Software for the study of hazard and operability

• Grant number: 01/13359-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2002
• End date: October 31, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Eduardo Pascon
• Grantee: Paulo Eduardo Pascon
• Company: Processo Soluções de Engenharia S/C Ltda

Abstract

The technique of identifying hazards known as the Study of Hazards and Operability, developed in England more than 30 year ago, is a recognized procedure worldwide and its application in Brazil is increasing, principally in the chemical, petrochemical and oil and gas sectors. It is one of the most comprehensive and systematic techniques known for assessing the safety of manufacturing units and transport systems. Its operation is normally carried out on a word processor of the MS-Word type. However, given the characteristics of the technique, the time required for its application tends to be long and incompatible with the human resources that are normally available. In addition, the documents produced in this way are difficult to manipulate and mix with other types of assessment, for example a quantitative risk analysis, increasingly demanded by the Brazilian regulatory agencies for the purposes of environmental licensing. Some businesses abroad have now developed software for the application of this technique, but nothing similar has been noted in Brazil. It should further be highlighted that the software available on the external market is available in the English language, is not compatible with other types of assessment and has a cost which is still considered high by Brazilian standards. (AU)