What is HAZOP?

HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) is a structured and systematic technique for identifying potential hazards and operability problems in a process or system. It is commonly used in the chemical, oil and gas, and nuclear industries, but can be applied to any process. A HAZOP study involves a team of experts systematically examining a process design or operation to identify deviations from the intended operating conditions and assess the potential consequences of these deviations. Guide words such as 'No', 'More', 'Less', 'As Well As', 'Part Of', and 'Reverse' are used to stimulate thinking about possible deviations from the design intent at various points in the process. For each credible deviation, the team identifies potential causes, consequences, and safeguards. The goal is to identify hazards and operability problems early in the design or operational phase so that they can be addressed to improve safety and efficiency.