What is the Hazard and Operability Study?
The Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) is a systematic investigation of a present or planned process or operation. The HAZOP study is aimed at identifying and evaluating any problems within a plant or work environment that could pose a risk to the employees and/or equipment.
The HAZOP also looks at processes that might impede the efficient running of the facility. Originally, hazard and operability studies focused on chemical and mining operations. The study was extended to include nuclear power plants.
A Hazard and Operability study is one of the techniques used by safety professionals to explore the system and ensure that hazardous and/or inefficient procedures are identified and corrected. HAZOP studies provide analysis and details about hazards or errors in a system design.
HAZOP studies highlight potential hazards and problems in the operation so that safety professionals can then decide upon the most effective means of remedying the problem. HAZOP studies may help avoid problems and, therefore, save lives and/or business expenses.
Positive Aspects of a HAZOP Study
- An efficient, knowledgeable HAZOP team may save the company more than the expense of the study in efficiency changes
- HAZOP studies identify hazards and can thus save lives and decrease employee injuries
- HAZOP teams ensure the study is multi-disciplinary