A Framework for Designing Independent Protection Layer (IPL) Implementing Process Hazard Analysis to Process Safety Design

Abstract

Despite the clarity of Process Safety Design concept, the current safety design seems to be done using heuristics and experiences of process designers and safety engineers. Because of this, the quality of safety design is heavily dependent on the expertise of those engineers. The proposed framework expresses the process as a design of independent protection layer (IPL). A scenario-based approach is introduced to support the design of ILP 3, 4 and 5 utilizing design rationales. The key parameters are integrated in the framework, such as Risk (Severity, Frequency), Propagation Speed of hazard, Propagation Paths, Affected area, and sensors to support making rational decisions. The proposed framework is found effective for supporting "Process Safety Information" and "Management of Change" required by US OSHA-PSM.