Factors Contributing to HAZMAT-Related Accidents in Marine Transportation

Abstract

The transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) especially via sea has continuously become an international concern with the continual increase in the number of accidents reported by the industries in recent years. The accidents have resulted in various effects ranging from insignificant damages to very severe losses particularly on the environment and property. In order to avoid such accidents or reduce the risks of having one, it is vital to primarily understand the factors that could lead to marine transportation accidents involving HAZMAT. Surveys were conducted among 24 representatives from various shipping industries in Malaysia. The purpose was for the representatives to assign the appropriate ranking point for each factor based on their experiences and opinions on the significance of the factors in causing accidents. This information is valuable in serving as an initial screening for safety assessment in HAZMAT marine transport operation so that the potential hazards can be avoided or reduced. Based on the assessment results using the factors selected from the surveys, a more comprehensive assessment that is particularly relevant to enhance the existing safety assessment in HAZMAT operation can then be performed towards achieving an inherently safer HAZMAT marine transportation.