Both HAZID and HAZOP are risk analysis tools used to improve safety in the workplace. They are, however, separate procedures and each has its own distinct purpose:
- HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) is a used to identify abnormalities in the work environment and pinpoint their root causes
- HAZID (Hazard Identification) is a general risk analysis tool designed to alert management of any threats and hazards on the jobsite
- HAZID can be carried out a unit level and does not necessarily require much documentation
- HAZID can be used to uncover any type of workplace safety hazard
To make sure the distinction is clear, let’s take a closer look at each procedure and tease them apart.
What Is a Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Study?
HAZOP deals with comprehensive and complex workplace operations, which could lead to significant injury or loss of life in the event of a malfunction. HAZOP studies are mainly used in the oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, and nuclear industries.
The purpose of a HAZOP study is to review and study designs to identify and rectify engineering issues that could have been overlooked. It is performed by breaking complex process designs into smaller and less complex sections called “nodes” and reviewing those nodes individually.
HAZOP helps organizations:
- Address probable hazards in business operations
- Study past incidents that had the possibility for catastrophic consequences
- Increase sampling and testing frequency
- Address human-controlled factors
- Address consequences of failed control measures, including possible hea
lth and safety risks
HAZOP studies are performed by teams consisting of experts in areas such as operations, maintenance, engineering, instrumentation, and process design. The size of the team will depend on the process or procedure to be evaluated.
What Is Hazard Identification (HAZID)?
HAZID is a general risk analysis tool designed to alert management to threats and hazards as soon as possible. The identified hazards are classified on their probability of occurrence and the severity of the consequences.
HAZID procedures generally examine all practically potential sources of hazard during project design, construction, installation, and decommissioning activities. Once the procedure is complete, the HAZID report serves as a permanent record that can be referred to as needed.
The procedure should be performed by a qualified team who are experts on the process, materials, and work activities. They consist of subject matter experts from engineering, operations, maintenance, and other departments.
Once the study is complete, management decides whether to implement the suggested risk reduction measures to achieve its risk goals.
The objectives of HAZID are to:
- Identify potential hazards
- Assess the possible consequences of the hazards
- Identify existing safeguards
- Recommend prevention, control, or mitigation methods
- Provide risk inputs and safety advice to design and safety management
- Draft clear guidelines for accident event screening
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