Resolving Inherent Safety Issues

Deciding among a number of process options having inherent safety advantages and disadvantages with respect to different hazards can be quite difficult. The first step is to understand thoroughly all hazards associated with the process options. Process hazard analysis and evaluation techniques are appropriate tools (CCPS, 1992). These include  

The hazard identification step is perhaps the most important, because any hazard not identified will not be considered in the decision process. For example, the impact of chlorofluorocarbons on atmospheric ozone was unknown for much of the period of their use, and this potential hazard was not considered until recent years. 

The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it have any evil in it but whether it have more of evil, than of good. There are few things wholly evil, or wholly good. Almost every thing. .. is an inseparable compound of the two so that our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded. 

In many cases, it is not readily apparent how the potential impacts from different hazards can be translated into some common scale or measure. For example, how do you compare long term environmental damage and health risks from use of CFG refrigerants to the immediate risk of fatality from the fire, explosion, and toxicity hazards associated with many alternative refrigerants This question does not have a right answer. It is not really a scientific question, but instead it is a question of values. Individuals, companies, and society must determine how to value different kinds of risks relative to each other, and base decisions on this evaluation. 

In many cases, formal tools for decision making can be useful, particularly if the hazards vary greatly in type of consequence or impact. Many of these tools introduce additional rigor, consistency, and logic into the decision process. Some available methods include  

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