A comprehensive look at how Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences is using risk assessment to protect its academic community
When you walk through a university campus, your mind is likely filled with thoughts of upcoming classes, research projects, or meeting friends. But have you ever considered the invisible safety infrastructure that protects these complex environments?
This was the exact question that researchers at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences sought to address through a comprehensive risk assessment study of their campus. In an era where educational institutions face everything from laboratory accidents to natural disasters and public health crises, understanding potential hazards has become not just prudent but essential for operational resilience.
Risk assessment represents a systematic approach to identifying potential hazards, evaluating the likelihood and severity of adverse events, and implementing measures to reduce vulnerability.
This proactive discipline has evolved from insurance industry methodologies into a sophisticated framework now used by cultural institutions, corporations, and universities worldwide 1 .
In university settings, risk assessment takes on special significance due to the unique convergence of factors: young adult populations living in close quarters, sophisticated laboratory equipment, potentially hazardous research materials, valuable scientific collections, and extensive public access to facilities.
Universities must navigate approximately twice the number of stakeholders compared to typical organizations, each with often conflicting priorities 2 .
In one of the most comprehensive assessments of its kind, researchers conducted a detailed evaluation of their entire campus infrastructure.
Using FRAME (Fire Risk Assessment Method for Engineering) software to evaluate risks related to properties, people, and activities.
Employing the ACHiL (Assessment and Classification of Hazards in Laboratories) method specifically designed for research environments.
Through FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) to identify potential failures in buildings, heating systems, and electrical equipment.
Assessment via ET&BA (Energy Trace & Barrier Analysis) method to evaluate pathways, parking lots, and roadways 8 .
When the assessment was complete, the results painted a concerning picture of campus safety with vulnerabilities across multiple domains.
| Risk Category | Risk Level | Interpretation | Key Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk to People | R > 1 | Unfavorable | Inadequate emergency exits, insufficient fire alarm systems |
| Risk to Property | R > 1 | Unfavorable | Combustible building materials, valuable equipment concentration |
| Risk to Activities | R > 1 | Unfavorable | Lack of business continuity planning, insufficient emergency drills |
| Hazard Category | Specific Examples | Risk Rating | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Hazards | Pressurized gas cylinders | 12 (High) | Explosion, projectile damage |
| Corrosive Substances | Strong acids, bases | 6 (Medium) | Chemical burns, inhalation injuries |
| Toxic Solutions | Research chemicals, solvents | 6 (Medium) | Poisoning, environmental contamination |
| System Assessed | Key Deficiencies | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Safety | Non-standard stair height and width, obstructed emergency exits | Fall hazards, delayed evacuation |
| Heating Systems | Fuel tank valve leaks, boiler temperature/pressure exceeding limits | Fire, explosion, carbon monoxide release |
| Electrical Systems | Faulty grounding, non-functional safety switches | Electrocution, equipment damage, fire ignition |
The researchers noted that "the safety level of the campus is unfavorable and the safety conditions in all departments and activities are alarming," with the engine room representing the most dangerous area requiring immediate intervention 8 .
Identifying hazards represents only the first step in comprehensive campus safety.
Develop comprehensive crisis strategies that identify potential scenarios and establish clear response protocols.
Allocate appropriate resources – financial, human, and technological – to crisis preparedness.
Conduct regular crisis simulations and tabletop exercises to build muscle memory for real emergencies.
Embed crisis preparedness into institutional culture through leadership commitment and ongoing attention 2 .
Effective crisis management operates on what experts call the "Clarity + Trust = Speed" formula – when an institution has clarity of purpose and has built trust with stakeholders, it can respond to crises quickly without sacrificing accuracy 2 .
This approach ensures that when a crisis occurs, the institution can move beyond merely "putting out fires" to implementing a coordinated, effective response that addresses both immediate safety concerns and longer-term reputational impacts 6 .
Specialized tools transform risk assessment from subjective inspection into data-driven processes.
| Assessment Tool | Primary Application | Key Function | Industry Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRAME | Fire risk evaluation | Quantifies risk to people, property, and activities | Universities, museums, hospitals |
| FMEA | Systems and infrastructure | Identifies potential failure modes and their effects | Manufacturing, healthcare, engineering |
| ACHiL | Laboratory environments | Classifies and prioritizes laboratory-specific hazards | Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies |
| ET&BA | Transportation and pathways | Analyzes energy sources and protective barriers | Urban planning, facility management, transportation |
These tools generate comparable metrics across facilities and over time. The Cultural Property Risk Analysis Model (CPRAM) used by institutions like the American Museum of Natural History represents another sophisticated approach that can be adapted to university settings with valuable collections 5 .
The Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences study exemplifies how methodical risk assessment can reveal hidden vulnerabilities and inform strategic safety investments. Their findings underscore that campus safety is not a destination but a continuous process of identification, evaluation, mitigation, and reassessment.
Perhaps the most important insight from this research is that effective risk management extends beyond technical fixes to embrace a cultural transformation where safety becomes everyone's responsibility.
The complete research study "Identification of Hazards, Risk Assessment of the Campus Collection of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences With the Aim of Crisis Management" is available in the Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (2024, Volume 29, Issue 3).