Title: Recognition of hazards and planning of countermeasures

Author(s): Tanner, P.

Publication: ACHE

Volume: 49

Issue: 210

Appears on pages(s): 109 - 124

Keywords:

DOI:

Date: 1/8/1998

Abstract:
A safe solution for a structure only can be found if all relevant hazards have been recognised previously. The successful reduction of the harmful effects of hazards requires a careful look at error-prone areas and phases of the building process. The analysis of a large number of failure cases clearly shows that human errors are the main source of damage. These errors. which are mainly due to mistakes, ignorance and negligence, are committed at all stages of the process from the beginning of the planning phase through the execution phase, up to the utilisation and maintenance phases. In the present paper, possible strategies are presented for the recognition of hazards and the subsequent reduction of their effects. For these purposes, some order is introduced into the basis of design, execution, utilisation and maintenance of structures, based on a series of documents, which guide the whole building process. The most common weapon against errors is "checking?. The traditional perception of the concept for Quality Assurance, however, clearly leads to an advance of bureaucracy. A new perception of the concept is therefore needed, and Quality Assurance measures should be considered in a way that is thoroughly attuned to the characteristics of the building process.