Analysis Procedure - hdbk11000038

DOE-HDBK-1100-2004

development for entirely new processes to identify and eliminate hazards that have been

recognized through operation and evaluation of similar systems. To be most useful, checklists

should be tailored specifically for an individual facility, process, or product.

4.1.2 Analysis Procedure

Performing a checklist analysis requires access to engineering design procedures and operating

practices manuals and must be performed by a team with appropriate expertise. An experienced

manager or staff engineer should review the results and direct follow-up actions.

SELECTING OR DEVELOPING A CHECKLIST.

A checklist is developed so that aspects of process

design or operation that do not comply with standard industrial practices are discovered through

responses to the questions in the list. A detailed checklist can be as extensive as necessary to

satisfy the specific situation, but it should be applied conscientiously in order to identify

problems that require further attention. Detailed checklists for particular processes should be

augmented by generic checklists to help assure thoroughness. Generic checklists are often

combined with other methods to evaluate hazardous situations.

Checklists are limited by their authors' experience. They should be developed by individuals

who have extensive experience with the processes they are analyzing. Frequently, checklists are

created simply by organizing information from current relevant codes, standards, and

regulations. Checklists should be viewed as living documents and should be reviewed regularly

and updated as required.

Sample checklists are shown in Tables 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3. A fairly exhaustive checklist

appears in Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures, Appendix B (CCPS, 1992).

PERFORMING THE ANALYSIS.

After a checklist is prepared, it can be applied by less

experienced engineers if necessary. Team members should walkthrough and visually inspect

the process areas to compare the process equipment and operations to the checklist items.

The checklist can be reviewed in either hard copy or computer-based form. The analysts

respond to the checklist items based on observations from their visual inspections, process

documentation, interviews with operating personnel, and personal perceptions. If the process

attributes or operating characteristics do not match the specific desired features on the

checklist, the analysts note the deficiency.

A checklist analysis made prior to construction is usually performed during a PrHA team

meeting. It focuses on review of the process drawings, completion of the checklist, and

discussion of the deficiencies