The standard requires that consideration shall be given to the elimination of the hazards and emphasizes the primary importance of eliminating hazards at source (7.4.2.2 and note to 7.4.2.4 of IEC 61508-1).

This could be, for example, by the application of inherent safety principles or the application of good engineering practice. However, detailed guidance on hazard elimination is not provided in the standard.

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