The purpose of this information is to present a comprehensive evaluation of potential process related, natural phenomena, and external hazards that can affect the public, workers, and the environment due to single or multiple failures. Consideration will be given to all modes of operation, including startup, shutdown, and abnormal testing or maintenance configurations. As is standard industrial practice, examination of all modes of operation considers the potential for both equipment failure and human error. Hazard identification and evaluation provide a thorough, predominantly qualitative evaluation of the spectrum of risks to the public, workers, and the environment due to accidents involving any of the hazards identified. The major features of hazard analysis and the graded approach are captured in this figure.
Hazard identification provides the basis for the final hazard categorization of the facility.
That categorization is input for the graded approach for hazard evaluation. Hazard Category 3 facilities are not required to perform formal, quantitative accident analysis. Figure 3-1 identifies the specific point where the analyst must move beyond the general outline of this Standard and use the graded approach to specifically determine appropriate hazard analysis methodology. As previously noted, more elaborate techniques will generally be associated with more complex processes. Experience and capabilities of analysts are also a major consideration in efficient performance of a comprehensive hazard evaluation.