Providing Risk Management Model Using Mineral Spa Based on International Standards with Safety and Environmental Approach

Abstract

The aim of this article was to present a model for measuring and managing the risk of using hot mineral spas, based on structural safety with environmental approach. A conceptual model of risk was prepared in four stages: 1) determining the general outline of the model, 2) identifying spa structure safety indicators, 3) evaluating and scoring the indicators and 4) determining the quantitative and qualitative categories of the model and providing solutions. In this study, 30 spa structure safety indicators were extracted, and the weight of each indicator was obtained based on the amount of risk for users. Moreover, a questionnaire was prepared by analytic hierarchy process analysis method. According to the standard level allowed for each indicator, spa structure safety risk categories were prepared in five ranges for each indicator based on the obtained weights and the opinions of health experts. The results of the risk associated with each spa were obtained by combining 30 spa structure safety indicators. To assess the risk of using hot mineral spas by the method invented in this study, first, the extracted model indicators were scored in six spas of Iran. Then, risk level of the six spas was evaluated. According to the risk scores, hot spas named Gavmishgoli and Qotoursoo had an unacceptable level of risk. Qinarjeh, Shabil, and Sabalan had a high level of risk. Borjloo had a moderate level of risk. The proposed risk model provides a framework for a standard and safe mineral spa.

Keywords

• Balneotherapy; Safety; Risk model; Thermal spring.