Which practice best supports ongoing safety for reactivity hazards?

• A. Do nothing.
• B. No training required.
• C. Infrequent audits.
• D. Implement SDS, compatibility charts, HAZOP/LOPA, labeling, and risk assessments.

Answer: (D)

Ongoing safety for reactivity hazards hinges on a proactive, documented approach to risk management that stays current and actionable over time. Using Safety Data Sheets, compatibility charts, HAZOP/LOPA analyses, labeling, and formal risk assessments creates a living safety system. SDS provides up-to-date hazard information for each chemical, guiding handling and storage decisions. Compatibility charts help prevent dangerous combinations that could trigger unwanted reactions. HAZOP and LOPA identify potential process deviations and layering of protections, offering a structured way to uncover and mitigate risks before incidents occur. Clear labeling ensures critical hazard information is visible at the point of use, reducing the chance of missteps. Regular risk assessments help prioritize controls and track their effectiveness, supporting continuous improvement as processes, materials, or conditions change.

Choices that imply inaction (doing nothing), bypassing training, or skipping reviews (infrequent audits) cannot maintain safety because they leave gaps in knowledge, communication, and verification. Without these elements, reactions are more likely to be mishandled, and evolving risks may go unnoticed.