Brochure (PDF)This is a two day course which covers the principles of Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA).
LOPA is a semi-quantitative risk assessment technique, and is the most commonly used method of SIL determination (i.e. of calculating whether a situation requires further risk reduction to meet tolerable risk targets, and if so, what reliability (SIL) is required of these further measures).
This training course is primarily for HazOp facilitators who also want to be able to lead LOPAs. However, it is suitable for anybody who wants to gain an in-depth understanding of the LOPA technique, and how to apply it. The course is taught using a combination of classroom teaching and group exercises, which are based on the CCPSCentre for Chemical Process Safety concept book “Layer of Protection Analysis – Simplified Risk Assessment”.
Course Content
- LOPA Overview
- When and Why to use LOPA
- Risk Tolerability
- The Layer of Protection Concept
- Elements of LOPA
- Selecting Scenarios for LOPA
- Hazardous Consequence and Tolerable Risk
- Initiating Causes
- Enabling Conditions & Conditional Modifiers
Day 1
- Independent Protection Layers (IPLs)
- IPL Reliability Information
- Safety Instrumented Functions (SIFs)
- Common Cause Failure Within LOPA
- Evaluating the LOPA Results
- Final Event Likelihood and SIL Determination
- Practical Application of LOPA
- LOPA’s Position and Role in the Functional Safety Lifecycle
- Dealing with Multiple Causes and Consequences
- Specialist Software for LOPA
- Common LOPA Failings
- Useful Sources of Information
- Course Conclusion
Day 2
Who Should Attend
This course is primarily for HazOp facilitators who also want to be able to lead LOPAs. However, it is suitable for anybody who wants to gain an in-depth understanding of the LOPA technique, and how to apply it.
Prior Knowledge
In order to get the most out of this course, it is recommended that delegates have at least some prior knowledge of hazard studies (e.g. from having either led HazOps, or attended enough of them as a team member to have a good understanding of how the HazOp process works). The course builds on the material presented in our HazOp Training Course for Study Leaders course. However, no prior knowledge of LOPA is required.
After this training course you will be able to:
After this course experienced HazOp leaders will be able to also facilitate LOPA studies *. Experienced hazard study team members will be able to participate effectively in LOPA as team members.
* A period of mentoring is recommended for all new LOPA facilitators. If required, =Method can provide a mentor to help new facilitators get off to the best possible start – please contact us to discuss your needs.
What you will get
- The course material in printed format.
- A certificate of attendance for each delegate that attends the full course. (16 hours of CPD)
Course Options
Classroom
The Course is delivered over 2 days in public classroom sessions.
In-House
The course is delivered either at your premises or live online as a closed course, and can be customised to meet your specific requirements.
About the Trainer
David Sparkes
The trainer for this course is David Sparkes. He is Technical Director of Method Process Safety Ltd. He is a chartered chemical engineer, experienced HazOp and LOPA facilitator, a Fellow of the IChemE, and is registered with the IChemE as a Professional Process Safety Engineer (PPSE). David Sparkes' trainer profile.
Price
Click on the specific course dates on this page for pricing information. A quotation can be provided on request.
Course Enquiries
If you have any further questions, please call +44 (0)1462 713313, email support@methodprosafe.com or contact us online. If you wish to proceed, check your diary and reserve a place.
Check your diary and reserve a place
Delegate comments
In course feedback our delegates rated this course 93.9%. See recent comments below, or more comments here.
I would highly recommend it.
It's a great course
Very informative and had multiple real world examples which helped.
Happy to recommend this course
My knowledge is much imporoved
Even if you already understand LOPA you will benefit from the insights this course offers.
I'd recommend attending
I found hazard selection and using the correct numbers very useful.
My knowledge has improved.
Do it! It provides a good understanding of LOPA
I've sat in plenty of LOPAs, but not led one and this gave me a deeper appreciation of what we are doing.
The most useful part was learning how to avoid pitfalls and where to find the info
Good use of breakouts and class exercises
Very good, I liked David's style
Clear explanation of LOPA. Was happy to answer lots of questions.
If you are facilitating LOPA sessions or verifying them then its worthwhile attending
Good content, very well presented
The most useful part were the workshops and real world examples
Well paced delivery with some interesting anecdotes.
Course delivery was excellent and real world examples made the course much more enjoyable.
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LOPA Consultancy
=Method provides expert LOPA facilitators and scribes who use proven tools and templates. Our approach recognises and supports downstream activities, including the Safety Requirements Specification and functional safety assessment.
Discuss your LOPA needs with us now