In which order should the designer apply inherently safer design strategies?

The correct order for applying inherently safer design strategies begins with the most effective and fundamental approaches before considering less effective options. Starting with inherent safety design means eliminating hazards at the source rather than controlling them later through additional systems or procedures. This foundational approach emphasizes designing processes and systems that are fundamentally safer, minimizing risks from the outset.

Next, implementing passive strategies involves using physical features or design elements that inherently reduce risk without active intervention or the need for human response. These can include barriers, containment systems, or architectural designs that reduce the likelihood of hazardous events occurring.

Following passive approaches, active safety measures are introduced. These strategies involve systems or technologies that respond to incidents once they occur. Examples might include emergency shutdown systems or alarms that activate when a hazard is detected.

Finally, procedural safety measures encompass practices and guidelines that can help manage risks but are reliant on human action and behavior. These include safety training, operational protocols, and other administrative controls.

Overall, this order—Inherent, Passive, Active, Procedural—ensures that safety is prioritized from the start by focusing on eliminating hazards before relying on management or control systems to mitigate them.