What is the primary distinction between active and passive safety measures?

The primary distinction between active and passive safety measures lies in their fundamental approaches to safety management. Active measures are designed to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place. They involve direct intervention or actions that individuals or systems can take to avoid hazards or mitigate risks. Examples include using safety equipment, following safety protocols, and engaging in training that prepares personnel to recognize and respond to potential dangers.

On the other hand, passive measures are implemented to minimize the consequences in the event that an incident does occur. These are typically built into the design of systems or structures and do not require active participation once they are in place. For instance, safety barriers, crash-resistant structures, and alarm systems that activate automatically when a hazard is detected are all examples of passive measures. They serve to protect individuals and property by reducing the severity of an incident rather than preventing it outright.

In summary, active measures focus on preventing incidents through direct actions, while passive measures aim to lessen the impact of incidents when they do happen. Therefore, the correct response accurately reflects this distinction between the two types of safety measures.