Inherent safety design includes guiding principles to eliminate or reduce hazards at the source. Which of the following is a guiding principle?

• A. Substitute with less hazardous materials
• B. Rely on administrative controls only
• C. Maximize energy release
• D. Increase system complexity

Answer: (A)

Inherent safety design focuses on eliminating hazards or reducing them at the source through design choices rather than relying on add-on controls. Substituting with less hazardous materials is a guiding principle because it removes or minimizes the hazard before it can cause harm. For example, using a safer solvent or reagent reduces the potential for exposure or an energetic release. Relying on administrative controls only depends on people and procedures rather than eliminating the hazard, so it isn’t an inherent safety choice. Maximizing energy release and increasing system complexity both increase risk, which is opposite to the goal of inherent safety.