Just in Time Supports Inherently Safer Technology

In situ generation of hazardous chemicals is safer and leaner than storage

In their article “Deconstructing Inherently Safe Technology,” authors Glenn Hess and Jeff Johnson warn of the risks that result from high inventories of hazardous chemicals, and cite four approaches to inherently safer technology (IST):
1. Minimize inventories of hazardous chemicals
2. Replace hazardous chemicals with safer ones
3. Moderate risks with less intensive (e.g., pressure and temperature) processes
4. Remove unnecessary complexity from facilities. This includes in situ generation of hazardous chemicals; that is, the reaction consumes them as rapidly as they are produced. (This is pull production control at its finest.)

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Comments

Evolution?

Excellent article. Could you comment on the cause of the lack of logic implied by the continuation of the risky practices you describe? Is it that new technologies allow companies to reduce risk - so the cost and effort of adoption are the issues? Is the investment in the (new) technologies justified by risk to the company - ignoring the shared risk to society?

There will always be human error

I think that making sure all the hazardous chemicals are properly taken care of and monitored is the most important step in keeping the stuff in safe storage. There will always be human error and we need to do our best however we can!