INERIS in the risk management chain

Its expertise places INERIS at the heart of the initial stages of the risk management process, which are grouped under the technical terms “risk assessment” (international standard ISO 31000), “risk estimation” (French guidelines Afnor FD X50-252) and “risk evaluation.” Risk assessment is traditionally structured in three phases:

• risk identification involves acquiring knowledge about the phenomena at play in a given context: hazards (causes, triggers, etc.), potential consequences, vulnerability of targets likely to be affected;
• risk analysis, which consists of linking the components of this risk to quantitatively and/or qualitatively estimate its degree of importance. In accidental risk, this phase is based on the study of accident scenarios; in chronic risk, it is based on the characterization of exposure to a pollutant;
• risk assessment itself involves ranking risks by comparing the estimated risk with various decision-making criteria (scientific, legal, societal, political, economic, etc.). The Institute's expertise at this stage of the process contributes to the assessment phase by proposing exclusively scientific and technical criteria.

The Institute also plays a role in the risk reduction phase that follows the risk assessment stage. Its expertise is called upon to provide technical and economic input to help select and/or maintain risk control measures: studying the performance of safety barriers or sustainable technologies (including best available techniques); assessing the impact of management policies; analyzing the cost-effectiveness of measures.

INERIS contributes to risk forecasting and monitoring throughout the risk management process, both as a reference point for monitoring methods and strategies and as a field operator responsible for implementing them. In terms of crisis management, the Institute provides technical support through its Emergency Support Unit (CASU) and regularly participates as an expert in post-accident analyses and investigations.

The Institute's expertise is made available to public authorities as part of the French approach to major risk prevention, which is structured around seven prevention principles.