Reduced risk approach

A database of the hazards associated with different types of equipment and unit operations including the applicability of inherently safer technology in each. As innovative solutions to hazards in equipment and process operations are discovered these could be included in this database for use by others in reducing risk in similar equipment and processes. A summary of design approaches for a number of common types of chemical process equipment will be published in CCPS (1997). This summary may be a starting point for the development of this database. 

Alternative 3 eliminates the risk of exposure at the site to the same levels as Alternatives 4 and 5 in the short term however, it relies solely on a cap for controlling the waste remaining in Area 1. Although capping is an effective and accepted approach for reducing risk from direct contact with wastes, it is less reliable in the long term than treatment, because the inherent hazard of the lead would remain. 

All the objectives presented in Box 11.1 can be described as quality improvement in the structure and process to support improvement in each patient s health outcome. This support the patient medication care process presented in Fig. 3.1. Various problems and tools and models for improvement have been described in this book. Another approach to prevent medication errors and to improve care is to be open and continuously learn from mistakes. The basis for this is not to punish health care providers who make errors, as this may lead to less reporting of errors. In Britain, the government has taken steps away from this blame-culture (Wise 2001). In a declaration it is stated that honest failure should not be responded to primarily by blame and retribution, but by learning and by a drive to reduce risk for future patients. 

Strategies to reduce risks emanating from hazardous substances should not be restricted to the substitntion of a hazardous substance by a (hopefully) less hazardous one. A more useful approach is to consider the particular application and to consider alternative resolutions to the perceived problems. The problem could be solved either by substance substitntion or by other measures, such as design modification or system process changes. ... 

No matter how much is learned about chemical exposures or what measures individuals and governments take to manage them, some exposure risks will remain. For as the risk approaches zero, the cost of reducing exposures rises rapidly and exceeds any resulting health benefits. 

As discussed above, the risk of chemicals in the environment is dependent on both exposure and toxicity. Pathways through which organisms in the environment are exposed to chemicals are therefore key determinants of how safe (and therefore, how green ) a chemical is, and must be considered in moving towards a reduced risk or hazard approach to the production and use of chemicals. Fate in the environment is the principal determinant of exposure and designing chemicals for reduced hazard and risk to the environment involves consideration of processes that affect the chemical in the environment, in addition to toxicity. Assessment of environmental fate, including design of chemicals for nonpersistence, is discussed in detail in Chapter 16. 

Like most complex technical activities, a clear understanding of the problem that needs to be addressed will shape the work that follows and reduce the risk of wasted effort. We cannot assume that the problem formulation for a standard is self-explanatory. For example, which chemicals are priorities for standard development What are the regulatory or social drivers that require us to reduce risks to the environment Is a new standard actually the best way of achieving our environmental goals Are there any legal or political constraints on the approach (e.g., those illustrated in Figure 2.1) we can adopt Does past experience lead us to favor one approach over another ... 

In the interim, using systems and approaches that are direction-ally oriented to reduce risk can serve as a base for establishing the logical framework that facilitates practical decision making. 

Saraji and Mousavinia (2006) developed an efficient in-syringe derivatization step for fiaiit juices and fruits. The parameters for insyringe derivatization optimized with phenolic standards were found to be 10 min at room temperature with 0.7 pL A,0-Z A(trimethylsilyl) acetamide (BSA). Before derivatization, the samples underwent single-drop microextraction, where small volumes of organic solvents were used to extract analytes. The advantage of this approach is that it creates reduced risks for sample loss and contamination. 

The use of phytosterols as part of diet therapy to lower LDL-C and risk for CAD is supported by both the NCEP guidelines and the FDA s health claim about the relationship between the consumption of plant sterol and stand esters and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. This section briefly discusses the efficacy of the phytosterols as arguably the most effective dietary approach to lower plasma LDL-C in most types of subjects with the least impact on habitual diets. 

Government risk managers now often consider both regulatory and voluntary approaches to reducing risks, as society is challenged to solve more complex risk problems with limited resources. 

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