Premium
Improved integration of LOPA with HAZOP analyses
Author(s) -
Baum Dick,
Faulk Nancy,
Pérez P.E. John
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
process safety progress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.378
H-Index - 40
eISSN - 1547-5913
pISSN - 1066-8527
DOI - 10.1002/prs.10350
Subject(s) - hazard and operability study , reliability engineering , engineering , operability , process (computing) , risk analysis (engineering) , process safety , computer science , work in process , operations management , medicine , operating system
Integrating Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) with Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) has many advantages over performing these studies separately. The merits include: fewer actions from the combined effort compared to performing only a HAZOP; team continuity resulting from the combined effort as opposed to two separate teams having possibly differing points of view; and, ultimately, a time and cost savings realized by the combination. This integration defines the risk associated with a given scenario, enabling better decisions that impact business assurance. By using the Center for Chemical Process Safety guidelines to define the independent protection layers upfront, the gray areas can often be reduced or eliminated; thereby enabling a more thorough LOPA. Examples include taking credit if a unit has two independent operators (outside and inside) responding to critical alarms, or taking credit for centralized control rooms that may allow immediate operator interaction and response. This article shows how the guidelines have been used successfully in joint HAZOP/LOPA studies, and describes an initial preparation protocol that can ensure high‐quality results. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009