CASE STUDYLOPA for Risk Assessment of Potential
Toxic Gas Exposure
Industries that work with hazardous or potentially hazardous materials, such as the semiconductor industry, must remain
constantly vigilant in order to prevent incidents resulting in loss of life or injury to people and damage to the environment orassets. As risk analyses and viable solutions can be complex, process safety experts are a company’s best resource forcombatting hazards and safeguarding personnel and operations. Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) is a tool combining theexpertise of process safety engineers with the knowledge of company staff to identify risks and customize safety measures inan efficient and effective manner.

Evaluation and Verification of Protective Mechanisms Installed by a Semiconductor Company

as double-skinned piping and ventilated containment cabinets

Our experts were contacted to evaluate the protective mechanisms

Our process safety experts were called in to verify that these

installed by a semiconductor company whose processes involvemeasures adequately responded to the degree of hazard and toflammable, toxic gases. In an effort to ensure the safety of its

review the integrity of the overall arrangements.

employees, the company had put in place mechanical devices sucharound pipework fittings as well as gas detectors and alarms.

Scenario Identification, Layers of Protection Evaluation
and Recommendation for Improvement Measures
We visited the site, took stock of the facilities and protective
measures in place and discussed the process with employees.
Having assembled the process information and site operating
experience a team was convened to undertake a LOPA. The firststep was to identify possible scenarios leading to gas leakage. Next,the experts calculated the severity of the consequences of the leaks
taking into account the type of gas, ventilation, room size, rate ofleak and other conditions. Examining company records based ongas detection alarms, the team could evaluate the frequency of gas
releases and their causes. Our experts then evaluated the layers ofprotection in place and calculated failure risks of thesemechanisms. This included a close analysis of the failure potentialof the gas detectors and their consequent integrity as a layer ofprotection. When carrying out a full LOPA, the failure frequency of
the initiating cause, together with the probability of safety measures
failing, is compared to the risk tolerance level of the organization,

Trusted Advisors for Process Safety Excellence

which at the time of this inspection had not been determined, inorder to assess the acceptability of the risk.

In this and in every case, we are equipped with the experience andknowledge to customize our services to suit clients’ needs. This

Ultimately, our experts were able to make a series ofcustomer-centered approach, backed by a commitment to scientificrecommendations to improve worker safety by improving leakrigor, makes us the trusted advisor worldwide in process safety.

detection methods and safety procedures.

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DEKRA Process Safety
The breadth and depth of expertise in process safety makes us globally recognized specialists and trusted advisors. We help ourclients to understand and evaluate their risks, and work together to develop pragmatic solutions. Our value-adding and practical
approach integrates specialist process safety management, engineering and testing. We seek to educate and grow client competence
to provide sustainable performance improvement. Partnering with our clients we combine technical expertise with a passion forlife preservation, harm reduction and asset protection. As a part of the world’s leading expert organization DEKRA, we are theglobal partner for a safe world.

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