System safety

System safety is a combination of few elements necessary for a broader look at security. Issue based on technical and managerial skills to the systematic, forward-looking identification, control hazards throughout the life cycle of a project, program, or activity. Important parts of using system safety are analyses and hazard control actions from beginning to end of activity.

Traditional approach to security

The advantages of a system approach result from the combination of many elements that can cause early detection of possible threats.

• It is based on:
• scientific and technical knowledge,
• experience in management,
• threat analysis.

Difference between traditional and system approach to safety it results from the assessment of hazards which should be counteracted. The traditional approach to safety is based on the analysis of threats that have occurred in the past. On this basis, methods are prepared to prevent their occurrence. System safety treats the issue of safety much more widely. Safety program must be perform with defined purpose proficiency, skill and full responsibility according the needs of company.

System Definition

Definition of a system is group or a set interconnected, mutually interacting and interdependent elements forming a whole for one specific purpose. The most important part of this definition is the importance of interaction between parts of the system and the external environment in the implementation of specific tasks or the entire operating environment. Focusing on individual elements allows you to determine expectations for possible parts of the system that will allow it to function well. Such a definition of the system focuses not only on its main product or purpose, but also on the surrounding environment and factors affecting it, which may consequently have an impact on safety. System safety also takes into account the possible impact of the system on the environment. The system can also be described as software, procedures, hardware, or human systems integration. Consequently, the security system must relate and be a key part of management to control, prevent and avoid any dangers.

Elements of system safety

Concept of system safety helps engineers to:

• plan,
• project,
• analyze,
• control,
• understand,
• avoid

threats to achieve the highest possible level of safety. Special attention is required when making safety decisions. Incorrect decision or risk assessment results in the cause and effect "Swiss Cheese" model. This model explains that if wrong decisions are made in different parts of the planning, theoretically, it may enter the risk. Communication, which plays a key role, allows to compare and predict possible factors that may cause the occurrence of threats. For most products, services, systems, it is possible to improve the level of security by implementing a security system, starting from the design, planning, through testing, production and use. The goal is to ensure security at every stage of the project, service and product creation by both staff and end users. Especially for customers it is important to ensure that the product they purchase or the service they intend to use will be safe for them.

Root cause analysis in system safety

A potential accident can be detected earlier using a root cause analysis which identifies many possible reasons and dependencies that may cause the emergence of a hazards . This technique was initially used for example in solving IT problems, accident, analysis, healthcare industry. The root cause analysis serves to prevent the same threats from recurring.

Examples of System safety

• Hazard Identification: This involves the identification of potential hazards that may occur during the lifecycle of a project, program, or activity. This process includes analyzing the environment and system, determining the potential risks, and developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: This involves assessing the probability and severity of the identified hazards, and developing solutions to reduce the risk of them occurring. This could include implementing safety protocols, providing safety training, or introducing new technology.
• System Design: This involves creating a system design that takes into account the potential hazards and associated risks. This includes ensuring the system is designed to protect against potential threats, and that it meets acceptable safety standards.
• System Testing and Validation: This involves testing the system to ensure it meets safety requirements, and validating it with industry standards. This includes verifying that the system behaves as expected and that it meets established safety protocols.
• Incident Response and Recovery: This involves developing an incident response plan that outlines how to respond to a potential safety issue. This includes identifying the cause of the issue, responding to the incident, and implementing corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Advantages of System safety

An introduction to the advantages of system safety is that it provides a comprehensive, forward-looking approach to mitigating risks and hazards throughout the life cycle of a project, program, or activity. The following are the advantages of using system safety:

• It allows for the identification of potential hazards and the development of strategies to manage them. This helps to reduce the risks associated with the activity and improve safety.
• System safety provides an opportunity to test potential safety measures and evaluate their effectiveness before they are implemented, which can help to reduce costs associated with the activity in the long run.
• System safety also helps to ensure that safety protocols and procedures are properly implemented and followed, which helps to reduce the chances of accidents and injuries.
• System safety also provides a framework for continuous improvement and review of safety measures, which helps to ensure that safety measures are updated to keep up with changes in technology, regulations, and other factors.
• System safety also helps to ensure that safety is considered in the design and implementation of processes, systems, and equipment, which can further reduce the risks associated with the activity.

Limitations of System safety

• System safety can be difficult to implement and maintain, and is expensive both in time and resources.
• System safety is often viewed as an afterthought in the design and engineering process, leading to possible safety issues.
• System safety cannot eliminate all risks, and cannot guarantee safety.
• System safety requires a proactive approach to predicting and mitigating risks, which can be difficult in dynamic environments.
• System safety requires effective communication and collaboration between multiple stakeholders, which can be difficult to manage.
• System safety can be difficult to measure and quantify in terms of results.
• System safety can be difficult to evaluate and verify, as there may be gaps in the data or lack of evidence.

Other approaches related to System safety

System safety is a combination of elements necessary for a broader look at security, and other approaches related to system safety include:

• Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA): PRA is a type of analysis used to assess the risk of a system or activity. It uses mathematical models to estimate the probability and severity of potential risks and accidents.
• Fault Tree Analysis (FTA): FTA is a type of analysis used to identify the root cause of a problem. It uses a visual representation of a system or activity to identify potential failure points and analyze the effects of each failure.
• Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS): HFACS is a type of analysis used to assess human errors that may lead to accidents. It identifies potential human errors and outlines the corrective actions needed to reduce risk.
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): HACCP is a type of analysis used to identify potential hazards and the corrective actions needed to reduce risk. It identifies potential hazards, identifies control points, and outlines corrective actions.
• System Safety Program Planning (SSPP): SSPP is a type of analysis used to identify potential hazards and the corrective actions needed to reduce risk. It identifies potential hazards, identifies control points, and outlines corrective actions.

In summary, System safety is a combination of elements necessary for a broader look at security, and other approaches related to system safety include Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and System Safety Program Planning (SSPP). By using these approaches, organizations can ensure that their systems and activities are secure and safe.

Footnotes

System safety — recommended articles

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis — Maintenance strategy — Quality control plan — Design risk assessment — Risk management process — Accident management — Business risk management — Fitness for use — Risk management models

References

• Ericson C. (2016), Hazard Analysis Techniques for System Safety, John Wiley and Sons
• Hieronymi A. (2013), Understanding Systems Science: A Visual and Integrative Approach John Wiley & Sons
• Kossiakoff A. Sweet W. (2003), System Engineering Principles and Practice., John Wiley & Sons
• Reasons J. Hollnagel E. Paries J. (2006), Swiss Cheese Model, Eurocontrol Experimental Centre
• Roland H. Moriarty B. (1990), System safety Engineering and Managment,, John Wiley and Sons
• Vincoli J. (2006), Basic Guide to System Safety, John Wiley and Sons

Author: Mikołaj Kuśnierz