Citation

Kletz TA. Process. Saf. Environ. Prot. 2003; 81(6): 401-405.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Institution of Chemical Engineers and European Federation of Chemical Engineering, Publisher Hemisphere Publishing)

DOI

10.1205/095758203770866566

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Instead of keeping hazards under control by adding on protective equipment we should use inherently safer designs whenever they are 'reasonably practicable'. When that is not possible passive safety equipment is better than active equipment; simple examples are described. Inherently safer designs have not been adopted as rapidly as other process safety features and are often ignored in the recommendations made after accidents; the reasons are discussed. Inherently safer designs are usually cheaper than conventional ones and are a lesser target for terrorists.