What does the term "process hazard analysis" refer to?

The term "process hazard analysis" specifically refers to the systematic examination of potential hazards associated with a particular process within an industrial or manufacturing environment. This analysis is a critical element of Process Safety Management (PSM), which focuses on identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with the handling of hazardous substances.

In conducting a process hazard analysis, various techniques and methodologies are employed to identify hazards, assess their potential impacts, and develop strategies to minimize or eliminate risks. This may include examining equipment failure modes, human errors, and external factors that could contribute to accidents. The goal of this analysis is to ensure the safety of personnel, the environment, and the facility itself by proactively managing risks before they lead to incidents.

Understanding this definition situates process hazard analysis as fundamentally important to maintaining safety in operations involving hazardous materials, contrasting sharply with other options that focus on unrelated concepts such as production costs, employee schedules, or market trends. These unrelated aspects do not contribute to the systemic safety practices necessary for effective risk management in processes involving hazardous substances.