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Priority Setting for the Distribution of Localized Hazard Protection
Author(s) -
Lambert James H.,
Turley Thomas
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
risk analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.972
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1539-6924
pISSN - 0272-4332
DOI - 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2005.00611.x
Subject(s) - hazard , preparedness , population , risk analysis (engineering) , hazard analysis , distribution (mathematics) , business , occupational safety and health , risk assessment , computer science , transport engineering , engineering , computer security , environmental health , reliability engineering , economics , mathematics , medicine , mathematical analysis , chemistry , management , organic chemistry , pathology
We address the problem of distributing safety‐enhancing devices across a region, where each identical device provides for only local protection of the population. The devices protect nonidentical sectors of the population. The sectors of population are exposed to nonidentical intensities of hazard. A method for the screening and prioritizing of needs for the protective devices is described. An approach of risk‐benefit‐cost analysis under uncertainty is recommended as follows. Measures of hazard intensity and population exposure are identified. Exogenous parameters that influence assessments of risks, benefits, and costs are identified. Uncertainties of the exogenous parameters are propagated by interval analysis. Several tiers of the plausibility of need for protection are identified. The tiers are useful in setting priorities for the distribution of the safety devices. The method is demonstrated in an engineering application to roadway lighting, but has implications for disaster preparedness, anti‐terrorism, transportation safety, and other arenas of public safety.