What are the essential steps for conducting a HAZOP study?

1 Define the scope

The first step is to define the scope of the HAZOP study, which includes the objectives, boundaries, assumptions, and exclusions of the analysis. You should also identify the relevant codes, standards, regulations, and best practices that apply to your process or system. The scope should be clear, concise, and agreed upon by all the stakeholders involved in the HAZOP study.

2 Select the team

The second step is to select the team that will conduct the HAZOP study, which should consist of multidisciplinary experts with knowledge and experience in the design, operation, maintenance, and safety of the process or system. The team should also include a facilitator, who is responsible for leading the HAZOP sessions and ensuring that the study is conducted in an efficient and effective manner. The team should be diverse, independent, and collaborative.

3 Divide the process

The third step is to divide the process or system into manageable sections or nodes, which are defined by the physical or functional boundaries of the equipment, piping, or instrumentation. Each node should have a clear description, a design intention, and a set of parameters that can be varied or controlled. The nodes should be numbered and arranged in a logical sequence that follows the flow of the process or system.

4 Apply the guide words

The fourth step is to apply the guide words to each node, which are standard terms that help to generate deviations from the design intention or normal operating conditions. The guide words are: no, more, less, as well as, part of, reverse, and other than. For each guide word, you should ask what could cause the deviation, what would be the consequences of the deviation, and how the deviation could be detected and prevented.

5 Record the results

The fifth step is to record the results of the HAZOP study, which include the deviations, causes, consequences, safeguards, recommendations, and actions for each node. You should use a consistent and comprehensive format that allows for easy retrieval and analysis of the data. You should also assign a priority and a responsibility for each action and follow up on the implementation and verification of the actions.

6 Review and update

The sixth step is to review and update the HAZOP study, which involves checking the completeness, accuracy, and validity of the study and ensuring that it reflects the current status and changes of the process or system. You should also conduct periodic audits and evaluations of the HAZOP study and update it as necessary to incorporate new information, feedback, or lessons learned.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?