How to Perform a HAZOP Study
Hazard Study 3 Process
Hazard Study 3 follows a systematic approach, typically involving the following steps:
- Define the scope and objectives: Clearly define the system or process to be analysed, its boundaries, and the goals of the study.
- Assemble a multidisciplinary team: Form a team comprising individuals with expertise in design, operations, maintenance, safety, and other relevant areas. This team will be responsible for selecting the nodes.
- Prepare the process documentation: Gather and review all necessary information about the process, including P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), process flow diagrams, operating procedures, and design intent.
- Select HAZOP nodes: In the study, identify the specific process nodes (equipment, components, or sections) to be analysed.
- Define and apply guidewords: Apply a set of predefined guidewords (such as "more," "less," "other than," etc.) to systematically explore potential deviations and their consequences at each selected node.
- Brainstorm and identify hazards: With the help of guidewords, the team brainstorms possible deviations from the design intent at each selected node and identifies potential hazards associated with each deviation.
- Analyse consequences and evaluate risk: Assess the consequences of identified hazards and, if required, evaluate their potential risks.
- Propose actions and manage them: Develop appropriate actions to control or mitigate identified hazards for each selected node. Establish an action management system to track the progress of implementing those actions, specific to each node.
- Document the findings: Record all findings from the study, including identified hazards, proposed actions for each selected node, and any recommendations.
- Review and follow-up: Regularly review the progress of action implementation, specific to each selected node, and conduct periodic re-reviews to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the study.
Hazard and Operability Study - Guidewords and Outputs
Guideword examples
Guideword examples
Guideword examples
Guidewords play a crucial role in the HAZOP process. They help systematically identify potential deviations and hazards. The commonly used guidewords are:
- No: Absence of something that should be present.
- More: An increase in the quantity or rate beyond the design intent.
- Less: A decrease in the quantity or rate below the design intent.
- As well as: Addition of something not in the original design.
- Part of: Division of a component or system.
- Reverse: Reversal of a direction or flow.
Using these guidewords, specific process parameters are examined to identify potential deviations and hazards.
HAZOP example
Guideword examples
Guideword examples
HAZOP example - the outputs of a Hazard Study 3 (HS3) typically include:
- Deviation List: This is a comprehensive list of all deviations or potential process abnormalities identified during the study. Each deviation is described, along with its severity and potential consequences.
- Actions List: This list comprises the recommended actions or measures to mitigate or eliminate the identified deviations. Each action should be clearly defined, assigned to responsible individuals, and accompanied by a target completion date.
- Report: A detailed report documenting the findings, analysis, and conclusions of the study. It typically includes the process description, study methodology, identified deviations, recommended actions, and any supporting information or Piping and Instrumentation diagrams (P+ID's) with nodes marked up.