Major Accident Hazard in Bioprocess Facilities: A Challenge to Sustainable Industrial Development

Abstract

Sustainable components of renewable biological resources in Malaysia provide the prospect for the growth of the bioeconomy via research, innovation and commercialisation. Malaysia is one of the few Asian countries that has most of its bio safety regulations and guidelines in place. In spite of the government is driving the sector in full force, there are still missing links and challenges. Some recent accidents involving the bioprocess raised concern on the safety of such technologies inclusive one incident happened in a bioprocess facility that has been selected as a case study. The facility selected is one of the Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP) Trigger Projects in Malaysia. Holistic risk assessment is needed in order to identify and potential hazard related to bioprocess. With the usage of hazardous substances in the process, the approach towards risk assessment and accident prevention is crucial. Mechanical integrity and process safety related aspect is among the area need to be explored.