Hazard And Operability Study
Hazard And Operability Study (HAZOP) is a structured and systematic methodology used to identify potential hazards and operability issues in industrial processes, systems, or designs. It involves a team-based review that examines deviations from intended operations using guide words to assess risks and recommend safety improvements. Widely applied in chemical, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries, HAZOP helps ensure process safety and regulatory compliance.
Developers should learn HAZOP when working on safety-critical systems, such as industrial automation, chemical plant software, or embedded control systems, to identify and mitigate risks early in the design phase. It is essential for roles involving process engineering, risk management, or compliance with safety standards like OSHA or IEC 61508, as it reduces accidents and operational failures through proactive analysis.