How do you update and review HAZID results throughout the project lifecycle?

Updating and reviewing HAZID results throughout the project lifecycle is crucial for ensuring the ongoing safety of the project. HAZID results should be revisited during key project phases, such as design reviews, construction, commissioning, and operation. This involves reviewing the identified hazards, assessing changes in the project scope or design, and updating risk assessments as needed. Additionally, it's important to monitor the effectiveness of implemented control measures and identify any new hazards that may have emerged. By regularly updating and reviewing HAZID results, you can proactively address potential safety risks and maintain a safe working environment throughout the project lifecycle.

While performing the HAZID in basic engineering phase of the project is a must, an update to the pre-existing study or a supplementary HAZID would be of great benefit in mid detailed engineering phase (say after 30% 3D model review). At this stage more sub-systems could be identified and more accurate data such as selected chemicals, piping routes, grading etc. would be available. This would become essential in case new neighboring facilities have been added or significant modifications are made to the plot plan.

We typically conduct HAZID in two phases during the project. First, we perform conceptual HAZID during the feasibility phase to aid decision-making. Then, a more detailed HAZID is carried out during the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) as input to design and other safety studies. Some specific types of Hazard Identification can also be conducted during Fabrication/Construction, Installation, Hook-up and Commissioning, and drilling (for Upstream Projects). However, these are not PHA HAZID but rather activity-specific hazard identification.

It is not a common practice to update HAZID for construction phase. However, in case there are certain HAZID Recommendation for construction phase, the responsible party shall thoroughly follow the order. Yet at this phase other specific studies such as SIMOPS may be required.

Updates to previously performed HAZID’s at design stage might be of great benefit and might also deem necessary in case noticeable changes are made to the existing facility. Imagine a facility receiving its feed from tie-ins at plant battery limit which decides to incorporate a feed liquified HC tank to reduce dependability. A high inventory of HC with high pressure, never existing beforehand, poses new HAZARD which shall be IDENTIFIED through a HAZID session.

For a HAZID study to reach a satisfactory level of quality it is of great importance a complete set of experts with active contribution be required. While the HAZID chairman (facilitator) may have great experience and insightful ideas, there are multiple items that require the team contribution. Operation people, as per my experience, play a significantly effective role since there exist multiple gaps between design and operation procedures with ongoing common practices in oil and energy facilities. Also, care shall be taken to the study structure in advance. A procedure having the approval of all parties shall be available beforehand. It shall clarify selected guide words and risk ranking methods; ISO17776 may not suffice for your project.

Using a combination of methods to analyze a complex system is essential as each method has unique strengths and weaknesses. Relying on just one method might result in underestimating or overlooking certain risks. It is strongly recommended to combine HAZOP and HAZID (e.g. What-If analysis) for a more comprehensive and robust analysis.