Identification, Verification, and Validation of Independent Protection Layers (IPLs) and Safeguards

When we account for safeguards in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), often the process for verifying and validating different safeguards has varied requirements. Safeguards could be diverse - such as relief devices and safety instrumented systems, administrative controls, basic process control systems, captive key system, etc. The hierarchy of controls implemented during a HAZOP or LOPA can determine the need for BPCS, SIS, pressure relief, administrative controls, and others so on.  This session seeks to understand what rationale is used to make these determinations for safeguards and IPLs. It is important to ensure Independent safeguards and IPLs are effective, independent and available upon demand. Therefore, once the safeguards are selected, the process to verify them and validate they are valid, in-place, and available on demand is also critical. Therefore IPL and safeguard validation is of the utmost importance for effective risk reduction. This session invites papers which offer best practices for selecting the proper hierarchy of safeguards, as well as verification and validation of those chosen. The session seeks the sharing of efficient methods, and as well as those that do not add value. This session also welcomes lessons learned on the findings from IPL and safeguards verification and validation.