About

The Safety Engineering and Risk Analysis Division (SERAD) was originally formed in 1991 by merging ASME's Safety Division (est. 1951) and the Risk Analysis Task Force. Its function is to stimulate interest in and disseminate risk analysis and safety information as applied to the process of mechanical engineering. Member activity has expanded to include product liability, loss prevention and occupational health.

Safety is the reduced risk achieved by successful application of engineering understanding and controls to hazards. For new products and processes, risk is identified and minimized by analysis of previous experience and conservative design.

The interests of SERAD extend across most of the other ASME Divisions. This Division works with industry, ASME Codes & Standards, and other relevant professional and regulatory organizations to discuss, review, and promote practices which lead to reduced risk and improved occupational environments.

The basic concern for human health and safety as well as the reduction in business interruptions and insurance costs makes the work of the Division increasingly important.

SERAD members include engineers conducting research and practicing engineers in risk analysis, mechanical equipment design, occupational health and safety, environmental control, toxic and explosive hazards from dusts and gases, radiation hazards, process (system) operations, design, maintenance, and testing.

Also important are ergonomics, consumer product safety, liability prevention, improvements to manufacturing processes for safety, and safety in transportation systems.

Goals & Objectives

• To educate ASME members and others about the importance of risk analysis, safety engineering, and environmental and occupational health
• To encourage members to provide their expertise in the standards-setting process
• To promote codes and standards for new areas in risk analysis, safety engineering and environmental and occupational health
• To provide closer interface with other ASME Technical Divisions through joint efforts
• To enhance the quality of technical papers on safety To increase active participation by more ASME members in Division affairs
• To help members keep pace with the latest developments