Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA)

What is a LOPA Analysis?

A LOPA Analysis identifies risks to persons and the environment from potential hazards arising from the failure of Safety Related Systems and associated facilities in the plant if they fail to operate as per design. During the LOPA study the basic performance requirements of all Safety Related Instrumented systems are defined to reduce the above risks to as Low as Reasonably Practical (ALARP).

Based on the analysis of the Layers of Protections provided in the facility, we will develop the bowtie (or similar) diagram for the significant hazards to assist in the understanding of protection layers and their importance to the hazard. The Bowtie diagrams will:

1. 1 Provide a pictorial representation of the hazards that can cause hazards/accident to occur;
2. 2 Detail the barriers (preventive layers of protection) that prevent the occurrence of the hazards;
3. 3 Show the mitigating systems (mitigating layers of protection) that minimize all the potential consequences of the hazards (e.g. fire, gas release, explosion and etc.);
4. 4 Bowtie diagrams are a means of displaying the number of controls and mitigating measures available, in order to assist in determining whether the existing systems are adequate and that the risk of the hazards occurring is ALARP or whether further measures are required.

Why choose GVS Cibatech to conduct LOPA?

With our experience in HAZOP and LOPA in a wide range of industries and installations if you are looking for an expert to team to conduct these studies then we are those experts. The GVS Cibatech team understands the importance of doing a high-quality study as the quality of the study will affect the operations and safety of your plants. We therefore work arduously to ensure that when we conduct these studies you have peace of mind for a job done well.