Abstract

Failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) is applicable to risk analysis in environmental management systems. For environmental risk analysis, the usual FMEA process is modified with scoring guidelines for severity of environmental impact. Then the calculation for an environmental priority number (EPN) is similar to deriving the FMEA risk priority number. In potential negative environmental impacts analysis (PNEIA), the initial task is to identify environmental impacts and aspects for a given process. The severity score for each impact is recorded, as are the external conditions, such as elevated temperature or normal operation. Each environmental impact then receives an EPN, as well as contribution and occurrence scores for each external condition. The contribution score ranges from 0.1 to 1.0, depending on each impact/condition's role in overall environmental impact. The occurrence score, on a scale from 1 to 10, is the likelihood that the condition will occur. The PNEIA also includes identification of detection systems for each impact and condition and a score between 1 to 10 on the likelihood of detection. Based on these data, correction actions are planned and implemented. The environmental priority numbers can be reassessed after implementation.