Normalisation of Deviance: When ‘Good Enough’ Becomes Dangerous

Gary Carrithers, senior principal engineer, Thomas Williams, technical director of PHA services & Darshankumar Lakhani, senior manager of engineering at ABS Consulting show how normalisation of deviance increases the risk of hazardous incidents  Making small adjustments to standard procedures, like filling tanks just a bit higher for efficiency, or pushing equipment slightly beyond design parameters, might seem like harmless deviations. But gradually, they become the ‘new normal’ when they achieve the desired outcomes. This sociological phenomenon, known as ‘normalisation of deviance,’ increases the risk of hazardous incidents in low-pressure storage tank operations. The consequences extend far beyond operational inefficiencies. Mechanical integrity issues that give way to failures can prove catastrophic, endangering personnel and surrounding communities. Dangerous hazards such as tank overfills, releases, fires and explosions often trace their origins to normalised deviations that have slowly eroded layers of protection. Understanding this gradual drift from safety standards, and combating normalisation of deviance, is essential for preventing disasters at...