for the risk assessment that is conducted during the construction stage of mechanical parking facilities.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.97-104
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• 2023

Purpose: The web based KRAS risk assessment support system to facilitate risk assessment in small businesses and provides an assessment model for each type of business. In order to help understand risk assessment, private institutions have opened and operated training in charge of risk assessment. It will present the effectiveness of education in charge of risk assessment and measures to improve and revitalize it accordingly. Method: Using SPSS 22 for 670 workplaces that completed risk assessment personnel training within 5 years from 2017 to 2021, the disaster rate was analyzed through correlation analysis and t-test by dividing groups of less than 100 people into groups of 100 people. Result: Hypothesis 1-5 are adopted and reject 5-8. Conclusion: It is possible to consider the organization of a curriculum according to the size of a company for corporate education with more than 100 employees and to enhance the benefits of recognizing risk assessment.