- Challis International

SAFOP ELECTRICAL HAZOP (eHAZOP) STUDIES

1.0 INTRODUCTION

There are two approaches to a Power Electrical Engineering Design. The first is to make the design so simple that there are no obvious deficiencies.

The second is to make the design so complicated that it caters for each and every contingency and there are no obvious deficiencies. From every standpoint, the business, the project and the end user, the first approach is clearly preferable but it is far more difficult to achieve. Moreover, electrical engineers, through our training, our personality type and our experience, are generally predisposed to the second approach.

What design may consider to be a value adding feature, maintenance or operations may consider to be a value leaching liability

David Challis 2008

Venture Partners, Directors and Managers are equipped with powerful processes and tools with which to :

  • Independently review design functionality and ease of use against output specifications and design compliance with guidelines and standards.
  • Assure design fitness for purpose...ensure no goldplating/overkill and also ensure suitability for worst case operating conditions.
  • Identify, capture and systematically analyse risks and the associated controls/contingency actions and identify areas for improvement.
  • Capitalise on organisational experience and 'build in' end user commitment through early engagement and involvement.
  • Breakdown silo thinking between departments and groups and build Alignment and Communities of Practice
  • Discharge company/venture partner responsibilities to others and implement essential safeguards to protect people, plant and the environment.

However, Power Electrical Engineering designs and installations have generally not been subject of the same degree of rigour. This is of particular concern
due to factors that include :

  • An increase in the frequency and severity of electrical incidents and accidents within some business environments in recent years despite significant attempts to arrest this very concerning trend.
  • Electrical cost and schedule blow outs despite the widespread use of best practice tools to monitor and manage variation.
  • Turnover of electrical personnel and the associated loss of experience. Skills shortages at all levels are reported to be a critical business constraint.
  • Increased fragmentation of electrical functions and resources (through structure, roles, location and outsourcing).
  • Difficulties in developing, maintaining and sustaining electrical safety awareness and focus.


2.0 SATISFYING THE NEED - eHAZOP

eHAZOP, often referred to as SAFOP or an Electrical Safety Review (ESR) are a series of electrical studies that have been evolved over 20 years to help address this business need. The specific objectives an eHAZOP depend upon :

  • Client specific requirements
  • Project specific requirements (scope, complexity etc)
  • The timing of the study…FEED, Detailed Design, Procurement, Construction

General eHAZOP objectives are :

  • Maximise design business value and minimise capital and operating cost
  • Alignment of electrical design principles with the business environment and project requirements
  • A critical review of electrical network design and electrical equipment and assess any limitations and their effects on operability and security.
  • Analyse electrical operator task, facilities and instructions and recommend measures to avoid operator error.
  • Systematically assess and minimise types of potential hazards presented to personnel in the vicinity of electrical apparatus.
  • Provide a structured forum for company personnel to 'onboard' construction and commissioning personnel and decide the form of interface arrangement most appropriate for the work, commercial arrangement and skills and experience level of third party personnel.
  • Engage end users in major electrical network and electrical equipment decisions.

3.0 FURTHER INFORMATION


Please contact : Dr David Challis