Inherently Safer Design/Inherently Safer Technologies (Part I)

Inherent safety (IS) is the modern term for eliminating hazards rather than accepting and managing them. Engineering is the traditional realization of this concept, as its core function is the application of science, technology, and mathematics to develop and implement practical solutions that are safe and efficient. Currently there is much interest across industry, academia, advocacy groups and governments in mandating IS to achieve process safety and security goals. There is much debate as to what comprises IS, how and when it is best applied, who/how to judge this creative process, how and whether it differs from traditional engineering, and what role it should have in the chemical industry to achieve process safety and security goals. This session will present three papers of realistic scenarios and case histories that demonstrate various perspectives and views of IS and its application. A facilitated panel discussion exploring the proper role of IS and audience questions session will follow the presentations.