Risk Perception and Analysis

Risk Perception and Analysis1
RISK PERCEPTION AND ANALYSIS
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Risk Perception and Analysis2
Risk Perception and Analysis
Part A
Question 1
The energy threat associated with coal mining is the formation of coal dust during the
mining process. The coal dust when suspended in the atmosphere especially in areas with poor
ventilation and air circulation tends to generate the risk of explosion to the individuals in the
immediate environment. Moreover, a spacious coal mine is more susceptible to explosion risk
compared to a small and densely packed mine. The non-energy threat associated with the mining
of coal stems from the presence of highly flammable hydrocarbon gas pockets in coal mines. In
most common hydrocarbon gas found in coal mines is methane. Methane is nontoxic however
when it concentration in the surround ranges between 5-15% it tends to be explosive(Haring
2015).
Question 2
The energy being used by the Airplane is fossil fuel which on its own is not a major risk.
However, a combination of fuel vapor and oxygen creates a highly flammable mixture that is
highly explosive in the presence of fire. As such, a downed aircraft poses extensive risk to the
people in and around it, if it is on fire and fuel is leaking from the engines. The non-energy threat
associated with an aircraft crash is the high likelihood of bodily harm caused by the plane or
debris falling from the sky with substantial speed. This threat extends to individuals on the
ground: driving on the road or walking past it. The other energy threat is related to the chances
for people being electrocuted by power lines that where damaged by the falling aircraft(Haring
2015).

Risk Perception and Analysis3
Question 3
The non-energy threat here stems from the freezing water of the North Sea that are
capable of causing hypothermia in only minute of being submerged in the icy water. As such, the
risk of hypothermia from the cold water is very high and this likely to be the cause of the
women’s worsened state(Costard 2008).
Question 4
The suspension bridges are normally designed with very durable and tough material;
however, years of uses and natural weathering tend to weak the strength of the suspension
cables. Therefore, there is a risk of the cables breaking and the bridge collapsing. Nevertheless,
this non-energy threat is very minimal but considerably destructive when it occurs(Costard
2008).
Question 5
The non-energy threat here is being burned under a landslide. The likelihood of a landslide
occurring in any given day is considerably low; however, the destruction caused by land shifting
can be considerably damaging especially in densely populated areas.
Question 6
The collapsing of a building is a non-energy threat that is a moderately serious risk in
developing nations where housing regulations are not stringently enforce by local authority.
Question 7

Risk Perception and Analysis4
Food contamination is a non-energy threat that is very common in densely populated
work environments where food handling is done with very little health inspection or hygiene
monitoring. The risk of food being contaminated with pesticide in the attempt to eradicate pests
is considerably high especially when the endeavor is done by unskilled individual.
Question 8
The energy threats associated with this case stem from fires caused by explosion at the
coal mine and faulty electrical connection at the power plant. In addition, the coal mine has the
potential risk of significantly contaminating the air making it non-breathable and high harmful.
The risk of a wild fire damaging the neighboring town is a substantial non-energy threat that
stems from negligence from the owners of the two energy production sources(Lanard &
Sandman 1987).
Question 9
The likelihood of a cage’s locking mechanism becoming defective is a non-energy threat
that stems from weakening or damage to animal cages. Therefore, there is need for park cages to
be regularly checked before workers are put in any compromising situations. In addition,
working with animals is inherently dangerous because they are wild creatures that are difficult to
predict; as such, measures should be taken to safeguard the lives of park workers(Lanard &
Sandman 1987).
Question 10