hazard-and-operability (HAZOP) is a structured, systematic examination methodology for identifying process deviations that could lead to hazards or operability issues. It operates through a structured team session: a multidisciplinary team reviews a process P&ID or procedure node-by-node, applies standardized guide words (NO, MORE, LESS, REVERSE, PART_OF, AS_WELL_AS, OTHER_THAN) to process parameters (FLOW, PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE, LEVEL, COMPOSITION), and analyzes each deviation's causes, consequences, and existing safeguards. The mechanism of persistence is through documented HAZOP studies that form part of an organization's risk management record and are revisited when processes change. [formal: hazard-and-operability | substrate: behavior | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
hazard-and-operability
hazard-and-operability (HAZOP) is a structured, systematic examination methodology for identifying process deviations that could lead to hazards or operability issues. It operates through a structured team session: a multidisciplinary team…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made structured examination methodology for systematically identifying hazards and operability issues in industrial processes. Created in the 1960s by ICI Plc, it uses standardized guide words applied to process parameters to trigger brainstorming about deviations from design intent.
Names and aliases
- hazard-and-operabilityen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cms8olo5701ld73fkxedp404qSERVES →
HAZOP is a methodology maintained for the sake of process-safety: its designed purpose is to identify hazards within process-safety practice. The servant (HAZOP) points to the master (process-safety) per Law 8d.
- cms8a929t007573fkafm8ap7iSERVES →
HAZOP studies are deliberately conducted for the sake of risk management: their designed purpose is to identify hazards, operational issues, and their consequences so that risk management can act on them. The note passes the SERVES test — hazard-and-operability is built/maintained for risk-management's sake. Removing risk-management would remove the purpose of conducting HAZOP studies.
- cms883nr100351c4rlyyeywusINSTANCE_OF →
hazard-and-operability (HAZOP) is a specific methodology of hazard analysis. A competent speaker would call HAZOP 'a hazard-analysis technique.' Law 9: X INSTANCE_OF Y means X is a specific case of general Y. The HAZOP process — using guide-words to identify causes and consequences of deviations — is one particular structured approach within the broader category of hazard analysis.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 31, 2026, 8:42 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 56bca8c94ab67f8bc33e75f9fc6a83f295fc5b8ab8ee199434641a64ba81e830