AbstractThe classic reference from CCPS “Inherently Safer Chemical Processes, A Life Cycle Approach”, 1st edition, 1996, was updated in 2006–2007. The goal of this book is to influence the future state of chemical process evolution by illustrating and emphasizing the merits of integrating process research, development, and design into a comprehensive process that balances safety, capital, and environmental concerns throughout the life cycle of the process. The authors hope that this book will influence the next generation of engineers and chemists as well as current practitioners and managers in the field of chemical processing.Lessons learned since the first edition of the CCPS® inherent safety concept book in 1996, combined with the fact that inherently safer design (ISD) is becoming more widely accepted prompted CCPS® to update the book. Also, since 1996, several jurisdictions have mandated consideration of ISD for certain facilities, and such requirements have been proposed at the Federal level in the United States. In particular, there is a need for more guidance, especially in practical, step‐wise approaches to conduct inherently safer studies. This new edition builds on the first edition with the same philosophy but clarifies the concept with recent research and thoughts of practitioners, added examples, added more industry methods, security issues, and a discussion on regulatory issues. A key feature of the new book is the clarification of the meaning of ISD by setting the 1st and 2nd orders of ISD. This is distinguished from layers of protection and other traditional process safety concepts.Numerous added examples and checklists make this a very practical guide and a good edition to the library of anyone involved in process risk management. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008