Risk analysis and risk communication in the transport of dangerous goods.

The Federal German Minister of Transport has commissioned the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) to analyze the risks connected with dangerous goods carried out on the railway, inland waterway and road transport sectors. The risk analysis should meet the following requirements: (1) assessment of the risks involved in the transport of dangerous goods based on transport and accident statistics; (2) description of the risks involved and the weak points of the carriage of dangerous goods; (3) provision of scientifically sound analysis data for the planning of measures to reduce the transport risks; and (4) support of the efficiency control of these measures. The individual elements of the risks analysis consist of (a) a risk analysis based on accident statistics; (b) an analysis of weak points; and (c) a computer-aided system model to be developed. Important methods of risk analysis are: (i) implied preferences approach; (ii) expressed preferences approach; and (iii) cost-benefit analysis. The elements used in the description from risk management to risk communication are: (1) risk communication as additional risk policy component; (2) development of structures for a linked network incorporating the parties concerned; (3) periodic status reports on the state of affairs and in the dangerous transport sector.