Which approach involves replacing a hazardous material with a less hazardous alternative?

The approach that involves replacing a hazardous material with a less hazardous alternative is best captured by the concept of the inherently safer approach. This approach emphasizes the importance of designing processes and systems in a manner that inherently reduces or eliminates hazards, rather than simply managing or mitigating them after they have been identified.

By substituting hazardous materials with those that pose a lower risk, the potential for accidents, exposure, and negative environmental impacts is significantly diminished. For instance, if a chemical in a manufacturing process is known to be highly toxic, substituting it with a non-toxic or less toxic alternative can drastically improve safety for workers and the surrounding community.

Inherently safer design therefore encompasses not only the act of substituting materials but also considers overall reductions in risk through a more fundamental redesign of processes. It seeks to make safety a natural part of the system rather than an add-on feature, fostering a safer working environment without compromising efficiency or performance.