Lessons-Learned from Remote HAZOP/LOPA Applications in 2020

Going into Year 2020, basic brainstorming team session approaches for the performance of a Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Study or a Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) had not changed significantly over the years; however, the infection prevention measures necessary to address COVID-19 resulted in a rapid transition to widespread application of telecollaboration tools that previously had only been applied sporadically. Prior to 2020, telecollaboration tools for Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) had been used to short-circuit the need for pulling together international teams, for very short PHAs or MOCs, and other select applications. As 2020 drew to a close, numerous applications of HAZOP/LOPA Team Exercises using telecollaboration tools resulted in valuable insights into tools and techniques that were productive for different PHA applications. Properly applied, applications ranging from shorter Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Management-of-Change (MOC) evaluations to longer studies addressing Five-Year PHA Updates and Capital Projects can be implemented productively using telecollaboration approaches.

Post COVID-19, many PHA applications will still be best addressed with the HAZOP/LOPA Team being co-located, but the savings in travel costs, the logistics associated with personnel travel, and the ability to quickly convene and implement a HAZOP/LOPA review can allow remote HAZOP/LOPA, through the use of contemporary technologies, to be an attractive option that can increase overall efficiency, without compromising quality. Experiences in the successful application telecollaboration tools in 2020 mean that Remote PHAs are here to stay.

A core objective of this paper is to provide insights into good applications and tips that can directly be used by the HAZOP/LOPA Facilitator to optimize the logistics to get the most out of a HAZOP/LOPA, where some or all team members are geographically distant.