Preparation is key prior to starting any task. Buildings are not constructed without blue prints. Projects are not started without first knowing you have all required items to complete tasks successfully. Performing process hazard analysis (PHA) studies shouldn't be any different. Protocols should be used to ensure all necessary information is available.

Think of protocols as checklists / to-do lists that are completed before starting a PHA study. PHA protocols contain questions such as "Do you have available piping and instrument diagrams (P&ID's)?" and "Do you have available information on electrical classifications?". Without affirmative answers to these and other questions (or justification for not having the information), conducting a quality and complete PHA will not be possible. Performing a PHA using outdated or incomplete information will waste time and resources. This is where protocols help.

Protocols help to ensure that prior to starting a PHA study you have all the information required and it is up-to-date. Different protocols may be used depending on the type of PHA, e.g., initial, revalidation. Typically, multiple protocols are used. For example, protocols for a revalidation PHA may include:

• Process safety information (PSI) - Used to ensure you have all the necessary safety information.

• Information on the previous PHA - Used to ensure the results of the previous PHA are available and actions taken on those results are known.

• Regulatory requirements for revalidation - Used to determine whether the previous PHA met applicable regulatory requirements.

• Technical requirements for revalidation - Used to determine whether technical elements were properly addressed in the previous PHA.

Completing protocols prior to starting your PHA study helps to ensure studies are completed effectively and efficiently.