Scope Of Services
LOPA is a semi-quantitative analysis method used to evaluate the effectiveness of independent protection layers (IPLs) in reducing the probability of occurrence of incidents. One of the important applications of LOPA is to determine the safety integrity level (SIL) of a safety instrumented function (SIF).
LOPA is conducted in a workshop environment, led by an experienced facilitator with a team of multi-discipline professionals who are familiar with the process and safety system.
An effective IPL must meet the following criteria:
·Effective.
·Independent.
·Auditable.
Crude oil, natural gas, LNG, gas processing and export, oil refining, coal chemical processing, fertilizer and agriculture chemical processing, chemical refining, nuclear, hazardous material storage, etc.
LOPA can be applied through the entire project lifecycle from conceptual design to operation. However, it is advantageous for LOPA to be conducted after a HAZOP study as the outcome of the HAZOP can be used as input to LOPA. In particular, high severity hazards identified in HAZOP should be reviewed closely in LOPA. Initiating event and IPL can also be referenced from HAZOP when relevant.
LOPA is most effective when conducted in design phase where changes to SIFs and IPLs (to achieve required SIL) can be implemented with minimum delays and financial expenditure.