Table 4.7 Typical Format for a What-If Analysis Worksheet

DOE-HDBK-1100-2004

Table 4.7 Typical Format for a What-If Analysis Worksheet

LINE/VESSEL:

Date:

PAGE: of

SAFETY LEVELS(a)

WHAT-IF

CONSEQUENCE

SCENARIO

COMMENTS

(a) This column is a recent improvement in documentation format.

Source: CCPS, 1992.

The comments column may contain additional descriptive information or

actions/recommendations. The recommendations, sometimes with more detailed explanations,

can be summarized in the report to produce a list of action items or suggestions for improving

the safety of the process. These results should be reviewed with management to assure that the

findings are transmitted to those ultimately responsible for any actions.

4.2.3 Staffing Needs and Time

The PSM Rule requires that a what-if analysis be performed by a team with expertise in

engineering and process operations. It must include at least one employee experienced in the

process, and one knowledgeable in the use of the analysis method. For simple processes, two or

three people may be assigned to perform the analysis. However, larger teams may be required

for more complex processes. When a large team is required, the process may be divided

logically into smaller pieces, and a subset of the team may analyze each piece.

The time and cost of a what-if analysis are proportional to the number and complexity of the

processes being analyzed. Table 4.8 presents estimates of the time needed to perform a PrHA

using the what-if analysis method.

Table 4.8 Approximate Time Requirement for What-If Analyses

PREPARATION(a)

DOCUMENTATION(a)

SCOPE

EVALUATION

Simple/Small

System

4 to 8 hours

1 to 2 days

Complex/Large

Process

1 to 3 days

3 to 5 days

1 to 3 weeks

(a) Primarily, team leader and scribe.

Source: CCPS, 1992.