The news about the inferno following an explosion at a 'color party' at Formosa Water Park in New Taipei City last Saturday was devastating! What makes it even more heartrending is that there is no telling when the victims will ever wake up from the nightmare. The treatment will be a lengthy, hectic journey for both the survivors and their families. Among the many things left to be done to make the experience less of a nightmare, there is the need for a detailed review of the disaster to avoid the recurrence of a similar incident.Through working on the translation of a related document recently, I have come to know about the importance of risk management, which involves risk estimation, analysis, interpretation and evaluation. Among the various requirements there is one that I find most impressive: Anyone who wants to apply to be the operator of an adventure or outdoor activity needs to be audited for compliance with the safety audit standard. If he passes the safety audit, he will be given a certificate that specifies the activity audited. This implies that the potential operator must show careful concern about safety – the safety of the participants and the staff in particular.In the case of the 'color party' , had the operator been audited before being granted the licence? Prior to the event, had there been risk estimation? Were there people with recognised qualifications, skills and experience offering technical support? Had the powder been tested for its inflammability? In fact, there ought to have been a lot of careful involvement in the risk management procedure.On the other hand, the participants should also be aware of the significance of risk estimation. Though most of the people are deprived of professional training, some potential risks are easily understandable. Is the number of the staff members in the right proportion to the participants'? Are there too few taking care of too many? Is firefighting and medical support within easy access? (The fire engines in the vicinity of Macau's firecrackers' zone during the Chinese New Year are a very good example). Are the participants packed in such a confined area as to leave no moving space at all, thus exposing themselves to the risk of a stampede when an accident occurs? In brief, we all need to develop a sense of crisis. Before we choose to participate in an activity, especially one that involves a big crowd, we must do some risk assessment and be ensured of safe evacuation in case of emergency.We pray hard for the recovery of the victims and for consolation to their families. We also pray for better wisdom and a stronger sense of responsibily of the organizers and the staff so that a nightmare of this kind will never occur again.
