Conclusion

The HAZOP method is a systematic approach and a powerful engineering and process tool for identifying deviations in new or operating plants. It is well suited to process industries with physical flows, but also to other sectors such as transport.

It does, however, require a great deal of knowledge of the system in question: detailed documentation, a competent and creative multi-disciplinary team.

The use of keywords associated with the method's characteristic operating and functional parameters helps to ensure a comprehensive risk analysis.

Maintaining the performance of an industrial system over time relies on the three pillars of product and process knowledge, and the human factor: in a word, people.

We'll conclude with a quote from Claude Frantzen, a former Inspector General for Nuclear...