Development of a framework for safety performance measurement of belt conveyor systems

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for the safety performance measurement of belt conveyor systems. Design/methodology/approach: A structural methodology of graph theory and matrix approach is used for developing a framework for safety performance measurement of belt conveyor systems. Findings: The development of a framework for safety performance measurement of belt conveyor systems is essential for ensuring plant safety. For this, safety performance factors, including design and operating contextual factors of belt conveyor systems, are identified. The factors along with their interrelations are modeled using digraph. An equivalent matrix of the digraph provided safety performance function (SPF) of belt conveyor systems, leading to the development of a safety performance index (SPI). Practical implications: The developed framework will enable the designers for evaluating and comparing alternative designs of conveyor systems from the safety viewpoint. The plant operators can make inferences from the SPI to identify the weak contextual factors in the plant and develop action plans for its mitigation. Originality/value: The paper is novel and employs graph theory and matrix approach for safety performance measurement. The methodology helps in the quantitative evaluation of the safety performance of belt conveyor systems.