The optimal time to control hazards is during the design phase for a process, facility, or project. Prevention Through Design (PtD) is a process that starts with identifying the hazard(s) and then eliminates the hazard(s) or reduces the risk to an acceptable level by applying the hierarchy of controls. PtD methodology has existed for many years, and NIOSH has a PtD initiative, including a recent workshop. Case studies illustrated that PtD is applicable to a wide range of hazards. In the chemical industry, pre-design review is used to select equipment to minimize leakage so that inhalation exposures are reduced. Process operator input is vital to minimize cognitive errors and ergonomic problems. In a new laboratory, noise is controlled because the facility design was adjusted after the design review identified low frequency noise as an exposure source. At another facility, noise is successfully controlled by procurement specifications on new equipment and a prioritized selection of control measures. At a fueling facility, PtD process eliminated some confined spaces, which pose significant hazards.
• The Process of Prevention Through Design: An Overview. J. Mroszczyk, Northeast Consulting Engineers, Inc., Danvers, MA.
• Prevention Through Design: A National Initiative. D.S. Heidel; NIOSH, Cincinnati, OH.
• Specification of Process Equipment for Worker Exposure Control. S. Bowes; ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Fairfax, VA.
• Incorporating Ergonomic and Human Factors Design Input from Refinery Workers. P. Owens; Shell Martinez Refinery, Martinez, CA.
• Beyond Regulatory Compliance: Impacts on Noise Quality from Ventilation System Design. J. Leung, Shell Oil, Houston, TX.
• Noise Control Case Studies for New and Existing Equipment in the Petrochemical Industry. A. Nowosiwsky; Exxon-Mobil Baton Rouge Area Manufacturing, Baton Rouge, LA.
• Design for Safety during the Renovation of Fueling Systems. G. Crawford; Weston Solutions Inc., West Chester, PA.