Hazard and operability study (HAZOP)
Hazard and operability study is a methodology for identifying and dealing with potential problems in industrial processes, particularly those which would create a hazardous situation or a severe impairment of the process. It is commonly known as HAZOP. It is most widely used method of hazard analysis in the process industries, notably the chemical, petrochemical and nuclear industries.
Hazard & Operability Study is done to review the design and operation of the hazardous facility. In this study, a team comprising of Plant personnel and Safetymaster experts is constituted. This team identifies all causes of deviation from usual safe operations that can lead to any safety hazard or operability issue.
The method applies to processes (existing or planned) for which design information is available. This commonly includes a Process flow diagram, which is examined in small sections, such as individual items of equipment or pipes between them.
The hazop team explores all the possible causes of the problem and its consequences. After this, 'actions to be taken' are decided upon by the team. All the discussion and decisions are appropriately recorded and comprehensive hazop study report is prepared.
As a basis for the HAZOP study the following information should be available:
The hazop team explores all the possible causes of the problem and its consequences. After this, 'actions to be taken' are decided upon by the team. All the discussion and decisions are appropriately recorded and comprehensive hazop study report is prepared.
As a basis for the HAZOP study the following information should be available:
- Process flow diagrams
- Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
- Layout diagrams
- Material safety data sheets
- Provisional operating instructions
- Heat and material balances
- Equipment data sheets Start-up and emergency shut-down procedures
