Risk management in safety critical areas

This paper examines the lessons to be learned from recent disasters. From these and other evidence it deduces good practice in managing risk in safety critical areas. It explains some methods which may be used to aid decision-making for implementing risk control measures. The paper uses examples drawn from the UK rail transport sector with specific reference to current BR practice.     

Contaminated Land Remediation in the UK with Reference to Risk Assessment: Two Case Studies

The approach to land reclamation in the UK has traditionally relied upon the use of cover and concealment, which can leave a legacy of problems below the ground. Alternatively, the bulk export of materials to licensed landfill has often been used, but this (a) simply transfers a problem, (b) can cause considerable disruption, and (c) is becoming increasingly expensive. Remedial strategies involving the use of barrier systems or off-site removal both have their place in the efficient and economic development of contaminated sites. However, there is now increasing interest in the use of on-site technology which can provide cost savings and by treating, destroying or stabilizing contamination, can serve to minimize future liabilities. The design, costing and application of treatment, as opposed to cover or disposal, depends fundamentally on understanding the problem and evaluating the capabilities and availability of appropriate technologies. With reference to UK case studies, this paper highlights some of the options available and routes taken in order to achieve site-specific, commercially-acceptable, remedial responses.     

Fluvial Flood Forecasting

This paper describes some of the latest developments in real-time fluvial flood-forecasting systems which utilise quantitative weather radar information. Rain-gauge, flow-measuring stations, weather radar and other sources of information are fully integrated by the real-time flood-forecasting system and provide flood warnings for civil protection. The systems have been commissioned in various regions within the UK and are undergoing continuous development in conjunction with the UK water industry and through close involvement with various European partners via the auspices of the European Union.     

Water Resources Development: A Balanced Approach

Customers, the public generally, the water industry, its regulators and the government are aware that water can be a scarce and costly product. Resource planning and development must increasingly be viewed as a combined package of water efficiency in (a) use, (b) metering and tariff policy, (c) leakage reduction, and (d) physical schemes.
Droughts, fears over possible climate change, concerns about resources and the environment, a greater awareness of the role and costs of the water industry and statements by the Department of the Environment, the Office of Water Services, and the National Rivers Authority have added weight to this sensible shift in emphasis.
However, society needs reliable water supplies and cannot completely rely upon the uncertain impact that demand side-measures may bring about – nor, even where achieved and cost-effective, on the important savings in losses. New resource schemes can take many years to implement. Therefore, in order to ensure adequate and reliable supplies, plans for new schemes must be brought to a state of readiness, and, in many cases, implemented.     

Memories, Reflections, and Dreams

The author draws on his career by referring to (a) the type of knowledge which engineers acquire and lose over time, and (b) the importance of socio-economic and environmental aspects of civil engineering projects.
In Memories , he recalls particular incidents in thirty countries and being confronted by unfamiliar cultures, and follows two vital threads which are woven into his experience, namely human nature and mother nature.
Reflections , based upon adult education, reveal aspects of the psychological understanding of human nature and the importance of biological diversity. The author finds some areas of apparently unresolved conflict between civil engineering and the environment.
Finally, in Dreams , the author quotes a United Nations set of priorities which provide a satisfying guide to the broad view of world developments and which can help to show the importance of biological and cultural diversity.     

Activity theory and critical incident recall as a pedagogical approach for using online knowledge-building communities in schools

Networked computers provide an important opportunity for schools to extend learning by engaging students in online interactions which supplement their offline learning. These communities of learners can be understood using activity theory as a unifying framework. This leads to a novel pedagogy in which records of online interactions provide the stimulus for subsequent offline discussions.