Process hazard analysis (PHA) studies provide large databases of information on what can go wrong in processes and the measures that have been taken to prevent incidents. Many companies view PHA studies simply as a means to identify hazard scenarios to comply with regulations and help ensure necessary risk reduction measures have been taken.
However, PHA databases contain a vast amount of information that can be mined in multiple ways to extract information for multiple other purposes. They constitute an example of “big data”. Various analytics can be generated that provide insights into process risks that typically are hidden, or not considered, when PHA studies are considered as ends in themselves. Companies should obtain the maximum benefit from the substantial investment of resources and the time of their personnel that PHA studies require.
PHA databases can be used to identify safety critical equipment and prioritize it for maintenance to support mechanical integrity programs. Similarly, safety critical actions can be identified to support the development of operating, maintenance, emergency response, and other procedures. Analytics can be used to compare PHA studies on similar processes for quality control purposes.
Deeper analysis of PHA databases can help to answer such questions as:
- Is there a dominant hazard?
- Which operations / areas are most hazardous?
- Which receptors are most at risk?
- Which safeguards are relied on the most?
- Which types of human factors are most numerous?
- Are corrosion leaks more numerous than releases from valves left open by operators and mechanics?
- Etc.
Using PHA analytics improves decision making on the safety of processes. Ignoring PHA analytics wastes valuable information contained in PHA studies. Companies should maximize the return on their investment in PHA studies by using PHA analytics.
