Proposal for a New Hybrid Explosive Atmosphere (ATEX) Risk Assessment Approach Using Risk Priority Number and Analytical Hierarchy Process Method

This study aims to highlight the importance of evaluating explosive atmosphere (ATEX) risks and to propose a novel, more accurate and comprehensive risk assessment method compared to traditional existing approaches. To address the limitations of traditional ATEX risk assessment methods, this study introduces a new approach based on three key parameters: occurrence, detection, and severity. These factors are combined using a weighted sum (WS) formula to calculate a modified risk priority number (RPN), enhanced by the analytic hierarchy process.

This hybrid methodology provides a more precise and reliable assessment of ATEX risks. Moreover, the findings of the proposed WS-RPN method (and its ATEX-specific version, WS-RATEX) demonstrate superior accuracy and lower duplication rates compared to conventional risk assessment techniques. A sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness, stability, and reliability of this approach, making it a valuable tool for quantifying ATEX risks.

It is evident to say that WS-RPN represents a significant advancement in ATEX risk assessments. By integrating a refined calculation model, and factoring in occurrence, detection, and severity, the latter ensures a more systematic and reliable evaluation. Thus, with improved risk prioritization, this approach not only enhances industrial installations’ safety but also serves as a more effective alternative to traditional assessment methods.