Practice hazards

Viewed in perspective, evidence of failure in service has been rare and the practical hazard is certainly very much lower than would appear from the results of laboratory tests. In chlorinated hydrocarbons the effect can be controlled by the addition of inhibitors, and, for example, the appropriate commercial degreasants containing these inhibitors are specified in a British detence standard. ... 

Both theoretical and practical hazard topics, some indirectly related to the main theme of this book, are also included. 

In practice, Hazard Studies 1, 2 and 3 are used in a broadly similar pattern across the whole of the chemical process industries. However, the content and application of studies 4, 5 and 6 varies considerably between different companies and organisations, and indeed extra studies are often inserted. Since this chapter is aimed primarily at the design of process plant, the latter three studies will not be considered beyond this brief mention. 

In addition, I said that the generic base of the practice of safety is hazards, and that if there are no hazards, there would be no reason for safety professionals to exist. In time, we will more than likely be considering an umbrella term that encompasses all aspects of safety practice. Hazards Management would serve very well for that purpose. 

High-risk behaviors and conditions mostly exist where the work takes place. The heart of an organization s safety culture centers on the workplace. Management is not always at the workplace therefore, the employees doing the work are key when it comes to reporting deviations such as high-risk work practices, hazardous conditions, and the occurrences of near-miss incidents and accidents. 

Aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. In general terms, this group of solvents displays similar generic toxic properties to the aliphatics, although the aromatics are regarded as more toxic. Some of them have been the subject of solvent abuse and skin exposure can present a practical hazard. 

A practical hazard analysis of the work environment involves a variety of elements intended to identify existing hazards and conditions, and operations subject to change that might create new hazards. Effective management systems continually analyze the workplace to anticipate and develop policies and procedures to help minimize the introduction and reoccurrence of hazards. The following are recommended measures that can be used to help identify existing and potential hazards ... 

Handbook of International Safety Practices. 2010. Hoboken, NJ John Wiley Sons. Includes evaluation of safety practices, hazard assessments, monitors, equipment, and more. 

Audit and report, on a regular basis, unsafe conditions and practices, hazardous materials, and environmental factors within the organization. 

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