hazop study

Hiring the right independent facilitator for a HAZOP is crucial. Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is required for all industrial-scale plants that store or process flammable, toxic or environmentally hazardous materials. HAZOP is a common method used to check for hazards and operability issues for new or changed designs using a multi-discipline team.

New projects or developments
Projects with a potential for hazards to people or the environment need to conduct PHA by some method. HAZID can be applied in the early stages, and HAZOP is commonly applied when detailed P&ID drawings are available.
Existing process plants that store and process hazardous materials
Depending where you are in the world, there may be slightly different local standards or requirements for the frequency of reviews. Most companies review HAZOP studies at least every five years, even when major changes have not occurred.
Plant modifications and upgrades
Any plant modifications or upgrade must complete PHA on the proposed change.

Frequently Asked Questions about HAZOP Study

What is a PHA?

Process hazards analysis (PHA) is a general term used in the process industry sector for any kind of study that identifies hazards and potential sources of harm to people, environment and assets. A PHA can be done in many different ways.

What is a HAZOP Study?

HAZOP is short for a Hazard and Operability Study. This is a systematic technique used to identify hazards, consequences and safeguards for industrial processes.

When is the best time to do a HAZOP?

The timing of a HAZOP can vary, but it is often best approached when there is sufficient design information; when piping and instrumentation diagrams are available with a meaningful level of detail.

Who should get involved with HAZOP?

The duty holder should get someone experienced to lead the HAZOP activity and record team findings.
Plant operators and maintenance personnel.
Process experts.
Electrical, control and instrumentation.
Process safety / HSE representative.

Is LOPA part of HAZOP?

Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) can be combined with a HAZOP study provided this is decided in advance. LOPA takes selected HAZOP scenarios and determines the effectiveness of safeguards as truly independent protection layers (IPL).

In-Person or Remote HAZOP study

eFunctionalSafety has completed many HAZOP studies followed by Layer Of Protection Analysis (LOPA).

With our experienced leaders and specialist recording software, we can support your team to evaluate the hazards and risks posed by any industrial process or machine.

With the recent capability of web-conferencing and sharing of remote screens, we have become expert at hosting remote PHA/HAZOP's that are just as effective as in-person sessions.

For your PHA/HAZOP/LOPA we recommend the following packages:

aeShield® (aeFacilitator tool)
PHA Pro® - Sphera