eHAZOP (SAFOP) STUDIES - PROVEN VEHICLE TO DELIVER VALUE ADDED & MANAGE RISK

1.0 INTRODUCTION

eHAZOP, often referred to as SAFOP or an Electrical Safety Review (ESR) , is a series of studies that can be used during the various phases of a Power Electrical Engineering Project. These studies are applied to assist in achieving objectives that include :

1. Optimising the reliability, security, safety and operability of the design to best meet plant/facility objectives
2. Identifying major hazards to different personnel in construction, commissioning and operation of high voltage installations
3. Front End Loading (FEL) the design to avoid waste and rework and help assure compliance with budget and schedule
4. Facilitate organisational learning by providing a structured process to embed prior learnings and experiences in the design
5. Build JV partner, stakeholder and end user commitment to the design.

2.0 THE TYPES OF eHAZOP STUDIES INVOLVED

Our eHAZOP technology involves a number of study elements. The use and emphasis placed on a given study element depends on the client's specific eHAZOP objectives and when the study is completed within the project cycle.

Historically, eHAZOP consisted of DESIGN, OPERATION and INSTALLATION only. Today, this study combination is often referred to as eHAZOP Light.

3.0 WHEN IS AN eHAZOP REQUIRED? - EVALUATION CRITERIA

Four key objective criteria are used for evaluating the requirement to perform an eHAZOP for a given project. These are :

1. The estimated magnitude of the overall electrical investment. Larger electrical investments are associated with a larger electrical footprint and a higher electrical risk profile.
2. The electrical complexity of the project; eg new technology, new equipment, design innovation, complexity of system interfaces etc
3. The experience and capabilities of the design team; eg knowledge of company plant/facilities/standards/operating environment, experience in designing similar plant and facilities etc
4. The level of maturity of the company's safety culture and work environment

Other, more subjective criteria, may also have relevance in assessing the requirement to perform an eHAZOP. These include :

1. Safety environment. The extent to which a high safety electrical awareness exists and safety is a core value in the broader business
2. Electrical Stakeholder Management/Alignment - particularly relevant for Joint Venture and complex stakeholder environments
3. The Regulatory environment and any specific requirements, issues or expectations
4. Building end user commitment by engagement, involvement and opportunity to input
5. Onboarding and demonstrably managing/discharging of company risk particularly where new Design and Construction contractors and/or many vendors/subcontractors are involved
6. Developing a more structured approach to organisational learning

Challis International has developed a diagnostic based on these considerations to provide guidance in eHAZOP decision making deliberations. Please go to eHAZOP (SAFOP) DIAGNOSTIC

4.0 WHEN SHOULD AN eHAZOP BE COMPLETED?

If it is decided that an eHAZOP study is required, a choice (or choices) needs to be made about when it is best conducted within the Project cycle.

In 2005 we were involved in a study to review the benefits of eHAZOP and extract learnings about its application. We found that :

1. Organizations placed particular emphasis on performing an eHAZOP at the end of the FEED stage with a view to front end loading electrical designs. Around 65% of all eHAZOP's were performed at the end of FEED. Studies undertaken at this stage emphasized PHILOP and SYSOP elements, and where appropriate, NETOP.
2. For those projects where a FEED eHAZOP had been performed, around half undertook a second eHAZOP later in the project cycle.
3. For those projects where no FEED eHAZOP had been performed, it was unusual for an eHAZOP to be undertaken at a later point in the project cycle.
4. Around 20% of all eHAZOP studies were performed at the end of DETAILED DESIGN stage when major items of electrical equipment had been selected and key manufacturer drawings were available. Studies undertaken at this stage generally used DESIGN to look back, undertake a high level design review/QA and OPERATION and INSTALLATION to look forward and identify activities required to ensure equipment could be operated effectively (OPERATION) and key principles and tasks to be build into the construction and commissioning plan (INSTALLATION).
5. Around 15% of all eHAZOP studies were performed at the start of the installation (or construction) stage when installation and commissioning plans had been prepared. Studies undertaken at this stage generally focused heavily on INSTALLATION and rigorously reviewed the activity sequences and hazards in construction, commissioning and start up with a view to identifying and mitigating risks. Some studies undertook quantifiable (probability/impact) risk assessments to help with this task

5.0 THE eHAZOP PROCESS

Irrespective of when an eHAZOP is to be performed, a number of key phases are involved. These are :