HAZID, HAZOP and SWIFT, UK wide
Hazard Analysis
In process and industrial operations, the biggest risks are often hidden in the detail of how a system is designed and run. Hazard analysis brings them into the open. AL23 Safety provides structured hazard analysis across the UK, using established process safety techniques such as HAZID, HAZOP and SWIFT to find hazards early, understand what could go wrong and put effective controls in place before anything does.
What is hazard analysis?
Find where it could go wrong, before it does
Hazard analysis is a structured way of identifying, assessing and managing the risks within a process or operation. Rather than waiting for something to go wrong, it works through a system methodically to find where hazards could arise, what would cause them and what the consequences could be.
A foundation of process safety
The result is a clear, documented understanding of your risks and a practical set of measures to control them. It is one of the foundations of good process safety management.
The techniques we use
The right method for the risk
Different situations call for different methods. We use the right technique for your process and the level of risk involved.
Hazard Identification
A broad, high level study used early in design or operation to identify hazards before they are built in. It gives you an early picture of the risks so they can be designed out or managed from the start.
Hazard and Operability Study
A multidisciplinary team works systematically through the process, using guide words to test what happens when a parameter such as flow, pressure or temperature deviates from the intended design. Every deviation is examined for its causes, consequences and safeguards.
Structured What If Technique
A faster, workshop based method that works through a series of what if questions to surface potential failures. Well suited where a full HAZOP would be more than the risk warrants.
Where a study points to it, we can also take the analysis further with techniques such as LOPA, bowtie analysis or fault tree analysis.
When it is needed
Good moments for a hazard study
- At the design stage of new plant or processes, to build in safety from the outset
- Before commissioning, to confirm the design is sound
- When you modify a process, under management of change
- After an incident or near miss, to understand what happened and why
- As a periodic review of existing operations
- To support compliance where you handle major accident hazards or dangerous substances
How a study works
A clear, structured method around your process
- 1
Scope and prepare
We agree the boundaries of the study and gather the drawings and information we need, such as process and instrumentation diagrams.
- 2
Examine
Led by an experienced facilitator, the team works through the process node by node, applying guide words or what if questions to find deviations.
- 3
Assess
For each deviation we identify the causes, the consequences and the safeguards already in place, then judge whether they are enough.
- 4
Recommend
We produce clear, prioritised recommendations to close any gaps.
- 5
Follow up
We help you track actions through to completion and revisit the study as your process changes.
Who it is for
Process and industrial settings
The benefits
What a good study gives you
- Hazards found and dealt with early, before they become incidents or costly late changes
- A documented, audit ready record of your risks and controls
- Stronger compliance with your duties and process safety expectations
- Smoother start ups and less operational downtime
- Better informed decisions about where to focus your investment
Why AL23 Safety
It lives or dies on the people in the room
Hazard analysis is a specialist discipline. Our specialists bring real process safety experience and a practical, proportionate approach so you get a study that genuinely improves safety rather than one that just fills a folder.
It also connects naturally with our wider work. Hazard studies feed directly into DSEAR assessments and fire and explosion safety so we can join the dots across your whole process. We work with manufacturers, construction and process industries right across the UK.
Talk to us about a hazard study
Designing, modifying or reviewing your process
Whether you are designing new plant, modifying an existing process or reviewing the risks across your operation, we can help. Get in touch and we will recommend the right study for your needs.
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