Introduction

Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction to the process industries and the development of chemical engineering as a distinct technical discipline. It emphasises that the book is a general introduction to a vast subject and is designed to raise awareness and guide the reader to more detailed sources of information. The differences between occupational safety and process safety are discussed. The chapter also summarises the life cycle of a process plant from conception, through the various design stages, construction and commissioning to operation and, eventually, demolition. This provides the structure around which Chapters 11 – 17 are constructed. Finally, a brief introduction to the important concepts of acceptability of risk, regulation, documentation and change management is provided. The chapter concludes with a list of key definitions.