Physical Effects Modelling

Learn how to model and assess the physical effects of hazardous releases in industrial environments. Understand how modelling supports risk analysis, emergency planning, and safer facility design.

Course information

Physical Effects Modelling training is available in the following formats

Learning objectives

  • Identify hazards and scenarios where physical effects modelling is required
  • Perform source term release and discharge calculations, including gas, liquid, and two-phase releases
  • Apply dispersion, fire, and explosion modelling techniques to predict hazardous effects
  • Understand how common software tools (e.g., PHAST, FLACS, EFFECTS) can be used for physical effects analyses
  • Translate modelling outputs into estimates of consequences for people, assets, and the environment
  • Understand the role of physical effects modelling in facility siting, emergency response, and layout decisions
  • Apply physical effects modelling to support ALARP demonstration and risk reduction strategies
  • Recognise and address challenge areas such as subsea releases, missile impacts, hydrogen systems, and indoor dispersion
  • Interpret limitations, uncertainties, and conservatisms in modelling results
  • Integrate modelling outputs with QRA, safety cases, and regulatory submissions

Key contents

  • Introduction to physical effects: definitions and relevance in major hazard assessments
  • Source term characterisation: gas, liquid, and two-phase discharge estimation
  • Atmospheric dispersion modelling: flammable, toxic, and asphyxiant gases
  • Fire modelling: jet fires, pool fires, fireballs, and radiation
  • Explosion modelling: overpressure, blast effects, vapour cloud explosions (VCEs)
  • Probit models, dose-response relationships, and vulnerability assessments
  • Overview of leading software (e.g., PHAST, FLACS, EFFECTS) and selection guidance
  • Data requirements and input quality checks
  • Limitations, uncertainties, and good practice in modelling approaches
  • Integration with risk assessments, facility siting, emergency planning, and ALARP demonstration
  • Regulatory applications: COMAH, SEVESO, land use planning, and safety cases
  • Emerging and complex scenarios: subsea releases, missile hazards, hydrogen, ammonia, LNG, battery systems, and indoor releases
  • Real-world case studies and lessons learned from industry incidents

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of engineering principles or safety management in the process industries is recommended. Prior experience with modelling tools is not required.

Register for Physical Effects Modelling training

Register for Physical Effects Modelling training

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Related Services

Physical Effects and Consequence Modelling

Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)

Bowtie Analysis

Air Emissions Risk Assessment

Safety Cases and Safety Reports

Land Use Planning (LUP)

Physical Effects Modelling | Training | Equarisk | Equarisk