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Article
Publication date: 26 June 2007

Ibrahim Mohamed Shaluf

The purpose of this paper is to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview of technological disasters.

2792

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview of technological disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

Technological disasters are subjects of concern to researchers, academicians, governmental and independent agencies. Disasters are classified into natural and man‐made disasters. For an incident to be classified as a disaster, the disaster criteria should be met. Several disaster criteria have been proposed defining the disasters in terms of casualties, economic loss and environmental impact. The disasters which involve major hazard installations (MHIs) are known as technological disasters. The technological disaster definition, stages, types, criteria, factors, models have been reviewed. This paper presents an overview of technological disaster definition, criteria, stages, models, factors, and prevention.

Findings

Although the technological disasters may occur at non‐MHIs, it has been noted that most of the technological disasters involved MHIs and that their impact is not limited to the plants but can extend to neighboring surroundings. The technological disaster consists of three stages: before, during, and after disaster. There are many factors contributing to the technological disasters, some of which are observed clearly while others are partially hidden. The main technological disaster factors were identified as human, organizational and technological errors. Few models have been drawn describing the sequence of development of the technological disaster.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview on the technological disaster definition, criteria, types, stages, models, factors, and prevention and combines the scattered information on technological disaster into one record.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

Ibrahim M. Shaluf, Fakharul‐razi Ahmadun and Sa’ari Mustapha

Disasters are classified as natural and man‐made disasters. Man‐made disaster, which occurs at the major hazard installation, is a technological disaster. For an incident to be…

2995

Abstract

Disasters are classified as natural and man‐made disasters. Man‐made disaster, which occurs at the major hazard installation, is a technological disaster. For an incident to be classified as technological disaster criteria are required to be met. Several criteria have been proposed by researchers and agencies defining the disasters in terms of casualties, economic loss and environmental impact. Few models have been drawn describing the sequence of development of the technological disaster. This paper reviews in detail the proposed criteria, which define the disaster. The paper also summarizes the models which describe the disaster stages. Finally the paper summarizes a proposed model of the technological disaster precondition phase for major accidents.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Sayanti Mukhopadhyay, Jessica Halligan and Makarand Hastak

This paper aims to investigate the major causes of the nuclear power plant (NPP) disasters since 1950, elucidates the commonalities between them and recommends strategies to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the major causes of the nuclear power plant (NPP) disasters since 1950, elucidates the commonalities between them and recommends strategies to minimize the risk of NPP disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes facts from five case studies: Chernobyl disaster, USSR 1986; Fukushima Daiichi disaster, Japan 2011; Three Mile Island incident, USA 1979; Chalk River Accident, Canada 1952; and SL-1 Accident, USA 1961. A qualitative approach is adopted to compare and contrast the major reasons that led to the accidents, and consequent social and technological impacts of the disasters on environment, society, economy and nuclear industry are analyzed.

Findings

Although each of the nuclear accidents is unique in terms of its occurrence and impacts, this research study found some common causes behind the accidents. Faulty system design, equipment failure, inadequate safety and warning systems, violation of safety regulations, lack of training of the nuclear operators and ignorance from the operators and regulators side were found to be the major common causes behind the accidents.

Originality/value

This paper recommends some of the nuclear disaster risk reduction strategies in terms of “lessons learned from the past accidents”. The findings of the research paper would serve as an information tool for the nuclear professionals for informed decision-making and planning for proper preventive measures well in advance so that the mistakes which led to the occurrence of accidents in the past are not repeated in the future.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 7 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2008

Ibrahim Mohamed Shaluf

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview on the stages and management of technological disasters.

3845

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview on the stages and management of technological disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The technological disasters are a subject of concern to the researchers, the academicians, the governmental and independent agencies. The disasters, which involve major hazard installations (MHIs), are known as technological disasters. The information has been collected from several sources such as the technical, and general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. The technological disaster definition and stages have been reviewed. This paper presents an overview on the technological disaster management cycle.

Findings

Technological disasters consist of three stages. The stages are classified into pre‐, during and post‐disaster stages. Disaster management is a collective term encompassing all aspects of planning for and responding to disasters, including both pre‐disaster and post‐disaster activities. Disaster management cycle is an open‐ended process. The four phases comprising the cycle begin and end with mitigation. The stages are not mutually exclusive – there is an overlap. The stages of disaster management can be operative concurrently, because those stages are interrelated; they are not independent entities with one stopping and the next following.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview on the technological disaster definition and stages. It provides the MHIs management and the related authority with a background on the technological disaster management cycle. It motivates the members of the MHIs, particularly managerial staff, and the emergency planners to continually improve the control of MHIs. It provides the background and basis for further research in disaster and disaster management.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2006

Ibrahim Mohamed Shaluf and Fakhru'l‐Razi Ahamadun

The purpose of this paper is to provide some definition and foundation principles regarding disaster management. The paper also tests the Malaysian major hazard installations…

2635

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide some definition and foundation principles regarding disaster management. The paper also tests the Malaysian major hazard installations through the awareness and application of the Malaysian National Security Council (MNSC) directive 20.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire was circulated on 177 MHIs throughout Malaysia. Respondents of various demographic characteristics answered the questionnaires. It is believed that people of different age, sex, educational level, experience, and management levels are expected to have different perception and response to disaster management questions. A total of 65 completed questionnaires were answered.

Findings

The analysis of the disaster management questionnaire highlighted that more than half of the MHIs in Malaysia are multinational installations. The analysis revealed that 61 per cent of the Safety, Health and Environment Managers were aware of the MNSC directive 20 and 62 per cent said that the MNSC directive 20 is relevant to their facilities. The analysis further showed that 62 per cent of the respondents think the MNSC directive 20 is essential to their MHIs. However, 31 per cent of the respondents said that the emergency response plan (ERP) is used as an alternative to the MNSC directive 20. In the light of this, more than half of the MHIs are not local organizations; the Safety and Health Managers apparently are familiar with the safety guidelines of their parent organizations. Therefore, the authorities that are responsible for the enforcement of the MHIs' relevant regulations should be vigilant and follow up the MHIs to apply the relevant regulations, which suit the safety culture of Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview on technological disaster prevention. The paper also shows the results of testing of the Malaysian major hazard installations which are aware of the MNSC directive 20. The Malaysian experience can be beneficial.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2012

Sanjeewa Wickramaratne, Janaka Ruwanpura, Upul Ranasinghe, Samanthi Walawe‐Durage, Varuna Adikariwattage and S.C. Wirasinghe

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for a priori classification of natural disasters that occur in Sri Lanka, through the development of a set of weighted…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for a priori classification of natural disasters that occur in Sri Lanka, through the development of a set of weighted parameters based on the product of the disaster impact and the affected area, in order to prepare mitigation plans.

Design/methodology/approach

Experts' opinions were used for developing the parameters. Through a facilitated workshop, the weights of the disasters were obtained from experts involved in disaster mitigation at the local, regional and national levels in Sri Lanka. A correlation analysis was used to determine the most appropriate independent measures of disaster impact and affected area, the product of which was used to rank the identified disasters for further action.

Findings

For the pre‐selection of major disasters, the study showcases four weighted parameters, one of which is identified as the best. In total, five disasters have been singled out for further consideration in Sri Lanka. The product of the affected area factor, based on administrative area classification, and the impact factor, out of the two considered, that places a higher weight on minor disasters, is shown to be the best criterion.

Research limitations/implications

The geographical distribution of the participants (experts) does influence the results, and those available for the workshop were not fully representative of all Sri Lanka's provinces.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes the importance of the consideration of the area impacted rather than the classification, which is based solely on the severity of the impact. The categorization of disasters based on experts' opinions and the related analysis revealed a priority order for planning for certain identified disasters.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2008

Kourosh Eshghi and Richard C. Larson

The purpose of this paper is to study and review some major impacts of the disasters during the past 105 years and develop a new theoretical classification of disasters.

4162

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study and review some major impacts of the disasters during the past 105 years and develop a new theoretical classification of disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed study of disasters in the world during the period (1900‐2005) has been obtained from the recent published sources. In that period more than 40 lessons have been reported based on statistical data analysis of disasters. Furthermore, a two‐dimensional probability density function is developed to categorize the different types of disasters. This paper studies and reviews some major impacts of disasters during the past 105 years and summarizes some major lessons for the future. Furthermore, a new scaling system is presented to determine the actual damage of disasters to human life.

Findings

There is no doubt that the impacts of future disasters will not be the same as previous ones but lessons from the past can be very helpful for improving one's knowledge about disasters and providing better response programs for local and international organizations. A new scaling system will also be a useful guide for the development and evaluation of national and international disaster planning, mitigation, and hazard reduction efforts.

Originality/value

Important lessons have been reported based on statistical data analysis of disasters. Moreover, a new classification of disasters is presented to relate the vulnerability factors of a society to the magnitude of the natural disasters.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

E.L. Quarantelli

The area of disaster studies is plagued by dubious statistical data and widespread conceptual disagreements. This is the major focus of discussion in the paper. We detail the…

2759

Abstract

The area of disaster studies is plagued by dubious statistical data and widespread conceptual disagreements. This is the major focus of discussion in the paper. We detail the limitations in much of the numerical data that are both specifically and generally used in discussions of disasters. Factors that are responsible for this, including inadequate conceptualizations about disasters are discussed. We also show that there is not much consensus by researchers and others about many of the most central concepts used such as “disaster”, “hazards,” “risk,” etc. In our call for more reliable statistics and more relevant concepts, we provide examples and suggestions of how this could be done.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2002

Roger Bennett and Martin Daniel

Editors or senior journalists within a sample of 21 leading UK newspapers were questioned about their opinions of the quality of the information about foreign (especially Third…

3086

Abstract

Editors or senior journalists within a sample of 21 leading UK newspapers were questioned about their opinions of the quality of the information about foreign (especially Third World) catastrophes supplied to them by the major disaster relief charities (Oxfam, Save the Children, ActionAid, etc.). The study also examined the procedures employed by journalists when searching for information about disasters, the major sources of information other than disaster relief organisations to which they referred, and their perceptions of what makes a story about a foreign disaster “newsworthy”. Additionally, the respondents discussed their reactions to the allegation that newspapers’ portrayals of the victims of Third World disasters stereotype, demean and patronise the communities involved. Briefly compares journalistic perspectives on these matters with those of the fund‐raising managers in a sample of seven major disaster relief charities.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2019

Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Fatma Lestari and Oktomi Wijaya

This study aims to assess the hospital readiness and resiliency in a disaster-prone Indonesia.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the hospital readiness and resiliency in a disaster-prone Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Hospital Safety Index (HSI), containing 151 items, was used to assess ten hospital in West Java and five hospitals in Yogyakarta.

Findings

The average level of HSI for the hospitals under investigation is B, indicating that their ability to function during and after emergencies and disasters are potentially at risk, thus, intervention measures are needed in the short term. Hospitals in Yogyakarta scored lowly in terms of their emergency and disaster management, even though they have previously experienced major disasters in 2006 and 2010.

Practical implications

The role of the government is crucial to improve hospital readiness and resiliency in Indonesia. It is recommended that they: identify disaster-prone areas so that their hospital readiness and resiliency can be assessed; assess the readiness and resiliency of hospitals the prioritized areas; implement intervention measures; re-assess the readiness and resiliency of hospitals in the prioritized areas after implementing intervention measures; and develop a framework to ensure that the hospitals can maintain their level of readiness and resiliency over time.

Originality/value

Research on hospital readiness and resiliency in Indonesia is still limited despite the size of the country and its proneness to disasters. This research has investigated the feasibility and value of using HSI to assess hospital readiness and resilience in Indonesia.

Details

Facilities , vol. 38 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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