Risk evaluation of real‐time accident scenarios in the transport of hazardous material on road

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to tackle the complex problem of integrating real‐time data information about the tracking of a hazardous material (hazmat) vehicle with classical risk evaluation methodologies in order to describe possible accident scenarios. The application deals with the transport of hydrocarbon dangerous goods, where the accident consequences may involve the population exposed along the infrastructure used for transportation.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken consists of three phases. First, the acquisition of real‐time data about the travel and the carried hazmat; second, the evaluation of the risk area; and finally, a Geographic Information System (GIS) are taken into account.

Findings

The findings of this analysis constitute the methodological basis to implement a decision support system as regards hazmat transport risk analysis, also in real time, with important evaluations for planning criteria. Using TIP (Transport Integrated Platform), the data collection is received in real time and the scenario construction and visualization may represent a user‐friendly tool for prompt risk evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

The information displayed by the GIS interface is easy to use, and gives prompt information about the accident consequences.

Originality/value

In terms of the total impact from the hazmat transport system to the whole environment (humans, goods, infrastructures, services and natural elements), the paper focuses on the importance of creating a historical real‐time database implemented from a real time information, that represents a standard set of information necessary to define an accident scenarios, for hazmat transport.

Citation

Tomasoni, A.M., Garbolino, E., Rovatti, M. and Sacile, R. (2010), "Risk evaluation of real‐time accident scenarios in the transport of hazardous material on road", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 21 No. 5, pp. 695-711. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831011067962