Meet the Experts
Technical and Process Safety are critical terms describing the safety requirements in the design, operation, and handling of hazardous substances within the process industry. One of the fundamental methodologies used to ensure these safety requirements is the Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study. This blog explores the significance, process, and benefits of HAZOP, a key component in safeguarding operations.
What is HAZOP?
HAZOP sessions, conducted in compliance with IEC 61882:2017 (Hazard and Operability Studies Application Guide), are a vital part of Technical Safety. These sessions are multi-disciplinary and involve rigorous safety assessments, hazard identification, and the establishment of engineering and safety solutions to mitigate identified risks. HAZOP can be applied to new systems or used to upgrade existing process systems.
Using guidewords as aids, HAZOP identifies potential hazards associated with all aspects of a given operation and presents conclusive recommendations for risk mitigation.
Why Do Process Industries Need HAZOP Procedures?
Much like test running a system, HAZOP procedures take an in-depth look at the design system, identifying hazards associated with operations, step by step. A HAZOP ensures that all risks involved in a process operation are identified and that adequate safety measures are in place for risk mitigation.
The HAZOP Procedure
HAZOP procedures are conducted in a sequential order, typically as follows:
- Introduction and Training: Orienting the team with HAZOP principles and specific procedures.
- System Description: Providing a detailed overview of the system under review.
- Selecting Nodes: Identifying specific sections (nodes) of the system to analyze.
- Description & Design Intent: Understanding the intended operation of each node.
- Examining Deviations: Identifying deviations from normal operation.
- Identifying Causes: Determining the causes of these deviations.
- Evaluating Consequences: Assessing the potential consequences of the deviations.
- Considering Safeguards: Reviewing existing safety measures.
- Generating Recommendations: Proposing additional measures to mitigate identified risks.
An Illustration of HAZOP in Action
Consider a production plant where Node 1 involves a spectacle blind, numbered 2″-GL-A101-1500-020-00. If we examine a deviation such as “No Flow” and identify the cause as the inadvertent closure of the spectacle blind, several consequences can arise, such as:
- No production
- High-pressure rupture
- Loss of content (LOC)
- Fire and explosion
For each of these consequences, a risk level is calculated using the globally accepted 4×4 risk matrix method. Given the high probability and associated risk, safeguards are considered, whether they exist in the current design or need to be added. Finally, recommendations are made to mitigate the identified risks.
The Goal of HAZOP
The ultimate goal of HAZOP is to ensure that the process system or plant has adequate safety measures in place to bring safety risks down to a level that is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
Conclusion
At the end of a HAZOP session, a comprehensive workshop register and report are generated. This report includes all design information, changes, and elements agreed upon to close the HAZOP recommendations. The report is then presented to the project management team for implementation, ensuring that the safety measures are integrated into the system.
For more information on our products and services, please contact us at 08033814385 / 08037267341 / 08181648834 or via email at info@scspng.com. You can also visit our website at www.scspsng.com.
