Understanding of “OP” in HAZOP
Thread Content
The “HAZ” in HAZOP is easy to understand； ““OP” is generally translated as “operable,” but what kind of “operation” exactly constitutes being “operable”?
The HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Analysis) method was developed by ICI in the early 1970s. In a HAZOP analysis, each process unit or operational step is examined to identify potential hazardous deviations; these deviations are induced using guiding words. The purpose of using such guiding words is to ensure that deviations in all process parameters – such as reactions, mixing, concentration, pH value, as well as specific factors like temperature, pressure, number of phases, and flow rate – are analyzed. The possible causes, consequences, and existing safety measures for these deviations are also assessed, along with recommendations for additional safety measures that should be implemented.