Evaluation of Risk Trade-Offs in Passenger Compartment Fire Retardant Usage

Document Number: 2009-01-0014

Date Published: April 2009

Author(s):
Leland E. Shields - Leland E Shields, Inc.
Daniele Staskal - ToxStrategies, Inc.
Rose Ray - Exponent, Inc.
Linda Birnbaum - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Robert R. Scheibe - GT Engineering

Abstract:
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.

File Size: 154K
Product Status: In Stock

Included in: SP-2227

See other papers presented at SAE World Congress & Exhibition, April 2009, Detroit, MI, USA, Session: Fire Safety (Part 2 of 2)

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