HAZOP study is to carefully review a process or operation in a systematic manner to determine whether deviations from the design or operational intent can lead to undesirable consequences. This technique can be used for continuous or batch processes and can be adopted to evaluate written procedures. The HAZOP team lists potential causes and consequences of the deviation as well as existing safeguards protecting against the deviation. When the team determines that inadequate safeguards exist for a credible deviation, it usually recommends the action be taken to reduce the risk.

Objective of carrying out a HAZOP study:

  • To check a design
  • To decide whether and where to build
  • To decide whether to buy a piece of equipment
  • To obtain a list of questions to put to a supplier
  • To check running instructions
  • To improve the safety of existing facilities

HAZOP Team:

In addition to the Chairman and scribe, the HAZOP team comprises of the following personnel:

  • Design consultant / Project Manager
  • Production Manager
  • Chemical engineer / Chemist
  • Maintenance Manager
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Instrument Engineer
  • Quality Control Engineer

Role of HAZOP study:

  • Facilitate/lead the team to carry out highly structured and systematic examination sessions
  • Use of standard guide words and suitable simulation tool
  • Control the discussion so that meaningful results are obtained
  • Record the discussions and submit the report to the management

There are many different methodologies used to conduct Process Hazard Analysis (PHAs), however HAZOPs are the most widely used in the process industries today. HAZOP is a highly-structured hazard identification technique which is appropriate for use in both the design phase and during all operations stages of the facility life cycle. It can be used to analyze risks for the process itself and its procedures.

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