What type of safeguard is nitrogen inerting considered?

Nitrogen inerting is classified as an active safeguard because it involves the deliberate implementation of a system to reduce the risk of fire or explosion in processes where flammable materials are present. When nitrogen is introduced into an environment, it displaces oxygen, effectively creating an inert atmosphere that prevents combustion. This action requires monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness since it is not a natural or spontaneous process; rather, it necessitates a control mechanism to function properly.

In the context of process safety management, active safeguards are designed to respond to specific hazards in real time, often requiring human intervention, mechanical action, or use of auxiliary systems. This distinguishes them from passive safeguards, which, while essential, do not require explicit action once they are in place; they function automatically or rely on their inherent properties. Proactive measures are those taken to prevent incidents before they occur, while reactive measures address incidents after they have happened. Nitrogen inerting fits squarely into the category of active safeguards due to its essential role in actively managing safety during hazardous operations.