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Process Hazard Analysis

Prevent and mitigate process hazards and safety risks with our expert PHA services

Effectively managing process hazards in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, metal, pulp and paper, wood, food, and process industries has wide-reaching benefits for all stakeholders, including the employees, contractors, and the public. A Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) helps prevent injury, loss of life, and property and environmental damage that can result from industrial activity and is a primary tool for compliance with regulations such as OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 (e). PHA is a proactive and structured approach by chemical process operations to understand what can go wrong, how likely it is to go wrong and what steps are necessary to prevent or mitigate undesired consequences.
Our process safety specialists with strong industry background can help you select the PHA method best suited to your specific processes and operations. With many years of experience in process safety, we are well heeled with the complexities of hazards analysis. We can assist you in accumulating the necessary process safety information including hazardous materials properties such as combustibility, flammability, explosivity, reactivity, self-heating, toxicity, electrostatic properties as well as assembling and leading the PHA team and drawing up reports and documenting outcomes.
As part of our focus on empowering our partners in matters of process safety, we offer in-house workshops to train employees to manage risk and be effective PHA leaders.
Practical solutions are at the heart of our approach. From offices around the world, our experts focus on each client’s particular situation, taking both a holistic and an individual view of PHA implementation. Services are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Arabic and Hindi, among others.

A complete range of PHA methodologies

Our specialists are experienced in the full suite of process hazard analysis methods, including checklists, what-if checklists, Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) and more. As each PHA method has pros and cons as well as varying scope and application, consulting with one of our experts before making a choice contributes significantly to the overall success of your PHA.
Whatever PHA methodology is chosen, the first phase of the analysis is dedicated to gathering all the applicable safety information about the materials handled, the chemical process and conditions, the control methods employed, and the equipment and systems use. The applicable safety information relevant to the targeted process are gleaned from Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s), laboratory testing, design manuals, operating procedures, and equipment manufacturers/suppliers.
Next, a team is assembled under the guidance of an experienced, knowledgeable leader which includes members with diverse experience and expertise to examine the process in search of inherent hazards and operating risks such as fire, explosion, and the release of materials or energy. During the PHA exercise for each hazard identified the team examines the existing safeguards that prevent or mitigate the undesired consequences in addition to proposing new measures should they be required.
The final critical aspect of the PHA effort is to provide adequate documentation of the analysis, its findings and recommendations. A risk management plan must follow the PHA in order to ensure that effective follow-up and closure occurs.

FAQ – PROCESS HAZARD ANALYSES

Collaborating for safety with PHAs
A Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is essential to promote the safety and well-being of the people and facilities involved in your industrial processes, as well as to protect the environment. Our PHA services are comprehensive, encompassing the full suite of methodologies and are implemented by experts in the field. With their experience to guide you in assembling a PHA team, choosing the right format and leading you through the four basic PHA steps, you can improve your safety status and reduce risk. Ensure a successful PHA by learning more about how to prepare for the process and maximize your benefits.
Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) comprise a wide range of methods and require a certain level of preparation. We have assembled a selection of typical questions and answers to assist you in getting ready for the process, knowing what to expect and deciding on the right approach for you.
What are the steps for preparing for a PHA?
  1. Determine the scope and scope limitations
  2. Gather process safety information, including sample testing as needed
  3. Establish team composition, including a team leader who is “knowledgeable in the specific PHA methodology being used” (OSHA).
  4. Provide the team with PSI several days prior to the first meeting,
  5. Schedule the meetings for not more than four hours per day, such as two hours before and after lunch.
What are the different methods available to PHA？
What are the criteria for selecting a PHA method?
What are the must-have qualifications of a PHA team leader?
What makes a PHA great?