A Methodology for Inherently Safer Production

Another aspect of the time dimension of inherent safety concerns where in the life-cycle of the plant the decision to consider inherent safety arises [22]. It is generally acknowledged that the benefits of inherently safer technologies may persist throughout the life-cycle of a chemical process or plant. This is actually one of the reasons why anticipation of the need for inherent safety is so important being early can generate more benefits. 

However, this all too often leads to the conclusion that 1ST is not relevant for existing plants, explaining why managers of existing facilities are often not much interested in 1ST. Their plants seem already technologically determined, and 1ST seems interesting only as a research or engineering curiosity. 

Today s plants are, however, not as technologically rigid as they may seem. Customers ask for tailor-made products, often in small quantities, and delivered as soon as possible. This increases the need for flexibility in plants and processes. Added-on safety usually decreases flexibility because it involves additional safety artifacts such as neutralizing baths, shut-off valves, and bypass piping, whereas inherently safer technologies can increase flexibility because the processes used are often simpler and in any event do not require added-on technology that constrain future modifications. 

Each phase consists of several sub-phases, and the use of specific tools as listed below. The success of the methodology in the field was explored in a study of Dutch 

Phase One Preparatory Work, Firm Commitment, and Focus of the Project  

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