Principles of accident prevention

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1.jpg To prevent accidents, it is first necessary to understand the principles behind accident occurrence and control, that is, the principles of accident prevention. 　　The so-called accident prevention principles are a theoretical framework that explains how accidents occur, why they happen, and how measures can be taken to prevent them. It takes casualty accidents as its research subject, exploring issues such as the causes of accidents and their interrelationships, as well as the control of those causal factors. 　　In specific engineering technical countermeasures for accident prevention, the following technical principles generally need to be followed. 　　(1) The principle of eliminating potential hazards means that essentially removing accident risks is an ideal, proactive, and progressive measure for accident prevention. The basic approach is to replace old, unsafe systems and processes with new ones, using advanced technologies and methods, in order to eliminate the possibility of accidents from the root. For example, replacing flammable materials with non-flammable ones; using detonator tubes instead of fuses for initiation; improving machinery and equipment to eliminate hazards associated with human operation and the working environment, as well as reducing the impact of noise and dust toxins on humans – all these measures help to achieve occupational safety and health in a fundamental sense. 　　(2) The principle of reducing the values of potential risk factors is to minimize the system’s level of risk, even when it is not possible to eliminate the systemic risks altogether, so as to reduce the severity of the consequences in the event of an accident. For example, drill tools use double-layer insulation; transformers are employed to reduce the voltage in the circuits; safety valves and pressure relief valves are installed in high-pressure containers to prevent hazards from occurring, etc. 　　(3) The principle of redundancy involves improving the safety factor of a system and increasing its safety margin through measures such as multiple backups and support systems. Measures such as reducing the rated power in industrial production; increasing the strength of steel cables; using twin engines in aircraft systems; and adding backup units or equipment to the system. 　　(4) Lockout principle: In the system, mechanical interlocks or electrical interlocks of certain original components are used as conditions to ensure safety. Such as safety interlocks for stamping machinery, door interlock devices installed on metal shearing machine rooms, and automatic circuit protectors, etc. 　　(5) Energy barrier principle: A barrier is placed between people, objects, and hazard sources to prevent accidental energy from affecting them, thereby ensuring the safety of people and equipment. Things such as safety nets for work at heights in construction and reactor containment structures all serve as barriers. 　　(6) Principle of distance protection: When the harmful effects of dangerous and hazardous factors decrease as distance increases, it is necessary to keep as much distance as possible between people and the source of danger. Hazardous factors such as noise sources and radiation sources can have their harmful effects reduced by applying this principle. Chemical plants being built away from residential areas, and the control of safe distances during blasting operations, are examples of this. 　　(7) The principle of time protection is to reduce the amount of time a person is exposed to danger or stays in areas with harmful factors, bringing it to a safe level. For tasks such as mining radioactive minerals or working with radioactive substances, the working hours are reduced; the safety limits for dust, toxic gases, and noise decrease as the duration of exposure to these elements increases. 　　(8) Weak link principle: This involves introducing weak links into the system, in order to achieve overall system safety at the cost of minimal, localized losses. Such as fuses in electrical circuits, safety valves in boilers, explosion-proof membranes in gas generators, pressure relief valves in pressure vessels, etc. They cause damage before dangerous situations arise, thereby releasing or blocking energy to ensure the safety of the entire system. 　　(9) Principle of robustness: This is a countermeasure that is the opposite of the principle of weak links. That is, to ensure its security by increasing the system’s strength. Such as increasing the safety factor and enhancing structural strength. 　　(10) Principles of personal protection: Appropriate protective equipment and supplies should be provided based on the nature and conditions of different tasks. Take passive measures to reduce the harm or losses caused by accidents and disasters. 　　(11) Principle of replacing operators: When it is impossible to eliminate and control hazardous and harmful factors, machines, manipulators, automatic controllers, or robots are used to replace certain human operations, thereby preventing harm to the human body caused by such hazardous and harmful factors. 　　(12) Principles of warning and prohibition messages: Light, sound, color, or other signs are used as means to convey organizational and technical information in order to ensure safety. Such as posters, safety signs, board warnings, etc.