HAZOP Studies

Abstract

Hazard and operability studies (HAZOPs), also termed HAZOP analyses or just HAZOPS, are systematic team reviews of process operations to determine what can go wrong and to identify where existing safeguards are inadequate and risk-reduction actions are needed. HAZOP Studies are typically performed on process operations involving hazardous materials and energies. The first step in the HAZOP Study is to divide the review scope into nodes or process segments. Nodes are generally studied in the same direction as the normal process flow. The design intent should identify the equipment associated with the node including source and destination locations, the intended functions of the equipment, relevant parameters and their limits of safe operation, and the process materials involved including their composition limits. The chapter also focuses on continuous operations, procedure-based operations, and determining the adequacy of safeguards.