Sequence of hazards analysis methods for process safety manaagement

The ability to identify and risk rank hazards is fundamental to all process safety programs. If hazards are not identified, the risk to do with them cannot be eliminated or reduced. The articles and safety moments in this topic area describe various hazard identification techniques, including,

  • Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP),
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA),
  • Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA),  
  • Checklists, and
  • Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).

The sequence in which they can be carried out — moving from overview or concept level to detailed analysis — is discussed in the ebook Hazard Analysis.

A related topic area is Common Process Hazards.

Further information and guidance is provided in the articles, safety moments and other publications listed below.

Copyright © Ian Sutton. 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Safety Moment #57: Equipment Spacing (Pumps/Pipe Racks)

Pump seals are a frequent source of leaks in process and energy facilities. Moreover, the discharged liquid will normally be at high pressure, so it can travel a long distance and/or form a spray. Therefore, when laying out a facility it is important to make sure that pumps are located at a safe distance from other equipment and piping. (If the facility is already constructed and in operation it is still useful to consider spacing and layout guidelines.