DHS S&T  Exploring Inherently Safer Technology

Read the Final Report: Definition for Inherently Safer Technology in Production, Transportation, Storage, and Use 

The US Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC), part of the Directorate of Science and Technology, has initiated an effort to enhance the safety and security of hazardous chemicals.  As a first step, AIChE’s Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) has received a contract to develop a formal scientific and technical definition of Inherently Safer Technology (IST).  This definition is intended to help inform discussions of the role of IST in chemical plant and refinery security. 
 
CCPS, the world’s leading organization advancing the practice of process safety in chemical plants, refineries, and related facilities, has published significant work on the subject of IST, most recently the book “Inherently Safer Processes, a Lifecycle Approach (2nd edition)”.   The contract will enable CCPS to consider IST in a broader context, including addressing risk-shifting from one part of the lifecycle to another as well as the application of “Inherent” concepts to security vulnerability.
 
“It is clear that the concept IST can be, and has been used to address process safety issues in chemical plants and refineries,” said Scott Berger, Executive Director of CCPS.  “When considered in the security context, we must also think about the broader supply chain so that risk is not shifted from one site to another with no net reduction in risk.  We must also consider the degree to which IST impacts security, as the impact on safety and security may be different.”

“IST is one tool in the toolkit for improving security and safety within the chemical supply chain,” said George Famini, Director of CSAC.  “Understanding all of these tools and how they can be used to reduce the risk of a terrorist or catastrophic incident on a chemical facility or on chemicals in transit is critical.”
 
A workshop for technical experts on the subject of IST was held on February 25th in Houston, TX.  The final report for this effort was presented on March 21 at the Global Congress on Process Safety in San Antonio, TX.