HAZOP, or Hazard and Operability Study, is primarily used for what type of analysis?

HAZOP, or Hazard and Operability Study, is primarily utilized for a qualitative examination of risks associated with processes, particularly in industries such as manufacturing and chemical production. The focus of HAZOP is to systematically identify potential hazards and operational issues that could arise during a process by examining deviations from normal operating conditions.

This method involves a detailed breakdown of the process into its components and the use of guide words to prompt discussions among team members. The outcome is to identify what could go wrong, the potential consequences, and necessary mitigation measures. By concentrating on how deviations from intended processes can lead to hazards, HAZOP highlights critical safety concerns and operational inefficiencies.

Qualitative analysis is particularly pertinent in this context because it relies on expert judgment and collaborative brainstorming rather than numerical data, making it effective for identifying risks in complex systems where variables may not be easily quantifiable. This is distinct from quantitative assessments, inspections, or marketing strategy evaluations, which focus on different aspects of risk and management.