HAZOP BASIS

A HAZOP, or HAZard and OPerability analysis, is a structured technique in which a

multi-discipline team performs a systematic study of a process using guide words to
discover how deviations from the design intent can occur in equipment, actions, or
materials, and whether the consequences of these deviations can result in a hazard.

The results of the HAZOP analysis are the team's recommendations, which include
identification of hazards and the recommendations for changes in design, procedures, etc.
to improve the safety of the system. Deviations during normal, startup, shutdown, and
maintenance operations are discussed by the team and are included in the HAZOP. A
block flow diagram of the HAZOP process is given below

The following terms are used in the HAZOP process and in the HAZOP table.
Design Intent - the way a process is intended to function.

Deviation - a departure from the design intent discovered by systematically applying guide words
to process parameters.

Guide Word - simple words such as "high" pressure, "high" temperature, "leak" etc. that are used
to modify the design intent and to guide and stimulate the brainstorming process for identifying
process hazards. The library-based approach was used in which the most appropriate
guidewords for the process were selected from the total list of possible guidewords.

Cause - the reason why a deviation might occur.

Consequence - the results of a deviation.

Safeguard - engineered systems or administrative controls that prevent the causes or mitigate the
consequences of deviations.

Hazard Category - an assessment of the hazard risk of the operation. In this analysis, we have
used the MIL-STD-882D, "Hazard Risk Assessment Matrix."

Recommendations - recommendations for design changes, procedural changes, or for further

study.

Guide words for flow in a chemical process include High Flow, No/Low Flow, Reverse Flow,
Misdirected Flow, High Pressure, Low Pressure, High Temperature, Low Temperature, High
Contaminants, Leak and Rupture.

For processes utilizing explosives, the guide words include electrical initiation, ESD spark, Impact
shock, Friction, Impingement, In-compatibities, Explosive shock, Thermal ignition, Propagation,
Personnel Injury, Environmental contamination, Equipment damage and Product damage.

1. Determine the complexity of the Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) and the implementation
schedule.
2. Define the analysis tools that are acceptable for the complexity of the process.
3. Minimally, the PHA should cover:
 Process Hazards
 Previous Incidents
 Engineering & Administrative Controls
 Consequences of Failure of Engineering & Administrative Controls
 Facility Siting
 Human Factors
4. Outline team requirements
5. Report findings, recommendations, implementation, and documentation.
6. Update/reevaluate process with PHA team every 5 years.
7. Be sure to maintain all associated PHA documentation for process life.