Introductory Remarks

There is new hazards analysis technique in the IH tool box. STPA, or Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis, is a new hazard analysis technique with the same goals as any other hazard analysis technique; however, STPA has a very different theoretical basis or accident causality model. STPA is based on systems theory while traditional hazard analysis techniques have reliability theory at the foundation. While traditional techniques were designed to prevent component failure accidents (accidents caused by one or more components that fail), STPA was designed to also address increasingly common interactions between humans, controllers/computers, and equipment. STPA comes out of research at MIT. The participants will learn the ins and outs of this new hazards analysis technique. The participants will learn when best to apply STPA as well as what inputs are necessary and what results to expect. The participants will learn where to get additional information on the STPA technique. Industrial hygienists performing systems, facility, and worker level hazards analysis will find this presentation useful.

The participants will learn the benefits and pitfalls of this new hazards analysis technique. The participants will learn when best to apply STPA as well as what inputs are necessary and what results to expect. The participants will learn where to get additional information on the STPA technique.

The presentation of "Introduction to STPA Hazard Evaluation Technique: A New Tool in the IH/OS Tool Box" will help industrial/occupational hygiene professionals by giving them practical knowledge on a hazards analysis technique that analyzes the potential hazardous interactions between human, controller, and equipment.