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Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1234 New

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
19 Oct 2026
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Overview

Process Hazard Analysis Training Course by Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the practical capabilities required to identify process hazards, evaluate operational risks, and strengthen process safety across oil and gas facilities. This Process Hazard Analysis programme equips industry professionals with a structured understanding of PHA methodology, hazard identification, process risk assessment, and recognised techniques such as Hazard and Operability Studies, commonly known as HAZOP.

Oil and gas operations involve complex processing systems, high-pressure equipment, flammable hydrocarbons, hazardous chemicals, rotating machinery, and interconnected production assets. Failures within these systems create risks to personnel, the environment, operational continuity, asset integrity, and business performance. Effective process safety management requires organisations to understand how hazardous conditions develop, how protective systems perform, and how operational decisions influence the likelihood and consequences of major incidents.

Process Hazard Analysis provides a systematic approach to examining process designs, operating procedures, equipment configurations, and potential deviations from intended operating conditions. It enables teams to recognise credible hazards, identify weaknesses in existing safeguards, evaluate potential consequences, and establish appropriate risk reduction measures. By applying structured analysis techniques, organisations improve the quality of safety decisions and strengthen the reliability of their operating systems.

The Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers this course for professionals responsible for process safety, engineering, operations, technical assurance, risk management, and asset integrity. The programme focuses on the practical application of PHA methodology within upstream production facilities, gas processing plants, refineries, petrochemical operations, pipelines, storage terminals, and other hydrocarbon processing environments.

A key industry challenge is the gap between understanding process safety principles and applying them consistently during engineering reviews, operational changes, incident investigations, and risk assessments. Teams need the ability to recognise hazardous scenarios, distinguish credible risks from routine operational concerns, evaluate safeguards, and document findings in a way that supports effective action. This course addresses that requirement through structured analysis, realistic industrial scenarios, and practical exercises based on common process safety challenges.

Participants examine the relationship between hazard identification, risk evaluation, engineering controls, operating procedures, and management of corrective actions. They develop an understanding of how PHA findings support design improvements, operating discipline, maintenance planning, emergency preparedness, and management of change. The programme also explores the responsibilities of multidisciplinary teams and the importance of maintaining accurate records throughout the analysis process.

The course covers recognised analytical approaches, including HAZOP, What-If analysis, checklist-based reviews, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis where appropriate to the process and assessment objectives. Participants learn how to select suitable techniques, establish analysis boundaries, examine process deviations, assess existing safeguards, and develop recommendations that address identified risks.

The programme also considers the importance of risk ranking, recommendation ownership, action prioritisation, and verification of completed measures. These activities ensure that Process Hazard Analysis produces practical operational improvements rather than remaining a documentation exercise. Participants gain the capability to contribute to consistent risk assessment practices and support the integration of process safety considerations into everyday business decisions.

For organisations operating in demanding industrial environments, effective PHA supports informed investment decisions, improved operational reliability, stronger engineering assurance, and better control of major accident hazards. It provides management teams with a clearer understanding of significant process risks and the actions required to manage them.

Through the Process Hazard Analysis Training Course, Institute For Oil & Gas Training helps professionals build the technical judgement and analytical discipline needed to contribute to safer, more reliable, and more controlled oil and gas operations.

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose of Process Hazard Analysis within a comprehensive process safety management system.

  • Describe the relationship between hazard identification, process risk assessment, risk reduction, and operational assurance.

  • Identify process hazards associated with equipment, operating conditions, process deviations, hazardous materials, and human factors.

  • Apply a structured PHA methodology to defined process systems and operating scenarios.

  • Explain the principles and practical application of HAZOP, What-If analysis, checklist reviews, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis.

  • Define the scope and boundaries of an assessment using relevant process information and operational documentation.

  • Analyse deviations in flow, pressure, temperature, level, composition, and other critical process parameters.

  • Identify credible causes and consequences associated with hazardous operating conditions.

  • Evaluate the role and effectiveness of existing safeguards in preventing incidents or reducing their consequences.

  • Apply consistent risk ranking principles to support the prioritisation of assessment findings.

  • Develop clear, technically justified recommendations that address identified hazards and safeguard weaknesses.

  • Recognise the influence of equipment reliability, maintenance practices, control systems, and operating procedures on process risk.

  • Explain how PHA supports management of change, pre-start-up reviews, incident prevention, and continuous improvement.

  • Improve the quality of PHA records, action registers, assumptions, and supporting documentation.

  • Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary hazard analysis teams and technical review meetings.

  • Establish appropriate follow-up practices for monitoring recommendations and verifying the implementation of corrective measures.

Training methodology

The Process Hazard Analysis Training Course combines instructor-led technical guidance with practical exercises, facilitated discussions, industry scenarios, and structured team analysis. The methodology reflects the collaborative nature of PHA, where engineering, operations, maintenance, process safety, and other specialist functions contribute different perspectives to the identification and evaluation of hazards.

The course connects recognised analytical principles with the decisions professionals make throughout the operating lifecycle. Participants examine how design assumptions, equipment limitations, human factors, operating procedures, and safeguard performance influence process risk. Each activity reinforces the relationship between technical analysis and practical risk reduction.

Instructor-Led Technical Sessions

Facilitated sessions introduce the principles of Process Hazard Analysis, the purpose of different analytical methods, and the responsibilities of personnel participating in assessments. Participants explore the stages of an effective analysis, from defining the scope and collecting technical information to recording findings and tracking recommendations.

Technical discussions explain the relationship between process parameters, operating deviations, potential consequences, and protective barriers. This approach develops a common understanding of PHA terminology and supports consistent communication across multidisciplinary teams.

Industrial Case Studies

Realistic oil and gas scenarios demonstrate how process hazards develop and how analysis teams identify weaknesses before they lead to incidents. Case studies address issues such as excessive pressure, loss of containment, incorrect flow conditions, equipment failure, control system malfunction, and inadequate operating procedures.

Participants examine the contributing factors, existing safeguards, potential consequences, and corrective measures associated with each scenario. The exercises encourage evidence-based reasoning and demonstrate how the quality of an assessment depends on the completeness of the information and the experience represented within the analysis team.

HAZOP and Hazard Identification Exercises

Participants work through structured process deviations using guidewords and relevant process parameters. They identify possible causes, assess consequences, examine existing safeguards, and formulate recommendations for reducing unacceptable risks.

The exercises demonstrate the importance of a disciplined approach to HAZOP, including clear documentation, effective facilitation, and appropriate participation from relevant technical specialists. Participants also explore how What-If analysis and checklist-based reviews complement HAZOP in suitable applications.

Group Risk Assessment Activities

Collaborative exercises require participants to review process information, identify hazardous scenarios, discuss risk significance, and agree on suitable control measures. Teams consider the strengths and limitations of different safeguards, including engineered protection, alarms, interlocks, procedures, and human intervention.

These activities develop the ability to challenge assumptions constructively, resolve technical disagreements, and distinguish between existing controls and proposed improvements. They also demonstrate the importance of assigning clear responsibility for assessment findings and corrective actions.

Scenario-Based Problem Solving

Participants investigate situations involving abnormal operating conditions, proposed equipment modifications, process changes, and deficiencies in existing safeguards. They apply structured reasoning to establish credible causes, identify consequences, and determine where further technical information is required.

This method strengthens analytical judgement and helps participants understand how PHA supports management of change, operational readiness, and engineering reviews.

Facilitated Review and Feedback

Throughout the programme, participants receive feedback on their analytical approach, documentation quality, risk reasoning, and proposed recommendations. The facilitator reinforces the importance of specific findings, defensible assumptions, proportionate controls, and effective action tracking.

The methodology supports practical capability development by allowing participants to apply concepts, discuss alternative approaches, and learn from the perspectives of professionals working in different operational and technical functions.

Organisational impact

Effective Process Hazard Analysis supports organisations in controlling major process risks, improving operating discipline, and strengthening the reliability of safety-critical systems. By developing internal PHA capabilities, sponsoring companies improve the consistency of their assessment practices and the quality of decisions made during engineering, operational, and maintenance activities.

Improved Hazard Identification and Risk Control

Employees with structured PHA skills identify hazardous scenarios more systematically and recognise the conditions that contribute to loss of containment, equipment damage, process instability, and other unwanted events. Improved identification supports earlier intervention and more informed decisions about risk reduction.

Organisations benefit from a clearer understanding of process hazards across operating units, production facilities, storage systems, and supporting infrastructure. This knowledge helps technical and operational teams focus attention on significant risks rather than relying solely on routine inspections or reactive problem solving.

Stronger Process Safety Performance

The course supports more consistent evaluation of safeguards, operating limits, engineering controls, and procedural measures. Teams develop a clearer understanding of how protective barriers contribute to risk management and where additional measures require consideration.

This capability strengthens the identification of safeguard weaknesses and supports improvements in operating procedures, alarm management, maintenance practices, and engineering design. It also encourages a more proactive approach to process safety rather than one driven primarily by incidents or equipment failures.

Better Quality of Engineering Decisions

PHA findings provide structured information for engineering reviews, design modifications, equipment selection, and operating strategy decisions. Trained personnel contribute more effectively to technical discussions by explaining the causes, consequences, and significance of identified hazards.

The organisation gains a more systematic basis for evaluating alternatives, prioritising corrective work, and allocating resources to risk reduction measures. Clearer technical justification also improves communication between engineering teams, operational management, and senior decision-makers.

More Effective Management of Change

Changes to process conditions, equipment, materials, control systems, and operating procedures introduce risks that require appropriate evaluation. The course strengthens participants understanding of how PHA contributes to identifying hazards associated with proposed changes before implementation.

Organisations improve their ability to identify affected systems, examine new operating scenarios, review safeguard adequacy, and establish necessary actions before modified equipment or processes return to service.

Improved Recommendation Tracking

A structured approach to recording findings, assigning responsibilities, setting priorities, and verifying completion improves the management of PHA actions. Organisations gain clearer visibility of outstanding recommendations and the measures required to close identified gaps.

This approach supports management oversight, internal assurance, audit preparation, and the retention of technical evidence. It also reduces the risk of important findings becoming overlooked during operational handovers or organisational changes.

Better Operational Reliability

Hazard analysis helps identify conditions that contribute to process interruptions, equipment damage, unstable operating conditions, and unplanned shutdowns. When findings are translated into appropriate engineering or operational improvements, organisations strengthen the reliability of their assets and supporting systems.

The course also supports better coordination between process engineering, operations, and maintenance by highlighting the relationship between process hazards and equipment performance.

Stronger Compliance and Assurance Processes

A well-governed PHA programme supports organisations in demonstrating systematic hazard evaluation and documented risk management. The course helps participants understand how recognised standards and applicable regulatory requirements inform the selection, conduct, and review of assessments.

Organisations strengthen the quality of technical records, evidence of management review, action closure documentation, and internal assurance activities. Compliance decisions remain aligned with the jurisdiction, facility type, applicable legal obligations, and company procedures.

Greater Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Process Hazard Analysis depends on effective collaboration between specialists with different operational responsibilities. The course establishes a shared analytical approach and improves the quality of discussions between engineering, process safety, operations, maintenance, inspection, and management personnel.

More effective collaboration supports consistent interpretation of process information, constructive challenge of assumptions, and agreement on realistic risk reduction measures.

Personal impact

The Process Hazard Analysis Training Course develops the technical understanding, analytical discipline, and professional confidence required to contribute effectively to process safety activities in the oil and gas sector.

Stronger Technical Analysis Skills

Participants develop a structured approach to identifying hazards, examining process deviations, understanding failure scenarios, and evaluating the consequences of unwanted events. These skills support more informed technical judgements during design reviews, operational assessments, and engineering discussions.

Practical Understanding of PHA Methodology

Participants gain a clearer understanding of how different analysis techniques serve different purposes. They learn how HAZOP, What-If analysis, checklist reviews, and other suitable methods support hazard identification and risk evaluation.

This understanding helps professionals contribute more effectively to assessment planning, workshop discussions, and the selection of appropriate analytical approaches.

Improved Risk-Based Decision-Making

Participants strengthen their ability to distinguish between hazards, consequences, existing safeguards, and residual risk. They learn to assess findings systematically and support recommendations with clear technical reasoning.

These capabilities improve decision-making when reviewing process changes, evaluating equipment limitations, and determining the need for additional protective measures.

Better Technical Communication

PHA requires precise communication between specialists and decision-makers. Participants develop the ability to document findings clearly, explain the significance of identified hazards, challenge assumptions professionally, and present recommendations in an actionable format.

These skills support effective participation in multidisciplinary meetings, management reviews, and operational risk discussions.

Increased Professional Responsibility

Participants gain a clearer understanding of their responsibilities when identifying and communicating process hazards. They develop greater awareness of the importance of accurate documentation, appropriate escalation, and timely follow-up of significant findings.

The programme supports professionals who want to strengthen their contribution to process safety, technical assurance, and operational risk management.

Broader Career Capability

The knowledge gained is relevant to professionals working in process engineering, HSE, operations, maintenance, project engineering, technical safety, and asset integrity. It strengthens the foundation required for responsibilities involving hazard analysis, risk assessment, engineering reviews, and process safety improvement.

The course also helps experienced professionals align their analytical practices with recognised approaches and contribute more consistently to organisational risk management objectives.

Who should attend

  • Process Engineers: Strengthen their ability to identify process deviations, evaluate operating risks, and support design reviews.

  • Process Safety Engineers: Improve the application of PHA techniques and the quality of hazard assessment documentation.

  • HSE Managers and Advisors: Develop a stronger understanding of process hazards, safeguards, and risk reduction recommendations.

  • Operations Managers and Supervisors: Improve their ability to recognise operational hazards and contribute to structured risk assessments.

  • Production Engineers: Evaluate process operating conditions and identify risks affecting production systems and equipment.

  • Plant and Facility Managers: Improve oversight of process safety risks, assessment findings, and corrective action priorities.

  • Maintenance and Reliability Engineers: Understand how equipment failures, maintenance deficiencies, and asset degradation influence process risk.

  • Project Engineers and Project Managers: Apply PHA principles during project development, design reviews, and modification activities.

  • Instrumentation and Control Engineers: Examine risks associated with control loops, alarms, interlocks, and protective instrumented functions.

  • Mechanical and Piping Engineers: Contribute to the evaluation of equipment integrity, pressure containment, and piping-related hazards.

  • Technical Safety Specialists: Strengthen their ability to participate in structured hazard identification and risk evaluation.

  • Risk and Compliance Professionals: Improve their understanding of process safety assessment records and risk management evidence.

  • Inspection and Asset Integrity Personnel: Identify how degradation, inspection findings, and equipment condition affect process hazards.

  • Commissioning and Start-Up Teams: Understand how PHA findings inform operational readiness and the control of start-up risks.

  • Engineering Consultants and Technical Advisors: Develop practical capability for supporting process safety reviews and multidisciplinary assessment activities.

  • Department Heads and Senior Managers: Improve their oversight of major process risks, technical recommendations, and safety improvement priorities.

Course outline

This module establishes the foundations of Process Hazard Analysis and its role within process safety management. Participants examine the relationship between process hazards, operating conditions, equipment integrity, human factors, and major accident prevention. The module also addresses assessment scope, team composition, technical information requirements, and the planning activities necessary for a structured analysis.

Participants explore how PHA fits into the process lifecycle, from facility design and commissioning to routine operations, modifications, and decommissioning. Emphasis is placed on establishing clear objectives, defining system boundaries, reviewing available documentation, and identifying the information required before an assessment begins.

  1. OSHA Process Safety Management

    • The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard, 29 CFR 1910.119, establishes requirements for process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals in covered workplaces.

    • Its process hazard analysis provisions address the identification, evaluation, and control of hazards associated with covered processes.

    • The standard identifies recognised analysis approaches and requires appropriate consideration of process hazards, previous incidents, engineering controls, human factors, and the consequences of control failures.

    • Its applicability depends on the process and the scope of the United States regulatory requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose of PHA within a process safety management system.

    • Describe the relationship between hazard identification and risk reduction.

    • Identify the technical information required to support an effective assessment.

    • Define the scope and boundaries of a process hazard review.

    • Explain the responsibilities of multidisciplinary assessment teams.

    • Recognise the importance of human factors and operating procedures in process safety.

    • Identify the principal stages involved in planning and documenting a PHA.

This module develops practical skills in identifying process hazards and examining deviations from intended operating conditions. Participants explore how process parameters, equipment configurations, control systems, and operating practices contribute to hazardous scenarios.

The module places particular emphasis on HAZOP as a structured technique for identifying deviations, exploring their causes, evaluating their consequences, and reviewing existing safeguards. Participants also examine complementary methods, including What-If analysis and checklist-based reviews, to understand their suitability for different systems and assessment objectives.

  1. IEC 61882 Hazard and Operability Studies

    • IEC 61882 provides guidance on the application of HAZOP studies to systems and processes.

    • It addresses the preparation, examination, recording, and follow-up activities associated with HAZOP.

    • The standard supports a structured approach to identifying deviations from design intent and investigating their potential consequences.

    • Its guidance helps teams establish a consistent methodology for conducting and documenting HAZOP studies.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the principles and purpose of HAZOP.

    • Apply appropriate guidewords and process parameters to identify deviations.

    • Identify credible causes and consequences of process abnormalities.

    • Review technical drawings and operating information to support hazard identification.

    • Distinguish between HAZOP and other hazard review techniques.

    • Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary HAZOP workshops.

    • Record assessment findings clearly and consistently.

This module focuses on evaluating the significance of identified hazards and establishing a defensible basis for risk-related decisions. Participants examine how the likelihood of hazardous events, the severity of potential consequences, and the effectiveness of existing controls influence the assessment of process risk.

The module explains qualitative and semi-quantitative risk assessment approaches, risk matrices, scenario evaluation, and the limitations associated with incomplete information. Participants consider how risk assessment supports prioritisation and how the selection of risk reduction measures depends on the nature of the hazard, the operating environment, and the applicable company methodology.

  1. ISO 31000 Risk Management

    • ISO 31000 provides principles and guidelines for managing risk across organisational activities.

    • It supports a structured approach to identifying, analysing, evaluating, treating, monitoring, and communicating risk.

    • The standard emphasises the integration of risk management into decision-making and organisational governance.

    • Its principles support consistent risk evaluation while allowing organisations to adapt methods to their operational context.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the principal stages of process risk assessment.

    • Identify the factors that influence the likelihood and consequences of hazardous events.

    • Apply a suitable risk matrix in accordance with defined organisational criteria.

    • Distinguish between hazard severity and overall risk significance.

    • Recognise the limitations of qualitative and semi-quantitative risk assessments.

    • Prioritise findings using consistent risk evaluation principles.

    • Document assumptions and explain the reasoning behind risk rankings.

This module examines how existing protective measures prevent hazardous events or limit their consequences. Participants review the role of engineered safeguards, process controls, alarms, interlocks, emergency shutdown systems, pressure relief devices, operating procedures, and personnel actions within a layered risk management strategy.

The module also explores the distinction between preventive and mitigative controls and the importance of evaluating safeguard suitability for the specific hazard scenario. Participants learn how to identify gaps in protection, develop practical recommendations, and recognise when further technical assessment is necessary.

  1. IEC 61511 Functional Safety

    • IEC 61511 addresses the application of safety instrumented systems within the process industry sector.

    • It establishes a lifecycle-based framework for specification, design, installation, operation, and maintenance of safety instrumented systems.

    • The standard supports the management of functional safety risks associated with instrumented protection.

    • It provides relevant principles for understanding the role and limitations of safety instrumented functions within a broader process safety strategy.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Identify preventive and mitigative safeguards for defined process hazards.

    • Evaluate the intended function and limitations of existing protection measures.

    • Recognise weaknesses in safeguard coverage and implementation.

    • Explain the role of safety instrumented systems within process risk reduction.

    • Distinguish between engineered protection, procedural controls, and administrative measures.

    • Develop recommendations that address identified safeguard deficiencies.

    • Recognise when specialist functional safety assessment is required.

This module focuses on converting analysis findings into controlled, traceable, and verifiable improvements. Participants examine how to document assessment decisions, assign responsibility for recommendations, prioritise actions, and confirm that agreed measures are implemented effectively.

The module also considers the role of PHA in management of change, incident learning, operational readiness, and periodic review. Participants explore how organisations maintain the integrity of their assessments, communicate significant findings, and use analysis results to improve process safety performance over time.

  1. API Recommended Practice 750

    • API Recommended Practice 750 addresses the management of process hazards in covered chemical manufacturing and related industrial operations.

    • It provides a recognised industry reference for understanding process hazard management practices and organisational responsibilities.

    • Its principles are relevant to examining how hazard management activities support documented controls and organisational oversight.

    • Organisations must confirm the current status, scope, and applicability of this recommended practice before using it as a governing requirement for a particular facility.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Prepare clear and traceable PHA findings and supporting documentation.

    • Establish action registers with defined responsibilities and priorities.

    • Explain the importance of verifying corrective actions before closure.

    • Identify circumstances that require reassessment through management of change.

    • Integrate PHA findings into operational procedures and maintenance planning.

    • Explain how incident learning and periodic review support continuous improvement.

    • Contribute to management oversight of process safety actions and outstanding risks.

Certificate

Attendees who successfully complete the Process Hazard Analysis Training Course receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises completion of the training programme and participation in its learning activities. Attendees must meet the course attendance requirement established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training to receive the certificate.

The Certificate of Completion confirms participation in the programme. It does not represent a professional licence, an external accreditation, or a separate technical certification.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,500

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,500

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,500

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,500

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is covered in the Process Hazard Analysis Training Course?

The course covers PHA principles, hazard identification, HAZOP methodology, process risk assessment, risk ranking, safeguard evaluation, recommendation development, and action management. Participants also examine how PHA supports management of change, operational readiness, and continuous process safety improvement in oil and gas facilities.

Who should attend this training course?

The programme is designed for process engineers, process safety specialists, HSE professionals, operations managers, maintenance and reliability engineers, project engineers, technical safety personnel, and other professionals involved in managing industrial process risks. It also benefits managers responsible for reviewing assessment findings and overseeing corrective actions.

How is the Process Hazard Analysis course delivered?

Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers the programme through instructor-led sessions, industrial case studies, group exercises, scenario-based analysis, and facilitated technical discussions. Participants examine realistic process hazards and practise applying structured analytical techniques to identify risks, evaluate safeguards, and develop appropriate recommendations.

What is the total duration of the course?

The total course duration is 15 to 20 hours across five modules. The programme covers process safety fundamentals, hazard identification and HAZOP, risk assessment, safeguard evaluation, and PHA documentation and action management.

Will participants receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. Attendees who complete the programme and satisfy the attendance requirement established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training receive a Certificate of Completion. The certificate confirms completion of the training programme and does not constitute a separate professional licence or external technical accreditation.

Next: 19 Oct 2026

4 dates available

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