Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA)

Summary

Learn about the LOPA methodology and how to apply it.

Layer of protection analysis (LOPA) is a semi-quantitative tool for analysing and assessing risk on a process plant. It uses an order of magnitude technique to evaluate the adequacy of existing or proposed layers of protection against known hazards.

This online course will help you understand how significant scenarios are categorised and tolerable frequencies assigned for identified hazardous events. You will also learn to assign risk categories and determine how many Independent Protection Layers (IPLs) should be in place. It also covers the specification and requirements for a protection layer to be accepted as an IPL.

All the essential LOPA steps are practised in virtual workshops, including the use of software tools. Course materials also include a compendium of LOPA research papers, reference materials and further reading.

Teaching will be delivered via three live modules (approximately three hours in length each) and pre-recorded video content for independent study.

Modules will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. If you don't already have this installed, you can join as a guest in order to access the training. We'll share information about how to do this after you've registered.

Please note this course uses example spreadsheets that do not display correctly on a Mac computer. You are therefore strongly advised to use a Windows-based PC to access the course. 

An e-certificate will be issued at the end of the course to confirm attendance and CPD hours logged. Please note that you must attend all modules to receive the certificate.

This is a course run by IChemE (The Institution of Chemical Engineers). For more information or to book your place please contact training@imeche.org

Who should attend?

• Process safety engineers
• Loss prevention specialists
• Production engineers
• Process design engineers
• Project engineers
• Process programmers
• Instrument control designers
• Anyone responsible for leading a LOPA study

How will I benefit?

By the end of this course you will understand:

• the LOPA methodology and its application
• how to decide if a process needs a safety instrumented system (SIS)
• what safety integrity level (SIL) is required
• how to define an Independent Protection Layer (IPL)
• how to implement a process to manage these systems through the life cycle of an installation
• how to lead a LOPA study.

Key topics

• Concept, purpose and principles of LOPA
• LOPA methodology
• Selecting scenarios
• The LOPA process
• Describing scenarios
• Estimating initiating event frequencies
• Independent protection layers and their reliability
• LOPA study and documentation
• Advanced aspects
• Facilitating a LOPA study
• Responsibilities and challenges

Meet our trainers

These trainers regularly teach Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA).