What is a HAZOP?
HAZOP stands for hazard and operability study and is internationally recognised as a technique for process hazard analysis and identification, risk assessment and the implementation of process projects.
The assessment is used to identify potential dangers and operability problems concerning technological and organisational objects that have the potential to deviate from the original design intent. The study is completed using an analysis of the resistance of an object to artificially modelled deviations.
It does this by applying simple guidewords (for example, More Less, None etc) to process parameters (for example pressure flow, temperature, concentration etc) in a robust and systematic manner.
Our HAZOP studies include:
- Independent, qualified and experienced chair and scribe
- Batch and continuous processes
- Node (HAZOP) and System (HAZID) definition prior to workshops
- Use of dedicated recording software
- Optional Risk Ranking (both raw and residual). Useful for ALARP demonstration and Integrity Level Assessment
- Separate prioritised actions/recommendations report, in Excel to allow easier export to a tracking system
- Option for actions/recommendations review meeting/follow-up
Detect potential hazard and operability issues with our HAZOP solutions
The Sigma-HSE Advantage
Sigma-HSE offer onsite and online HAZOP strategies and solutions with our experienced technical consultants. Our leaders have a vast array of knowledge and expertise in industrial process safety which they bring to HAZOP leadership.
Our dedicated HAZOP team consisting of leaders, scribes and consultants with specialist process knowledge have years of industry experience and can apply multiple techniques across a range of industries and businesses. We have undertaken studies across the full range of the processing industries (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, explosives, food & hygiene, waste, onshore oil & gas, etc) and processing operations (chemical reaction technology, storage and transfer systems, incineration systems etc). Our team of experts are committed to helping you ensure and maintain compliance without the exorbitant fees and delay to your operations.
We also offer bespoke HAZOP training packages to aid in developing your hazard identification understanding.
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Frequently asked questions
Why undertake a HAZOP?
The HAZOP study is used to identify potential dangers and operability problems concerning technological and organisational objects that have the potential to deviate from the original design intent. The study is completed using an analysis of the resistance of an object to artificially modelled deviations.
It does this by applying simple guidewords (for example, More Less, None etc) to process parameters (for example pressure flow, temperature, concentration etc) in a robust and systematic manner.
What is the time frame for completing a HAZOP?
A HAZOP should be conducted during the early stages of process design where all possible desirable and undesirable behaviours of the system are applied. The design should essentially have been determined and fixed, and fully represented in the form of a Process and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID).
At this stage, the detailed design and specific process equipment items will be known (for example, the type of pump used; maximum pressure and flow rate that the pump can deliver, materials for construction of the pump etc). The obtained data during this study will help industry experts to ensure timely responses to potential dangers and make necessary adjustments to the project to eliminate the possibilities of residual risks in later design stages.
The methodology ensures that the process, its potential deviations, and the protection systems employed to ensure safety are fully understood by the business.
What happens during and after a HAZOP study?
During a HAZOP study, a team of specialists from various scientific disciplines work under the leadership of a HAZOP chair/HAZOP leader/HAZOP facilitator to systematically examine relevant parts of a project or system. These experts may include those with specialist mechanical engineering knowledge, process safety knowledge and design engineers. The HAZOP applies different methodologies that are suitable for potential hazard identification and health problems. This may include checklists and the analysis of the types of dangers and consequences of failures. Based on the study, experts then prepare final documentation for business projects.
After undertaking a HAZOP, specific scenarios are generated and then prioritised by risk. With a selection of safety, prevention, control and mitigation measures recorded, outputs can then be used to analyse multiple scenarios before the potential use of any further studies (for example, Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA)) to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the measures appropriately meet recognised risk tolerability criteria.
Do you offer online HAZOP solutions?
Sigma-HSE offer onsite and online HAZOP strategies and solutions with our experienced technical consultants. Our leaders have a vast array of knowledge and expertise in industrial process safety which they bring to HAZOP leadership.
Online HAZOPs have the added advantage of bringing together teams from different sites and different countries to share their knowledge and understanding of common process issues without lost travel time or accommodation expenses. Our other online solutions for process safety also include HAZID, What-If, LOPA sessions, FERA, QRA, Dispersion and Consequence Modelling, desktop HAC, ATEX and DSEAR assessments for new and existing plants.
How to start a Successful HAZOP Study via an Experienced Facilitator
What is a HAZOP? A Guide to a Navigating Complex Processes
