Service - HAZOP Studies

The HAZOP (HAZard and OPerability) study methodology was first introduced by engineers from ICI chemicals in the mid 1970s.  After over 25 years useage it is firmly established as the most widely used technique for identifying deviations from design intent and assessing the potential consequences.

 

The study makes use of a team, selected for its expertise and experience in the process under review.  The team is guided, in a structured brainstorming session by an accredited HAZOP Team Leader (Chairman) and all minutes of the study are recorded by a Technical Secretary (also known as a Scribe).  The Chairman provides structure by using a set of guidewords to examine deviations from normal process conditions at various key points (also known as nodes) throughout the process, identify and evaluate their likely consequences and finally recommend measures to mitigate against potentially hazardous outcomes.  A HAZOP is sometimes known as a HAZOP II study.

 

HAZID (HAZard Identification) studies follow a very similar format to HAZOPs, although a different set of guidewords are used. HAZIDs are usually conducted prior to the start of detailed design of a process and are typically used to identify major hazards likely to impinge on the process under review.  Typical HAZID guidewords or phrases can include fire, explosion, dropped loads, environmental conditions and human factors.  A HAZID is sometimes known as a HAZOP I study.

 

HAZAN Studies

 

The term HAZard ANalysis (HAZAN) covers a range of techniques which are, as the phrase implies, used to analyse hazards.  Typically, this includes analysing the consequences of hazards and the safeguards for hazard prevention and / or mitigation. Many hazard techniques have been developed for a variety of different end requirements. Those that have gained most widespread use are:

 

·          Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

·          Event Tree Analysis (ETA)

·          Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)

 

We have widespread experience of all the above methodologies.  Our consultants have worked with many HAZAN related software packages including “Risk Spectrum PSA Professional” by Relcon, “PHA Professional” by Dyadem, “Fault Tree Plus” by Isograph and “RAMP” by Advantage.