Inherently Safer Chemical Processes
Inherently safer design (ISD) focuses on eliminating or significantly reducing hazards at the source rather than relying solely on add-on protective systems. By minimizing hazardous materials, substituting less hazardous alternatives, moderating process conditions, and simplifying design, organizations can strengthen their overall risk profile. These strategies support more robust and sustainable risk reduction throughout the process lifecycle.
Applying ISD effectively strengthens process safety management, supports regulatory compliance, and improves overall business performance. When ISD is integrated into routine decision-making—from early design through operations and management of change—it helps facilities reduce incident potential and enhance reliability. It also strengthens overall safety culture. ISD is also a key element of regulatory expectations, including the EPA Risk Management Program requirement for Safer Technology and Alternatives Analysis (STAA).
This course introduces participants to the practical application of inherently safer design concepts and prepares them to lead ISD assessments within their organizations. Topics include the core principles of ISD and methods for identifying and evaluating inherently safer alternatives. The session also covers integrating ISD into existing management systems and establishing an “inherently safer lifestyle” as a routine part of process safety and business decision-making. The course also highlights approaches for meeting EPA RMP STAA requirements using industry best practices and real-world examples.
Industry and government clients recognize AcuTech as a market leader in providing inherently safer design services. The AcuTech team has been deeply involved in ISD for safety and security assessments and in helping organizations develop, improve, and implement ISD management systems to manage risk. AcuTech served as the lead author for the second edition of the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) concept book, Inherently Safer Chemical Processes: A Life Cycle Approach. Regulators, researchers, and safety advocates widely cite this book as the definitive reference on ISD.
- Gain a clear understanding of the core principles of inherently safer design and their role in achieving meaningful risk reduction.
- Understand the regulatory background and requirements related to ISD, including EPA RMP STAA expectations.
- Learn how to identify, evaluate, and document inherently safer alternatives for process safety applications.
- Develop skills to lead and participate in ISD assessments across the process lifecycle.
- Learn how to integrate ISD into existing PSM systems and management of change processes.
- Understand how to apply ISD as an ongoing “inherently safer lifestyle” to improve safety, reliability, and business performance.
- Gain practical insight from industry best practices and real-world examples of successful ISD implementation.