What does a preventive safeguard aim to achieve within an inherently safer design?

A preventive safeguard in the context of inherently safer design is focused on preventing potential hazardous situations before they can occur. This proactive approach means identifying risks and implementing strategies that eliminate or significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents happening in the first place. By designing processes and systems that inherently contain less risk, such as using less hazardous materials or simplifying processes, preventive safeguards contribute to a safer working environment and reduce the need for reactive measures that address incidents after they happen.

This concept is integral to inherently safer design because it emphasizes designing out hazards rather than merely managing or controlling them after they’ve been introduced into the system. It supports the overall goal of reducing risks at the source, rather than relying solely on protective measures or emergency responses after an event has occurred.