Q. Principal design criterion of Plant layout?

Safety-in-Design is a key factor associated with the layout design of any facility. The principal design criterion is to minimize or eliminate hazards in an environment where risk mitigation is critical to overall safety of the operating facilities, site personnel and the environment.

The design safety philosophy is intended to provide a basis for facility design that ensures all health, safety and environmental hazards with the potential to jeopardize the integrity of the project are kept at a minimum. Throughout the lifecycle of the installation, emphasis is placed on:

• Segregation of high-risk facilities or equipment from less hazardous operations and equipment.

• Minimum damage to equipment and prevention of long downtime or production deferment.

• Minimum involvement of adjacent facilities in a fire.

• Protection of the environment using best available technology not entailing excessive cost and achieving compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Facilities that are cost-effective to construct, transport, install, hook-up and commission, and operate.

• Facilities are accessible for all operations and maintenance activities.

• Critical emergency facilities are accessible for operators to perform emergency shutdown actions in the event of a fire or explosion.

• Available access for fire fighting.

• Site security.

• No danger or nuisance to persons or facilities beyond the adjacent property lines.