State of knowledge: the key element of any safety argument

Overview

SFAIRP stands for "so far as is reasonably practicable," a legal and regulatory principle in safety management. It requires that risks be reduced to the lowest practicable level, considering costs, benefits and available technologies.

This presentation will review current objective technical measures and guidance in identifying what evidence of a state of knowledge (SoK) might look like. It will explore the role of standards and codes of practice in establishing evidence of SoK and identify areas where poor safety assurance practices might obscure understanding, including the role of the hazard log. Additionally, it will discuss who can contribute to this SoK.

Finally, considerations for presenting such cases to parties who may not possess the same knowledge or appreciation will be addressed, given the potential volume and complexity of the SoK.

Learning outcomes

In this presentation, you will learn:

• the importance of establishing and using the state of knowledge when framing arguments that something is safe "so far as is reasonably practicable"
• how to evaluate and apply standards and codes of practice in demonstrating compliance with safety principles
• strategies for effectively communicating complex safety arguments to stakeholders who may not have technical expertise.

Program

In-person: 

• 5.30 pm ACDT: Doors open for registrant arrival 
• 5.45 pm ACDT: Presentation begins
• 6.45 pm ACDT: Presentation ends
• 7.00 pm ACDT: Event ends

Online: 

• 6.15 pm AEDT: Presentation begins 
• 7.15 pm AEDT: Presentation ends