(43l) Performing HAZOP of Startup/Shutdown Procedures

Statistics show that approximately 65% of process safety related incidents occur during the startup/shutdown operations of the plant. Yet, the bulk of the risk assessments performed today focus on the normal operation of the plant. A major contributor to the lack of startup/shutdown risk assessments is the lack of a strongly documented methodology. One method of performing this assessment is through the HAZOP of startup/shutdown procedures. This HAZOP involves a step by step review of the procedure with consideration given to the sequencing, delay, or missing of steps involved in the procedure. By performing this review, required permissives are identified, contingencies are developed and essential safeguards are identified. This will help ensure the operations team is confident that they are performing the startup/shutdown in a safe manner. This paper focuses on the framework for guidelines, procedures and templates that are necessary to perform this HAZOP. A practical approach with examples is presented.