(551c) Incorporation of Risk Assessment Methodologies in the Evaluation of Student Design Projects

Discussion of the cause and aftermath of real-world chemical incidents are commonly used to improve student awareness of the importance of process safety in most Chemical Engineering curricula. This approach is particularly relevant for courses on process/plant design which focus on abstract representations and are typically scheduled for the final year of study. Here, we utilize a contemporary incident to introduce selected risk assessment methodologies: risk matrix evaluation, consequence modeling, and preparation of risk management plans. Specifically, students learn to apply the relevant techniques by performing a retroactive risk-based analysis of the release of toxic gases caused by derailment of the Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio. Upon completion of the exercise, students analyze their design projects by using the afore-mentioned methods to mitigate occurrence of potential chemical incidents. The structure of the exercise as well as its efficacy for improving risk-based evaluation for student design projects will be presented.