Handbook for Process Safety in Laboratories and Pilot Plants

Part 8 – Conclusion

The Risk Based Process Safety (RBPS) Management system is an effective framework for managing process safety risks. The elements of RBPS align with the hazards and experimental processes of Laboratories and Pilot Plants (LAPPs). Controlling these hazards includes hazards identification, consequence evaluation, and risk analysis. This book provides methods for determining the controls needed to manage LAPP risks. Implementing a risk‐based model can help quantify risks and then prioritize risk control and mitigation efforts.

Research leadership is important to establishing a strong safety culture, which is the foundation for a strong process safety program. Leadership begins with the top administrators, includes those managing and overseeing the LAPP programs, ultimately landing on the shoulders of the principal investigators. This book has provided practical information for principal investigators to understand and fulfill their laboratory or pilot plant responsibilities.

A process safety incident such as a toxic release, fire, or explosion, will impact research and development programs. There have been too many LAPP incidents that have caused injuries and fatalities, as well as damage to property and reputation. Implementing Risk Based Process Safety (RBPS) systems are essential for successful research and development efforts, including strengthening safety culture, understanding the hazards and risks, managing those risks, reaching the goals, and driving ...