Analysis methods
HAZOP · IEC 61882
A structured, team-based study of deviations from design intent — the starting point for most process safety evidence.
Hazard and operability studies (HAZOP studies) — Application guide
- Category
- Analysis methods
- Scope
- International
- Edition / refs
- IEC 61882:2016
MSA output
- HAZOP worksheets and reports
- Cause & effect matrix
- LOPA calculations
What is HAZOP · IEC 61882?
A HAZOP study is a structured, team-based examination of a defined system — typically a process described by P&IDs — to identify potential hazards and operability problems. IEC 61882 is the international application guide: it describes the principles, procedure, team roles and documentation of a HAZOP study.
The system is divided into nodes. For each node, the team applies guidewords such as No, More, Less, Reverse, Part of, As well as and Other than to process parameters such as flow, pressure, temperature, level and composition, generating deviations from the design intent. Each credible deviation is analysed for causes, consequences and existing safeguards, and actions are recorded.
Who it applies to
- Process plant operators and COMAH sites
- EPC and engineering contractors
- Builders of skids and packaged equipment for process plants
- Process safety engineers and HAZOP facilitators
Key requirements
- 01
Define scope and team
Set objectives and boundaries, and assemble a multidisciplinary team with a leader and a recorder.
- 02
Prepare
Current P&IDs, design intent, operating philosophy and procedures for each node.
- 03
Examine
Node by node, combine guidewords and parameters to identify meaningful deviations.
- 04
Analyse
Record causes, consequences and safeguards, and make recommendations where safeguards are inadequate.
- 05
Document and follow up
Keep worksheets, assign actions with owners and track them to close-out.
- 06
Revalidate
Revisit the study when the design changes and periodically for operating plants.
Summary for orientation only. Always refer to the current official text of HAZOP · IEC 61882 and any applicable legislation.
MSA for HAZOP · IEC 61882
What MSA generates
Evidence produced from your engineering inputs, traceable end to end and exported to Word, PDF or Excel.
HAZOP worksheets and reports
Structured worksheets generated from drawings, P&IDs and process data, for the team to review and challenge.
Cause & effect matrix
Causes and protective actions captured consistently with the HAZOP.
LOPA calculations
Scenarios carried forward directly into LOPA without re-keying.
Frequently asked questions
Does software replace the HAZOP team?
No. A HAZOP depends on the judgement of a multidisciplinary team. MSA structures and records the study, maintains traceability and carries scenarios forward into LOPA and the SIF register.
What is the difference between HAZOP and FMEA?
HAZOP examines deviations from the design intent of a process or operation. FMEA examines how individual components or items can fail and what the effects are. They are often used together.
How often should a HAZOP be revalidated?
IEC 61882 does not set a fixed interval. Many operators revalidate on a defined cycle — commonly five years — and whenever a significant modification is made under management of change.
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