Consequence Analysis of Large Incidents
Konsekvensanalys vid stora olyckor

VBRF55, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED BI/RH
Date of Decision: 2026-04-09

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: BR3
Elective for: BI4, RH4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The course aims to provide an introduction to methods for estimating and calculating the consequences of unwanted emissions of gases and liquids. Furthermore, the course aims to give students insight into how sustainability thinking can be used in impact assessment.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to understand and describe the consequences of accidental releases of gases and liquids; dispersion of gases (in air), and liquids (in soil); fire and explosion in liquids and gases.
• Be able to describe and justify mitigation measures for different types of major accidents.
• Be able to identify and apply relevant legislation.
• Have a basic understanding of sustainability concepts and how they can be applied in impact assessment.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to estimate the environmental and human consequences of unwanted releases of gases and liquids.
• Be able to use appropriate calculation methods for impact assessment of undesired releases of gases and liquids.
• Be able to present and discuss the consequences of unwanted emissions of gases and liquids orally and in writing in dialogue with different groups.
• Be able to use appropriate computer tools to calculate the consequences of gas and liquid releases and interpret the results.
• Be able to discuss sustainability concepts in the context of impact assessment.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Demonstrate the ability to select the appropriate calculation methodology for different emission and dispersion scenarios and demonstrate an understanding of its limitations.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify their need for additional knowledge and to continuously develop their competences.

Contents

The teaching consists of lectures, calculations, computer exercises and assignments. During the lectures, parts of the course literature are treated, which is done with theory reviews, review of calculation examples and presentations of accidents that have occurred.

The calculations are exercises where the students independently solve given tasks to be solved with hand calculation models. Supervision is available for these exercises.

In addition to hand calculation models, computer-based calculation models are used. The students get to familiarise themselves with these in computer exercises where given tasks are to be solved. The tasks are solved individually with the support of a tutor.

Assignments are a part of the course. The details of the assignments are presented during the course and vary from year to year but include, for example:

• Presentation of case study from previous accidents
• Analysis of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how these relate to the emergency services' work with major accidents

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

The examination is individual and consists of an approved assignment and a written exam consisting of both theory and problem solving. The final grade is based on the result of the written exam.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0125. Name: Consequence Analysis.
Credits: 4.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written exam The module includes: The teaching is based on a number of lectures and exercises.
Code: 0225. Name: Project Tasks.
Credits: 3.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Approved home assignments (individual work), laboratory reports (group work) and participation in seminars. The module includes: Approved individual assignments and project assignments within groups. During the course, a number of project assignments will be completed. For the project assignments, supervision is available for consultation. The project assignments are presented both in writing and orally.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Fire Physics, Fire Chemistry, Fire Dynamics
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: VBRA20

Reading list

• Fischer, S. m fl: Vådautsläpp av brandfarliga och giftiga gaser och vätskor. Försvarets forskningsanstalt (FOA), 1998, ISBN: ISSN: 1104-9154.
• Lag om skydd mot olyckor. SFS 2003:778.
• Lag om åtgärder för att förebygga och begränsa följderna av allvarliga kemikalieolyckor. SFS 1999:381.
• Lag om brandfarliga och explosiva varor. SFS 2010:1011.
• Allmänna råd om skyldigheter vid farlig verksamhet. MSBFS 2014:2.
• Föreskrifter om åtgärder för att förebygga och begränsa följderna av allvarliga kemikalieolyckor, inklusive Konsekvensutredningen. MSBFS 2015:8.
• Andersson, B: Utdrag ur: Introduktion till konsekvensberäkningar, några förenklade typfall.
• Stencil. Brandteknik: Pasquill´s stabilitetsklasser och andra tabeller.

Contact

Course coordinator: Margaret Mcnamee, margaret.mcnamee@lth.lu.se
Course administrator: Linnéa Ekman, linnea.ekman@ebd.lth.se