What is a HAZOP and what is its main purpose?

• A. HAZOP is a structured technique using guide words to identify potential deviations from design intent and their causes and consequences; its purpose is to uncover potential hazards and safeguards.
• B. HAZOP is an economic feasibility study.
• C. HAZOP is an inspection checklist for housekeeping.
• D. HAZOP is a training module for safety procedures.

Answer: (A)

HAZOP is a structured brainstorming approach used in process safety to examine a process design by asking what could go wrong and exploring deviations from intended operation, along with their possible causes and consequences. It uses guide words to systematically trigger potential deviations and thought about how equipment, materials, or procedures might fail or interact in unexpected ways. The main purpose is to uncover potential hazards and the safeguards or controls in place to prevent or mitigate them, so the design or operating procedures can be improved before anything goes wrong.

This isn’t about whether a project is economically viable, nor is it simply an inspection checklist for housekeeping or a general training module. Those activities serve different aims.