ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Published Online: 12 September 2011
Page Count: 6

Who Gets the Benefit of the Doubt From Uncertainty?

Hall, John R.
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA

(Received 15 March 2011; accepted 16 August 2011)

Abstract

Codes, standards and regulations require compliance with criteria stated as the results of tests or calculations. These results have associated uncertainty. This paper discusses different approaches to the use of uncertainty in the determination of compliance. In particular, most discussion addresses the many ways in which the decision-making protocol, intended to result in a determination of compliance, may shift the benefit of the doubt of the uncertainty between different interested parties.

Keywords:
uncertainty, fire test standard, fire risk assessment, statistical significance

Paper ID: JTE103860
DOI: 10.1520/JTE103860
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