NGV safety incidents are undesirable and impose costs on businesses and consumers. On the other hand, they provide a rich source of improvements not only in product safety but also in product performance and reliability. Examples of how several countries have maximised their learning and benefits from NGV safety incidents show a consistent pattern of industry best practice that should be used by all stakeholders.
How can the correct learning be acquired and its benefits maximised? The answer lies in incident investigation processes that use suitable investigators, cooperation with NGV industry bodies and the timely dissemination of the findings to the wider NGV community.
Use investigators with relevant knowledge and experience
Where possible the investigation should be conducted by persons with suitable knowledge and experience relating to CNG safety. Such investigators will be able to complete the investigation in the shortest time practicable, at the least cost. This is possible because many incidents follow repeatable patterns of causes and consequences, and relevant prior knowledge of the subject helps the investigator to efficiently and quickly narrow down the possible causes. Much guesswork and unnecessary time consuming efforts can thus be avoided.
Experienced NGV investigators understand and appreciate the interconnected nature of the diverse range of NGV systems and operations. They are more likely to produce a wider system solution, where one is required, rather than one focusing on a physical component. An added benefit of such a system-wide investigation, particularly in the case of fleet vehicles, is the uncovering of possible improvements in the operational procedures of the fleet. This, in turn, may lead to enhancements in other operational areas which may or may not be directly connected with the incident.
The correctness, efficiency and speed of the investigation reduce investigation time and cost, and even more importantly, determine the correct causes and remedial measures.
Cooperation with NGV industry bodies can be very productive
Where investigators with suitable NGV safety experience cannot be readily found by the vehicle or NGV facility owner involved, the insurance company or the regulatory authorities, NGV industry bodies can be a good source of referral. Even if the industry body does not have ready access to such expertise, it can still assist by calling on its members’ network or the network of sister organisations in other countries and regions.
Industry bodies also have among their membership and network a considerable reservoir of knowledge and experience to provide objective discussion and review of the ongoing investigation and its findings.
Objective perspectives from outsiders can add fresh insights or prior knowledge. As an example, an incident may reveal that although a comprehensive regulatory framework may already be in place, it did not prevent the incident. In such a case it will be necessary to look more closely at the details of compliance procedures to identify where they need improving. Such gaps may be more apparent to astute observers who have encountered similar problems with the regulatory framework of other jurisdictions.
Transparency and dissemination of safety knowledge
In order that the considerable, but diffuse reservoir of national or international knowledge can be marshalled in a timely and cost-effective way to produce the correct learning, the process must be transparent and open to allow unimpeded relevant interactions. In some cases this may be prevented by insurance and liability considerations, however, processes can be established by industry bodies to overcome these barriers. It may even be possible that legislation can be introduced to facilitate this interaction in the interests of public safety through rapid and correct investigation, and the timely prevention of further similar incidents in the wider community.
The final findings and recommendations should be disseminated quickly, widely and objectively to reinforce confidence in NGV safety.
As part of the dissemination process these results should be entered into an industry database and recommendations made available to all parties with an interest in NGV safety. The IANGV is a stakeholder in a database which has been developed for this purpose, maintained by the US based Clean Vehicle Education Foundation (CVEF).
Benefits of good NGV safety incident investigation processes
The good news is, following the above principles does not cost more, but will likely produce the correct results more quickly and at less cost.
Every time an incident results in new safety findings which are effectively disseminated and utilised, the community benefits from increased safety and avoided losses. The benefits are amplified if the findings are timely.
The openness and transparency of the investigation processes also minimise the possibility of incorrect reporting, or even speculation, by the media.
Industry stakeholders in Europe and North America have cooperated to provide effective investigations whose findings and recommendations have been profitably utilised by the wider industry. The world has benefited from the resultant improvements in NGV standards and improved product design, manufacturing, installation, operating and maintenance best practice.
In the Asia Pacific region, India has set an admirable example in allowing the proper investigation of safety incidents and wide dissemination of the findings and recommendations in the early to mid-2000s. These investigations can help countless other NGV businesses and consumers avoid similar incidents, at an enormous saving in human and economic costs.
Dr Ly operates as an NGV industry consultant providing independent safety audits, incident investigation and safety training. He can be contacted at hienly01@tpg.com.au.
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