In process safety, what are "barriers" intended to do?

Barriers in process safety are designed primarily to prevent incidents or mitigate their consequences. This concept is rooted in the principle of layers of protection, where multiple safeguards are established to reduce the likelihood of a process safety event. These barriers can take various forms, including engineering controls (such as safety systems and equipment), administrative controls (such as safety procedures and training), and even physical barriers that limit the spread of harmful substances.

By implementing effective barriers, organizations can reduce the probability of incidents occurring and limit the severity of any incidents that do occur. This is crucial in a process safety context, where the aim is to protect not only the workforce but also the surrounding environment and community. Therefore, understanding barriers is fundamental for managing risks associated with hazardous processes.