HAZOP vs HAZID Studies: Understanding the Differences
As industries continue to prioritise safety in their operations, hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies have become crucial steps in managing potential risk for complex workplace operations.
Two commonly used methodologies are Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP).
While both are used to identify and mitigate hazards and risks, they differ in their approaches and applications.
In this short article, we’ll provide a quick overview of the differences and similarities between HAZID and HAZOP alongside their purposes and benefits, in order to provide an understanding of these critical process safety tools.
What is a HAZID (Hazard Identification Study)?
HAZID studies, short for Hazard Identification, are a proactive approach used to identify potential hazards and assess risks associated with a system or process.
It involves a systematic and structured analysis to identify hazards early in the design or operational phase of a project.
HAZID aims to uncover all possible hazards, including those that may not be apparent.
This is completed by considering various scenarios and identifying hazards and deviations from normal operating conditions.
It typically involves a multidisciplinary team with expertise in different aspects of the system or process under the risk assessment above, such as engineering, operations, maintenance, and safety.
What is HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study)?
On the other hand, HAZOP, which stands for Hazard and Operability Study, is a more detailed and in-depth methodology used to identify potential hazards and assess risks in a process or system during the design or operational phase.
HAZOP involves a systematic and structured examination of each individual element of the system or process to identify deviations from normal operating conditions that may result in hazards or undesirable consequences.
It is typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team with in-depth knowledge of the system or process being assessed.
Differences in Purpose when Identifying Potential Hazards
The main difference between HAZID and HAZOP lies in their purpose and scope.
HAZID
A HAZID is typically performed at an early stage of a project or during the design phase, to identify and assess possible hazards and risks associated with the overall system or process.
It aims to identify a broad range of hazards and assess their potential causes and consequences, without delving into detailed operational aspects.
HAZOP
A HAZOP, which can be completed in a similar time frame to the HAZID, is performed in more detail and focuses on each individual element of a system or process.
The HAZOP study aims to identify deviations from normal operating conditions that may lead to hazards or undesirable consequences and provides a more thorough and comprehensive analysis compared to HAZID.
Methodology of HAZID
The methodology of HAZID typically involves the following steps:
Defining the system or process being assessed and establishing the objectives and scope of the analysis.
Assembling a multidisciplinary team with relevant expertise.
Conducting brainstorming sessions to identify possible hazards, considering various scenarios and deviations from normal operating conditions.
Assessing the risks associated with each identified hazard based on their likelihood of occurrence, the severity of consequences, and the ability to detect and prevent them.
Documenting the findings and recommendations for further action.
Methodology of HAZOP
The methodology of HAZOP typically involves the following steps:
Defining the system or process being assessed and establishing the objectives and scope of the analysis.
Assembling a multidisciplinary team with in-depth knowledge of the system or process.
Identifying each individual element of the system or process and systematically examining them using guide words such as “No,” “More,” “Less,” “As Well As”, “Part of,” “Reverse,” etc.
Identifying potential deviations from normal operating conditions and their consequences, including hazards and undesirable consequences.
Assessing the hazards and risks associated with each identified deviation.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between a HAZID and a HAZOP study is essential in ensuring the safety of operations within various industries.
HAZID is a proactive approach that aims to identify potential hazards early in the process design or operational phase, while HAZOP is a more detailed and in-depth methodology that focuses on each individual element of the system or process.
By leveraging these methodologies, businesses can reduce the risks associated with their operations and improve overall safety outcomes and ultimately protect business, people, workplace and the environment from catastrophic consequences.
