Search Results

The process of design inherently involves consideration of risk trade offs; intervening to reduce one risk often increases another. In addition to creating a design for the intended function of the product, a rational process of risk management involves prediction of risk through design analysis, statistical evaluation of the history of similar products, and potentially multidisciplinary teams to address diverse causes of risk. As a case study, this paper examines the benefits of using one class of fire retardant to reduce risk of vehicle fire injuries and the countervailing health risk due to increased quantities of fire retardants released in the interior environment. Data sources for fire and health risk were researched and interpreted for use in the analysis. Information needed to reduce the uncertainties in the risk predictions are identified for future refinements to the conclusions.

Statistical studies of collision and non-collision fires abound, founded upon information in publicly available collision and fire incident data bases. Recent efforts to improve the quality and reliability of the data within such databases have included the development of vehicle fire investigator training materials for motor vehicle crash investigators. These materials will be available to investigators both as a computer-based training system for remote learning and as a classroom seminar. When completed, the computer-based training course will be publicly available. The computer-based training course is based on published and unpublished research on vehicle fires, material properties and ignition characteristics. Topics include a discussion of combustible fluids and materials, ignition sources, burn patterns, arson, hybrid vehicles and vehicle design, as well as background information on fire science, automotive systems, and design and investigation standards.

Statistical studies of collision and non-collision fires abound, founded upon information in publicly available collision and fire incident data bases. Recent efforts to improve the quality and reliability of the data within such databases have included the development of vehicle fire investigator training materials for motor vehicle crash investigators. These materials will be available to investigators both as a computer-based training system for remote learning and as a classroom seminar. When completed, the computer-based training course will be publicly available. The computer-based training course is based on published and unpublished research on vehicle fires, material properties and ignition characteristics. Topics include a discussion of combustible fluids and materials, ignition sources, burn patterns, arson, hybrid vehicles and vehicle design, as well as background information on fire science, automotive systems, and design and investigation standards.