HSL is to run a 1 day course on Layer of Protection Analysis: Practical Application and Pitfalls.

12 July 2012

Application and Pitfalls 

Introduction

The Layers Of Protection Analysis (LOPA) method is a semi quantitative risk assessment method used to determine and hence demonstrate the ability of existing and proposed safeguards to protect against identified hazard scenarios and to meet predetermined risk based criteria. Specific guidance was prepared by the Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) for the applications of LOPA to determine the safety integrity level (SIL) for overfill protection of Buncefield-like storage tanks. This course will draw on that guidance, its relevance to other applications, and pitfalls identified during the assessment of a large number of LOPAs.

The course will cover:

• When to use LOPA and when to consider QRA 
• LOPA complexity
• LOPA as applied in IEC 61511
• Input data and uncertainty
• LOPA rules
• LOPA target frequency
• Outcome of LOPA
• Pitfalls associated with LOPA

 

Who should attend

The course is aimed at those engineers, managers and safety professionals who have a basic knowledge of risk assessment possibly gained through HAZOP studies and PHA studies and who already have a basic knowledge of LOPA, but who would like to have a better understanding of how to apply LOPA and the pitfalls associated with this type of analysis.

For example typical attendees could be:

• SHE managers
• Engineering Managers 
• Operations personnel
• Engineers - Safety, C&I, Process, Electrical and Mechanical

 

Course Presenter

Dr Colin Chambers CEng MIET has 15 years experience at HSL, initially on the development of risk assessment methods for the assessment of safety related systems such as the SIL determination method in informative annex of BS EN 62061 and 11 years experience of risk assessment within HSL/HSE and as a COMAH technical assessor. Dr Chambers was a member of the PSLG working group that developed the PSLG LOPA guidance and was part of the CA team charged with assessing post Buncefield LOPA studies. Dr Chambers has written peer reviewed papers and HSE reports on issues associated with LOPA and given numerous presentations at venues in the UK and in Europe.

 

Venue

The course will be run at the HSL laboratory in the spa town of Buxton, which is in the heart of the Peak District and has links to mainline train stations and Manchester International Airport.

Cost

The usual cost of this course is £395 per person (includes course notes, lunch and refreshments)

For further information email: training@hsl.gov.uk or contact the Training Unit at HSL directly on 01298 218806.

Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitpeakdistrict.com

Back to Health and Safety Training Courses