The Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) is a structured and systematic technique used to identify potential hazards and operability issues within industrial processes. Originating in the 1960s within the chemical and process industries, HAZOP has become a globally recognized method for proactive risk assessment and safety management. This technique systematically examines complex processes to detect potential deviations from design intentions that could lead to hazardous events or operational inefficiencies.
The primary objective of a HAZOP study is to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of processes by identifying risks and implementing effective control measures. It focuses on both safety-related hazards (such as chemical leaks or explosions) and operational issues (such as production downtime or equipment failure). By using structured guide words, a multidisciplinary team systematically reviews process diagrams to uncover how deviations could impact safety and operations.
Industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and power generation extensively use HAZOP to comply with regulatory requirements and enhance operational safety. Regulatory bodies and international standards often mandate HAZOP studies as part of comprehensive risk management programs.
This 3-day introductory course is designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills in conducting and participating in HAZOP studies. The course covers essential concepts, methodologies, and real-world applications to ensure participants can effectively contribute to hazard identification and risk mitigation efforts within their organizations.
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the principles and objectives of HAZOP.
- Recognize the roles and responsibilities of HAZOP team members.
- Apply guide words to identify potential process deviations.
- Analyze causes, consequences, and safeguards for identified risks.
- Participate effectively in HAZOP workshops and contribute to safety improvements.
This training is ideal for engineers, safety professionals, project managers, and anyone involved in process design, operations, or safety management seeking to strengthen their understanding of risk assessment practices.
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants should have an appreciation of:
• The concept of Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) in the context of the requirements of IEC 61508 and IEC 61511
• The concept of Hazard, Risk and the As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle
• Essential Features of a HAZOP Study
• Structured Methodology applied in a HAZOP study
• The concept of Risk Ranking and Risk Matrices for use in the study
• Application of HAZOP studies for Batch Processes
• Key Points when preparing for a HAZOP workshop
• Use and application of the software package ProSet’s PHA Comp Module to conduct and record PHA studies
Qualifications, Skills, Competence gained
• Certificate setting out the key topics covered in the course.
• Knowledge of key concepts that underpin PHA studies.
• Understand the structured methodology used in HAZOP Workshops
• Tools to conduct an effective and efficient HAZOP study
• HAZOP Workshops with real examples to demonstrate an understanding of the HAZOP process.
Who can Attend?
• Employees that need an awareness of the HAZOP studies