HAZID (Hazard Identification)

Identify hazards in the workplace with HAZID (Hazard Study 2)

Hazard Identification, also known as HAZID, is a qualitative risk analysis technique widely utilised in identifying potential hazards and risks in a given process through workshop-based activities. The HAZID study method was created as a streamlined, structured alternative to HAZOP studies, which are reserved for scenarios requiring detailed analysis. HAZID (Hazard Study 2) can supplement or be used together with a HAZOP in the 6 stage hazard study process. When used in conjunction, HAZID can be applied at earlier stages of a project and saves time and money by identifying, and designing out, serious issues earlier.

The HAZID study approach constitutes a rigorous, systematic, team-focused analytical process. While HAZOP studies zoom in on plant parts like lines and vessels, HAZID adopts a more macro perspective, looking at whole systems or subsystems. The methodology of HAZID involves structured hazard assessment aided by checklists, guidewords and the knowledge of the hazard study team. Our HAZID approach has been tried and tested in the COMAH regulatory framework and has the following benefits.

Tailored to specific client needs with varying levels of detail as required.
Acts as a standalone qualitative risk assessment aligned with the requirements of DSEAR and COMAH.
Can be used as a COMAH Major Accident Hazard Screening tool.
Safeguards split into the hierarchy of risk.
Risk ranking with calibrated risk matrices.
Can be used to identify safety critical tasks and safety critical equipment.
Can be used to identify which additional studies are required.
Outputs in editable format allowing for future reviews and updates.

Require Assistance?

Our consultants can assist in the selection of which hazard study is appropriate for you and facilitate the studies if required.

How to conduct a HAZID

Qualitative Risk Assessment for risk ranking in hazard studies

Is it the correct technique?

The first step is to define if this is the correct study for your needs. This is based upon many factors including.

Aims and purpose of the hazard study.
Level of detail required from the study.
Complexity of the system being studied.
Which studies have already been performed.
Maturity of the organisations risk management systems.

Selection of systems and boundaries

A terms of reference is set up to establish the boundaries and methodology that the study will utilise. This will be dependent upon the purpose of the study which, along with information such as layout drawings, process flow diagrams (PFD) and process information is used to select relevant guidewords. If qualitative risk assessment is also to be performed, a calibrated risk matrix is set up against risk tolerability criteria.

Conduct the workshop

A multi-disciplinary team is set up and systematically applies the guidewords to each system with the aim of identifying hazards and their causes. Qualitative risk assessment is performed on both an unmitigated and mitigated basis. Safeguards and proposed actions are recorded on the worksheets. A framework for conducting a hazard identification study is shown below.