[PDF] Uses of Risk Analysis to Achieve Balanced Safety in Building Design and Operations National Research Council; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems; Committee on Risk Appraisal in the Development of Facilities Design Criteria; Andrew C. Lemer; Bruce D. McDowell

This volume considers engineering risk analysis applications to the field of building safety. Building codes and design criteria used by architects and engineers?standards of good practice defined by industry consensus?have made great strides in bringing the dangers of facilities under control, but the range of hazards (e.g., fire, indoor air pollutants, electrical malfunctions) is broad. Risk analysis offers improved overall safety of new and existing facilities without imposing unacceptable costs. Broad application of risk analysis will help facility professionals, policymakers, and facility users and owners to understand the risks, to determine what levels of risk are socially and economically tolerable, and to manage risk more effectively.