What is HAZOP and why is it important in process design?

HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) is a systematic technique for identifying hazards and operability problems in process designs. Method: apply guide words (No, More, Less, Reverse, etc.) to process parameters (flow, pressure, temperature, etc.) at each node to identify deviations, their causes and consequences. Team includes: process engineer, operations, instrumentation, safety, and mechanical. Timing: typically conducted at P&ID completion stage, before detailed engineering. HAZOP identifies: hazards requiring additional safeguards, operability issues affecting reliability, and design improvements. Results documented in HAZOP worksheets with recommendations tracked to completion.