Fundamentals of the Framework for Risk Criteria of Critical Infrastructures in the Netherlands

Critical infrastructures are complex societal systems. For that reason, risk criteria for critical infrastructures are also “part” of the risk criteria for complex societal systems. The questions to be resolved are 1. are the societal risk criteria of complex systems defined and quantifiable 2. is known how the risk criteria of critical infrastructures relate to the risk criteria of the complex system as a whole. In other words, how can we be sure that the risk criteria of critical infrastructures meet the risk criteria of complex systems as a whole. A complex system in this respect may be a society as a whole, e.g. a nation. There may be large differences between both types of risk criteria. This paper highlights the fundamentals of use of risk and risk criteria for critical infrastructures. The backgrounds are shown to be derived of cost-benefit considerations, revealed preferences, expressed preferences and for environmental risks the natural standards. A general approach is also reviewed taking into account risk aversion and the power of risk policies. This power is related to a measure of (in) voluntariness of the risks by the people exposed to it and direct benefit. Examples of handling risk criteria in the Netherlands are given for major hazards installations, airports and public transport by (high speed) trains.