Inherently Safer Design

Little has been published on a methodology regarding ways to identify hazards and ensure their control at the time of design or in the construction planning stages. A recent study by the Hazard Information Foundation Inc (HIFI) reveals that for more than 50 years, a great body of knowledge has existed for the system safety analysis of design for failure modes and how they can be avoided by engineering or the use of appliances. This study is an original development of five principles that rely on the author's previous publications and the listed references. The five principles assembled in the HIFI study can be applied to every aspect of design engineering, although the study explores the broad subject of designing for construction. These are: 1. Define the term hazard. 2. Establish a standard for safe design. 3. Categorize the hazard. 4. Use the safe design hierarchy to physically control hazards. 5. Control the hazard with the appropriate design improvement/appliance.