LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis)
Assessing whether safeguards are sufficient through LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis)
LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) provides a structured, semi quantitative method for evaluating whether existing protection layers reduce risk to a tolerable level. It supports consistent and defensible risk based decisions.
When LOPA is used
Following HAZOP or PHA studies
Where safeguard adequacy is unclear
To support SIL determination
During risk based design decisions
What we deliver
Clear comparison of risk against tolerability criteria
Justification for additional safeguards where required
Transparent and auditable risk decisions
How LOPA links to other process safety services
LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) integrates closely with HAZOP, Functional Safety, consequence modelling and Process Safety Management decision making.
Explore LOPA support
Understand whether your existing safeguards provide sufficient risk reduction.
Phone: +353 (0)21 206 6006
Email: [email protected] to arrange a discussion regarding your requirements.
LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) Related Process Safety Services
In addition to our core Process Safety Consultancy offering, EHS International provides specialist support across a range of interconnected process safety disciplines. These services can be delivered individually or as part of an integrated process safety programme.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
We support early and detailed hazard identification through:
These studies form the foundation for effective risk control and informed decision making throughout the lifecycle of plant and processes.
Risk Evaluation and Safeguard Adequacy
Where higher consequence risks are identified, we provide structured risk evaluation through:
Risk based decision support to justify additional protection layers where required
This approach supports proportionate, defensible risk reduction aligned with industry best practice.
Functional Safety and Safety Critical Systems
EHS International supports the management of safety critical systems through:
Review and assurance of Safety Instrumented Systems across their lifecycle
Our focus is on ensuring safety critical functions deliver the required risk reduction and remain reliable and manageable over time.
Explosion, Fire and Major Accident Risk
We provide specialist assessments to control high consequence fire and explosion risks, including:
Consequence Modelling and Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) to support COMAH, Seveso and emergency planning requirements
These services help organisations understand not just the likelihood of an event, but its potential impact on people, assets and the wider public.
Process Safety Management and Ongoing Support
Process safety does not stop with individual studies. We support organisations through:
Process Safety Management (PSM) system design, review and improvement
Management of Change, audits and governance support
Ongoing process safety advisory and assurance services
This ensures that technical studies translate into sustained, effective risk control in day to day operations.
An Integrated Approach
Our process safety services are designed to work together. Outputs from HAZID and HAZOP feed into LOPA, SIL determination, ATEX assessments and consequence modelling, all supported by strong Process Safety Management systems and competent people.
This integrated approach ensures risks are identified early, controls are proportionate to risk, and safety remains effective throughout the lifecycle of your operations.
Who We Support
EHS International supports compliance with key process safety legislation and guidance, including:
Seveso III Directive and Major Accident Hazards Regulations
COMAH Regulations in the UK
ATEX directives and explosive atmospheres requirements
International standards such as IEC, ISO and API guidance
Our Process Safety Consultancy services are designed for organisations that:
Operate high hazard or regulated processes
Handle hazardous chemicals or dangerous goods
Are subject to Seveso, COMAH or equivalent regulations
Are introducing new processes, equipment or plant modifications
Need independent expert review following incidents or near misses
Process Safety Training
In addition to consultancy, EHS International delivers tailored process safety training to build internal capability and improve risk awareness across all levels of the organisation.
Our training can be delivered on site or remotely and is customised to your industry and operational hazards. Training topics include:
Process hazard analysis and risk assessment techniques
Risk assessment for industrial and chemical processes
Process safety management systems and procedures
Chemical handling, emergency response and incident prevention
Training is practical, engaging and designed to support safe decision making and long term risk reduction.
Why Choose EHS International for Process Safety
Experienced process safety consultants with hands on knowledge of high risk industries
Clear, practical advice that integrates with your existing operations
Strong focus on preventing major accidents and loss of containment events
Expert guidance on regulatory compliance and recognised best practice
Long term support through audits, workshops, training and ongoing consultancy
Want to Find out more? Contact us Today
Contact us today via email [email protected] or call us on 01-9058899 (Dublin) or call us on 021-206 6006 (Cork). . Lets Talk !
Frequently Asked Questions About Process Safety Consultancy
What is process safety consultancy and how does EHS International support it?
Process safety consultancy focuses on preventing major accident hazards such as fires, explosions, toxic releases and catastrophic equipment failures. At EHS International, our process safety consultants work with organisations to identify and control risks arising from hazardous substances, complex processes, ageing assets and human factors.
Our consultancy is practical and evidence based. We focus on real world application, ensuring process safety controls are effective, proportionate and integrated into day to day operations rather than existing only on paper.
How is process safety different from health and safety and how does EHS International address both?
Health and safety typically focuses on preventing personal injuries such as slips, trips, falls and manual handling incidents. Process safety addresses low frequency, high consequence events that can result in multiple fatalities, environmental harm and severe business disruption.
EHS International supports organisations to manage both disciplines effectively. Our process safety services complement occupational health and safety systems by strengthening governance, leadership oversight and control of major accident risks.
Which industries does EHS International support with process safety consultancy?
EHS International delivers process safety consultancy across a wide range of high risk and regulated sectors, including:
Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
Energy, utilities and power generation
Oil, gas and petrochemical operations
Manufacturing and engineering environments
Food and beverage processing with hazardous substances
Warehousing, logistics and Dangerous Goods operations
Our consultants have hands on experience in complex industrial environments and tailor solutions to the specific hazards and regulatory obligations of each sector.
When should an organisation engage EHS International for process safety support?
Organisations typically engage EHS International when they are:
Designing new plant, processes or facilities
Modifying existing equipment, processes or layouts
Introducing new chemicals or raw materials
Preparing for regulatory inspections or audits
Responding to incidents, near misses or enforcement actions
Reviewing ageing infrastructure or legacy systems
Early engagement allows us to identify risks proactively and support safer decision making throughout the lifecycle of your operations.
What is a HAZOP study and how does EHS International deliver them?
A HAZOP study is a structured and systematic hazard identification technique used to assess potential deviations from intended process design and their consequences.
EHS International facilitates HAZOP studies using experienced, independent leaders who guide multidisciplinary teams through a clear and robust process. Our focus is on meaningful outcomes, ensuring actions are clearly defined, prioritised and aligned with operational reality.
How does EHS International support Process Safety Management (PSM)?
Process Safety Management is a structured framework used to manage major accident hazards throughout the life of a facility. EHS International supports organisations to design, implement and continuously improve PSM systems that are proportionate to their risk profile.
Our support includes gap analysis, system design, governance frameworks, documentation development, leadership engagement and workforce training. We focus on embedding PSM into everyday operations rather than treating it as a compliance exercise.
Does EHS International provide on site process safety consultancy?
Yes. EHS International provides on site, hybrid and remote process safety consultancy depending on the scope and nature of the work. On site support is often used for hazard studies, audits, inspections and practical assessments, while remote support can be effective for documentation review, system development and advisory work.
Our flexible delivery model allows us to support organisations efficiently without compromising quality or effectiveness.
Can EHS International support regulatory compliance in Ireland, the UK and internationally?
Yes. EHS International supports organisations in meeting Irish, UK and international process safety and Dangerous Goods regulatory requirements. Our consultants work closely with clients to interpret legislation, prepare for inspections and demonstrate compliance to regulators and stakeholders.
We also support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions by aligning process safety systems with recognised international standards and best practice.
Does EHS International work with in house EHS and engineering teams?
Absolutely. EHS International works collaboratively with internal EHS, engineering, operations and leadership teams. Our role is to provide independent expertise, technical depth and objective challenge while strengthening internal capability.
Many clients engage us as a long term process safety partner to support continuous improvement, audits, training and strategic risk management.
Is EHS International suitable for smaller organisations?
Yes. Process safety risks are not limited to large organisations. EHS International works with organisations of all sizes, tailoring the scale and depth of consultancy to the complexity and hazard profile of the operation.
Our proportionate approach ensures smaller organisations receive practical, achievable solutions that deliver real risk reduction.
How long does a typical process safety project with EHS International take?
Project duration depends on scope, complexity and objectives. Some process safety reviews or gap analyses can be completed within days, while more complex projects such as full PSM implementation or major hazard studies may take several weeks or months.
EHS International provides clear scopes, deliverables and timelines at the outset to ensure transparency and certainty.
How do we start working with EHS International?
The first step is a confidential conversation with one of our process safety specialists. We take time to understand your processes, hazards, regulatory obligations and business objectives before recommending a practical and proportionate approach.