METHODOLOGY FOR OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT OF RELEASES FROM BIOINDUSTRIALPLANTS - IDENTIFICATION, AUDIT, CHANGE

Five Danish bioindustrial pilot plants applying genetic engineering ha ve been evaluated with regard to the identification of gaseous or liqu id releases containing living genetically modified organisms. The obje ctive was to identify escape paths, to evaluate spill detection measur es and to recommend additional safety measures. A key point was the st rong involvement of the competent authorities in the planning and perf ormance of the analyses, which were carried out in structured group se ssions in which the company staff, the competent authorities and risk analysis experts participated. Each safety analysis comprised five sta ges: (1) Presentation of the plant configuration; (2) An identificatio n of possible escape paths and preconditions for liquid and gaseous re leases; (3) An evaluation of incident causes and spill detection mecha nisms; (4) Recommendations concerning additional measures to improve s afety; (5) Preparation of a safety report. The approach will make it e asier to prepare safety documentation for new activities and to carry out safety audits.