INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
Ideally , the HAZOP should be performed on firm piping and instrumentation diagrams ( P & IDs ) that have been frozen for the HAZOP , and all supporting documentation ( specifications , drawings , etc .) should be available . In practice , this occurrence is uncommon , as HAZOP dates are typically set months in advance and engineering frequently encounters difficulties that cause delays . As a result , the only variable available is the quality of the information provided .
Another typical cause of this issue is attempting to undertake a HAZOP study too early in the project development phase when another research , such as a process Hazard Study 2 or HAZID , would be more suitable . In addition , recent development oil and gas companies are typically attempting to reduce the schedule and cost for HAZOP assessment . They are trying to combine different studies , such as Safety Integrity Level ( SIL ) assessment , HAZID , etc ., with the HAZOP . It is ideal for the SIL assessment to come after the HAZID by at least a few weeks so that any changes brought on by the HAZID can be monitored first . Once instrument details have been incorporated into the design , the HAZOP study should run for the project .
Due to the shorter schedule and financial considerations , there is constant pressure on the team leader to shorten the HAZOP process time . A thorough HAZOP study takes time to be performed properly and shortcuts should not be taken .
One crucial aspect that requires significant attention is the follow-up of HAZOP actions . Unfortunately , it is not uncommon for recommendations to be disregarded or inadequately addressed . To effectively address this issue , it is vital to establish a designated point of responsibility and implement an auditing mechanism to ensure proper follow-up .
Additionally , the approval or rejection of actions necessitates the involvement of an experienced senior-level engineer within the organisation who possesses the authority to make decisions . While some companies assign the responsibility of action closeout to the HAZOP leader , this practice may not be feasible when independent or external HAZOP leaders are involved ( Munn , 2009 ).
To ensure the efficacy of the HAZOP process , it is essential to establish clear accountability for follow-up actions and facilitate effective decision-making within the organisation . This comprehensive approach helps prevent important recommendations from being overlooked and promotes a culture of accountability and continuous improvement .
Conclusion
HAZOP analysis is a critical tool in the oil and gas industry , playing a pivotal role in identifying and mitigating potential hazards while enhancing safety , efficiency , and reliability of process systems and procedures . As such , it is imperative to assemble a HAZOP study team comprising experienced professionals who possess a deep understanding of the process , design , and potential operational hazards . By prioritising the implementation of HAZOP studies , industries can uphold safety and dependability throughout the lifecycle of their processes and systems .
However , it is important to acknowledge that the HAZOP study , like any risk assessment tool , has its limitations . Therefore , it is essential to recognise its strengths and weaknesses , utilising it in conjunction with other tools and methods to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to risk management . By adopting a holistic approach , industries can address potential shortcomings and bolster their overall risk management strategies .
REFERENCE
Crawley , F . and Tyler , B ., 2015 . HAZOP : Guide to best practice . Elsevier .
Standard , B ., 2001 . BS IEC 61882 Hazard and Operability Studies ( HAZOP Studies ) -Application Guide .
Munn , A ., 2009 . Common problems and recent trends with HAZOPs . In IChemE Symp ( Vol . 155 , pp . 130-133 ).
Skelton , B ., 1997 . Process safety analysis : An introduction . IChemE .
Swuste , P ., Groeneweg , J ., Van Gulijk , C ., Zwaard , W . and Lemkowitz , S ., 2018 . Safety management systems from Three Mile Island to Piper Alpha , a review in English and Dutch literature for the period 1979 to 1988 . Safety science , 107 , pp . 224-244 .
22 VOL 96 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2023