When discussing culture, the age old question of nature versus nurture is brought up. According to Edward Tylor (1871), no matter how complex the concept of culture is, culture can be learned. Although, Tylor’s work addresses concepts and topics from an anthropological point of view, his ideas are applicable when analyzing and developing a process safety culture, a crucial aspect in chemical engineering practice and education.
The primary objective of this contribution is to highlight five main areas that delimit human behavior and conduct and therefore are key in the development of a process safety culture.
Knowledge, beliefs, laws, morals, customs, and habits are confronted with the typical practical concepts on this area such as risk, management, events, effects, hazards, assessment, inspections, awareness, etc.
Lastly, this contribution intends to show from an educational point of view what cognitive levels are potential activators and precursors of a well-rounded process safety culture. The focus, in this case, is demonstrating what and how rather than where and when which are also important. This academic approach seeks to provide examples of training and early readiness and preparation for field work.