Inherently Safer Technology
Inherently Safer Technology (IST) is a pivotal concept in the design and operation of processes and facilities, emphasizing the minimization or elimination of hazards without solely relying on additional safety measures. By addressing risks at their source, IST significantly reduces the potential for accidents, proactively safeguarding human lives, the environment, and organizational assets.
Over the decades, inherently safer technology has evolved significantly, offering advantages through simpler and more cost-effective alternatives in comparison to other risk management strategies. Our expertise lies in conducting IST reviews, advising organizations on minimizing, substituting, moderating, or simplifying processes to enhance their inherent safety. We work with companies on the integration of IST concepts throughout the process life cycle, project milestones, and daily decision-making processes. Contact AcuTech to inquire about our comprehensive IST services, including strategic planning, IST reviews, integration into existing safety assessments, technology option assessments, and specialized training programs tailored to your organization’s unique needs.
- Strategic Planning
- Inherently Safer Technology (IST) Reviews & Assessments
- Integration into existing security and safety assessment methods
- Detailed assessment of alternative technologies
- Training: Overview of IST, IST Assessment Methodologies & Procedures
AcuTech’s consultants are well versed in codes and standards developed by industry bodies and will refer to these as well as each client’s local jurisdiction codes and standards. A sampling of the relevant codes and standards can be found below.
- Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119): The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States mandates PSM for the handling of highly hazardous chemicals. While not specifically focused on IST, PSM requires employers to assess the hazards associated with the processes involving these chemicals and implement measures to manage and mitigate those hazards.
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61511: This standard, titled “Functional safety – Safety instrumented systems for the process industry sector,” provides guidelines for the application of safety instrumented systems in the process industries. It is relevant to the implementation of safety measures, which may align with inherently safer principles.
- ISO 31000: While not specific to process industries, ISO 31000 provides principles and guidelines on risk management. Organizations can use these principles in the context of IST to assess and manage risks associated with their processes.
- Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) Guidelines: CCPS, a part of AIChE, produces guidelines and publications that often incorporate inherently safer design concepts. Titles such as “Guidelines for Engineering Design for Process Safety” and “Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures” may be relevant.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards: NFPA publishes various standards related to fire protection and safety, and some of these standards may intersect with inherently safer principles, especially in terms of process design and hazard reduction.
- Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Guidelines: IChemE offers guidelines on process safety that may touch upon inherently safer design. The “IChemE Red Book” (Guidelines for Risk Assessment) is an example.
AcuTech consultants have contributed to the following standards, codes, and programs.
- AcuTech was lead author of the Center for Chemical Process Safety book, “Inherently Safer Chemical Processes, A Life Cycle Approach.”
- AcuTech’s President & CEO David Moore, testified before the US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on IST for chemical security
- We provide support for companies covered by the Contra Costa County Industrial Safety Ordinance and the New Jersey Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act (TCPA).
These concepts can be applied to plants throughout their entire lifecycle.