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

Two Day Face-to-Face Course One Day Face-to-Face Course One Day Virtual Course Two Hour Awareness Module

Delivery

Face-to-Face

Level

Intermediate

Certificate

Attendance

Duration

2 days

CPD

14 hours

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.

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