How can you conduct process hazard analysis according to industry best practices?

In order to understand the Hazard and risk there are two main schools to be followed: - According to CCPS RBPS Element : the pillar foundational block “Understand Hazards and Risk” is included: o Process Knowledge Management. o Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis. - According to OSHA PSM/EPA RMP Elements: the pillar foundational block “Understand Hazards and Risk” is included: o Process Safety Information. o Process Hazard Analysis. This information collection will be referred to as process knowledge, or PSI. Work actions related to gathering, organizing, and making accessible a particular collection of data—which is often recorded in paper or electronic format—are included in the knowledge element.

Marked P&IDs for Nodes and those should be agreed upfront with relevant stakeholders If it is a revalidation hazop, aspects such as looking at process safety incidents within the facility to support appropriate risk ranking Above could be seen as data gathering exercise.

The PHA technique that is used should be the most suitable given the possible severity of the MAH risks at the site. Therefore, the following factors should be taken into account when selecting the PHA technique: ? The plant's age and level of maturity. ? The site's technical complexity. ? The quality of the information that is now available. ? The site personnel's competence and expertise in utilizing the several PHA techniques available. Thus, although a HAZOP would be carried every five years in a refinery or complex plant, a PHR with SIL-related materials may be considered more appropriate for a chemicals facility, whereas a "what if" study would be more appropriate for a less complex operation, like a distribution terminal .

Industry acceptance towards HAZOP is more when speaking about PHA. What-if and other risk assessments are for small modifications.

A quality PSI is essential for PHA study, especially one using P&IDs, the site should make sure that its written PSI is updated. After the information's quality has been verified, the site could have to update it before doing the PHA or change its chosen method of conducting the study if it becomes evident that the PSI is not of the required caliber. In this scenario, a site can still benefit from its chosen PHA technique; however, it will need to modify the technique by involving more experienced staff or devoting more time and attention to crucial areas where the data is missing. Superior PSI will assist the location in recognizing and comprehending the hazards associated with highly hazardous materials processes and technology

The various stakeholders need to be in the loop with regular reviews and updates of PHA. Each stakeholder has a different responsibility but all must adhere to PHA to minimise hazards and risks. Consistently updating the PHA with the awareness of the stakeholders ensures this alignment.

?Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is?a systematic method for identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential hazards in processes that involve hazardous chemicals.?PHAs are a key part of a Process Safety Management (PSM) program.? Here are some methods for process hazard analysis: Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study A systematic procedure that uses brainstorming to identify hazards and operability issues.?HAZOP studies are a well-known approach to process hazard analysis. Fault tree analysis A deductive technique that uses Boolean logic symbols to break down the causes of a top event into basic equipment failures or human errors. Event tree analysis Identifies the event sequences from initiating events to accident scenarios.?

1- involve key stakeholders including operations and vendors 2- keep team small and concise 3- keep sessions up-to 6 hrs to be productive 4- actions wording should be clear and concise 5- ensure appropriate small breaks during the session