Integrated inherent safety index (I2SI): A tool for inherent safety evaluation

TLDR

Inherent safety is a proactive, cost‑effective risk‑management strategy that is most effective when applied early in process design, yet its adoption remains limited due to a lack of systematic evaluation tools. This paper presents a conceptual framework for an integrated inherent safety index (I2SI). The I2SI integrates hazard potential, inherent safety potential, and add‑on control requirements across the process life cycle, enabling economic evaluation of each design option. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 23: 136–148, 2004.

Abstract

Abstract Inherent safety is a proactive approach for loss prevention and risk management. Considering the lifetime costs of a process and its operation, an inherent safety approach can lead to a cost‐optimal option. Inherent safety may be achieved at any stage of process design; however, its application at the early stages of process design yields the best results. Despite being an attractive and cost‐effective approach, the inherent safety methodology is not widely used. Many reasons have been attributed to this lack of widespread use; the nonavailability of systematic tools for the application of inherent safety principles is perhaps the most important reason. This paper presents a conceptual framework of an integrated inherent safety index (I2SI). It is called an integrated index because the procedure, when fully developed, is intended to consider the life cycle of the process with economic evaluation and hazard potential identification for each option. The I2SI is composed of subindices which account for hazard potential, inherent safety potential, and add‐on control requirements. An application of the I2SI is also discussed. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 23: 136–148, 2004