A hazards assessment methodology for large liquid hydrocarbon fuel tanks

This paper presents a systematic hazards identification methodology for liquid hydrocarbon fuel storage tanks, by applying a checklist technique on the accident causes and the relevant protection measures, in the framework of the SEVESO Directive series. A forum discussion with Greek industrial safety experts has been also organised by the authors in order to locate any lack of the methodology. Results are presented and discussed, and it is concluded that the present hazards assessment methodology helps to identify the major contributors to risk, to improve safety measures and to assist the analysis in these aspects. ► A liquid hydrocarbon fuel storage tanks hazards identification-good practice methodology. ► Methodology aims at applying in the Risk Assessment Analysis of any liquid hydrocarbon tank farm. ► Particularly helpful to “SEVESO” Directives installations. ► All of the Buncefield accident aftermath is taken into consideration. ► Brings forward valuabe findings from discussion of the methodology with Greek safety experts.