Enhancing Process Risk Assessment

LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) is one of the most effective tools for quantitatively determining if additional controls are required for specific hazardous scenarios. It helps to determine the frequency of high-consequence events by mapping the incident pathway and applying cause frequencies, barrier failure rates, and scenario modifiers. 

At Safety Solutions, we have delivered over 1000 LOPA studies across industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, manufacturing, dairy, and power generation. Our work covers scenarios including explosions, toxic releases, asset damage, fires, and serious injury events. By combining technical expertise with industry experience, we ensure your risks are accurately quantified and effectively mitigated. 

Bowtie LOPA Consequence Modelling Risk Assessment

The Risk of Skipping or Short-Cutting LOPA 

Without a robust Layer of Protection Analysis, organisations may overlook critical safeguards or misjudge their effectiveness, leading to: 

  • Undetected Risks – High-impact hazards may remain unmitigated, putting people, assets, and the environment at risk. 
  • Inconsistent Safety Measures – Poorly executed LOPA studies can lead to a poor determination of the risk and gaps in protection. 
  • Regulatory Non-Compliance – Missing or incomplete LOPA studies may breach functional safety standards..

Our Approach – Structured, Comprehensive LOPA Studies 

Our LOPA studies typically follow a HAZOP or Bowtie study, where high-consequence scenarios have been flagged for deeper evaluation.

Key Steps in Our LOPA Methodology: 

  1. Incident Pathway Definition – Map the sequence from initiating events to potential consequence. 
  2. Initiating Event Frequency – Quantify the likelihood of each initiating event. 
  3. Independent Protection Layer (IPL) Effectiveness – Evaluate safety barriers that prevent or mitigate incidents ensuring they are independent, effective and auditable. 
  4. Scenario Modifiers – Apply modifiers such as occupancy, ignition and potential for explosions to refine the risk profile.

What a LOPA Study Delivers 

Your LOPA safety assessment report will include: 

  • Risk Gaps and Recommendations – Practical actions to strengthen existing safeguards. 
  • SIL (Safety Integrity Level) Requirements – Determining the SIL rating needed for each safety function where appropriate. 
  • Design Change Proposals – Engineering improvements to reduce risk to ALARP or SFAIRP levels. 
  • Human Factors Guidance – Enhancements to training, procedures, and operational culture. 
  • Cost–Benefit Insights – Comparing the investment in controls to the reduction in residual risk. 

LOPA Basics Training 

Safety Solutions also has a range of training courses that introduces the fundamentals of Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA). Our one-day LOPA Basics course provides the knowledge needed to actively and effectively contribute to a LOPA workshop. 

Those seeking a deeper, facilitator-level skillset are encouraged to progress to our LOPA Facilitator Training, which teaches students how to prepare for and lead a LOPA session in a group setting with simulated workshops. 

LOPA Facilitator Training – IChemE Approved

This 2.5-day IChemE-approved course equips engineers to apply and lead Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) workshops. Participants will learn the methodology, practice its application through workshops, and develop facilitation skills in group settings.

Why Partner with Safety Solutions 

  • Comprehensive Risk Management – From identification to mitigation, we cover every stage of the safety lifecycle. 
  • Customised Solutions – Methodology adapted to your industry, operations, and regulatory environment.

Strengthen your process safety with expert LOPA studies and training from Safety Solutions. CONTACT US TODAY to schedule a Layer of Protection Analysis or enrol your team in our LOPA training  course.

Other useful links