At TEMA we lead the implementation of PHA techniques with a certified team that ensures international standards of quality and efficiency.
Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) techniques are indispensable tools for assessing risk in industrial facilities and working continuously to prevent undesirable events for people, the environment or assets.
These methodologies are a cornerstone of the service provided by Tema. “PHA techniques help us to identify risks and major events in industrial processes and then evaluate them with the main objective of preventing them,” explains Yazmin Díaz Ramírez, operational coordinator of TEMA’s Industrial and Process Safety area. This approach makes it possible to analyze risks at different stages in the life of the facilities, from engineering to decommissioning.
PHA methodologies: a holistic view of risk
PHA techniques allow risks to be addressed in a qualitative manner, with the participation of multidisciplinary teams. Among the most commonly used methodologies are the HazOp (Hazard and Operability Study), the What if, the HazId (Hazard Identification) and the Check List.
“The focus of PHA analyses is to identify risks at all stages of a facility’s life cycle: from engineering and construction, to operation and decommissioning. This includes evaluating existing safeguards or barriers and determining if they are sufficient or if additional measures need to be implemented to prevent the identified risks or major events,” explains Diaz.
This meticulous analysis covers a wide range of potential hazards, from process, mechanical, electrical and thermal risks to natural, social and technological threats. “Each analysis allows us to identify hazards or review whether safeguards are effective and, if not, to implement recommendations that ensure process safety and regulatory compliance,” adds the expert.
Key factors for effective PHA analysis
Performing a PHA analysis effectively requires a combination of in-depth technical knowledge and leadership skills. According to Diaz, “it is essential to master technical concepts such as instrumentation and process diagrams, root cause matrices and safety systems, in addition to handling specific tools such as software to develop the study”.
Another key element is the ability to divide processes into nodes and deviations, evaluating the causes, consequences and potential risk in each case. This ensures a detailed analysis that considers both inherent and residual risk, allowing informed decisions to be made for incident prevention.
The certification and specialization of the TEMA team in PHA techniques is one of our greatest differentiators. “Having certified experts guarantees that the work carried out complies with national and international standards, which brings confidence and quality to the projects,” Díaz emphasizes. In addition, TEMA’s network of experts extends to several countries, which strengthens its ability to meet the specific needs of each client.
Training and constant updating
In a sector as dynamic as the industrial one, keeping up to date is crucial. Standards and regulations are constantly evolving, and TEMA is at the forefront in this regard. “Continuous training is a tool to ensure that analyses are well done and that customers have confidence in the results,” says Diaz.
We understand that safety is not a static objective, but a continuous process that requires innovation, commitment and constant adaptation to new market realities.
Safety as a priority
TEMA’s message to industries is clear: investing in safety ensures that the operation of facilities is more profitable and sustainable. “It is essential to maintain safety throughout the life cycle of industrial processes with special attention to the management of major risks or events,” concludes Diaz.
