What are the four principles of inherently safer design?

• A. Elimination, Substitution, Minimization, and Standardization.
• B. Elimination, Substitution, Minimization, and Documentation.
• C. Elimination, Substitution, Minimization, and Maximization.
• D. Elimination, Substitution, Minimization, and Simplification.

Answer: (D)

Inherently safer design focuses on eliminating or reducing hazards at the design stage using four guiding approaches. Elimination means removing the hazardous element entirely so it no longer exists in the process. Substitution involves using a safer substitute for the hazardous material or process. Minimization lowers the risk by reducing quantities, concentrations, inventories, or the energy involved, and by limiting exposure. Simplification aims to make the system less complex, reducing potential interaction points and failure modes. Together, these strategies prevent incidents by design rather than relying on after-the-fact controls. That’s why the correct set is elimination, substitution, minimization, and simplification. Some references use the term moderation for the third principle, but the idea remains the same.