Modeling and application of risk assessment considering veto factors using fuzzy Petri nets

Risk assessment is important for plant safety, and fuzzy set theory is useful for such assessment because many risk factors have fuzzy characteristics. In this study, veto factors for risk assessment are taken into account. Weighted fuzzy Petri nets (WFPN) with inhibitor arcs are proposed to model relationships between risk factors and establish the risk assessment structure considering veto factors. Definitions of WFPNs as well as the enabling rule and execution rule are provided. The modeling approach for the assessment combining normal factors with veto items is discussed. The proposed fuzzy risk assessment approach is illustrated by an example of the assessment of production installations and process technology of plants that deal with hazardous chemicals. Veto factors and non-veto factors are presented and the assessment structure based on WFPNs is established. Using the factor data of a plant, an assessment value is obtained through the operation of WFPNs and the verification of the approach is discussed.