3254 Guidance on applying inherent safety in design – Reducing process safety hazards whilst optimising CAPEX and OPEX

Traditional process safety approaches have often required ‘add-on’ safety systems that are costly to install and maintain for projects. By comparison, inherent safety in design (ISD) provides the opportunity to eliminate hazards or reduce their severity or likelihood through better design, with the potential to reduce overall capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX).

This technical publication was developed to assist project managers and engineers in better understanding ISD and its practical application during the early stages of design and in modifications to existing facilities. The objectives are to reduce the severity of hazards at source by elimination or minimisation, or to reduce the likelihood by simplification of the design. It addresses the following questions:

• What is inherent safety?
• What are the benefits of ISD?
• How can ISD be promoted in projects?
• How can ISD be practically applied during the design stages?

The scope of this 3rd edition was expanded beyond the original focus on the UK offshore oil and gas sector to encompass large and small organisations in the global energy industry. It provides high-level coverage of low-carbon fuels and other potentially hazardous substances emerging from the energy transition and includes additional case studies and examples of ISD principles applied during the different design stages.

Whilst this technical publication is aimed primarily at the design of new installations, it may also be applied to design reviews and projects involving upgrades and modifications to existing facilities. Its guidance should be applicable internationally, provided it is read, interpreted and applied in conjunction with relevant national and local statutory legislation.