6. Qualitative methods for analyzing domino effects

These qualitative methods, widely used because of their simplicity, represent an approach to preliminary analysis of domino effect hazards. An initial selection of critical equipment (target source) is considered with regard to accident propagation. This is based on the use of escalation or damage threshold values to identify potential targets for possible cascades. This enables potential propagation paths to be determined. The possibility of propagation is studied by comparing the escalation vectors, i.e. the intensity of the physical effects generated by the hazard phenomena of the primary accident at the position of the potential target, with the escalation or damage threshold values of the targets considered.

In France, the regulatory authorities have published a guide for estimating potential material damage based on thresholds of effect on structures...