This paper seeks to provide a general overview of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in
engineering and technology with special emphasis on Disaster Risk Management as it
borders on the Chemical Engineering discipline. Terms such as disaster, risk, risk
management and disaster risk management as it concerns the fields of engineering and
technology are defined to provide a fine background and refresher for the subject matter
under consideration. Hazards identification is established as the basis for risk analysis,
assessment and consequently management. A general overview of the disaster risk
management process comprising of strategic steps such as planned reviews, hazards
identification, risks analysis, assessment and reduction where applicable is described. The
peculiarities of the Chemical engineering discipline in the area of disaster risk management
are discussed. Causes of chemical process accidents, areas of focus in study and analysis for
setting up an effective Disaster Risk Management system as well as recommendations for
improved disaster risk management systems in chemical process plants are presented.