An Introduction to LOPA

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 new online course will help you develop a better understanding of all things LOPA.

Split into three 60-minute sessions, the course will help you to understand the principles of a LOPA study, how to identify significant scenarios and how to define an independent Protection Layer, how to estimate frequencies and how to document and audit a LOPA study.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will understand:

• understand the basic principles of the LOPA technique
• develop a LOPA scenario
• define the targeted frequencies
• design independent protection layers (IPLs)

Who is it for?

Process safety engineers and loss prevention specialists, production engineers, process design engineers, project engineers, process programmers and instrument control designers.

What do you get?

• downloads of all modules (usually an hour each)
• most modules have a FAQ section at the end 
• digital copies of slides and supporting materials (PDF) 
• e-certificate of attendance, including hours allocation for CPD purposes (on request) 

Course outline

Module 1 - Layer of Protection Analysis – an introduction

• the basic methodology of LOPA
• how to decide if a process needs a safety instrumented system (SIS)
• what safety integrity level (SIL) is required

Module 2 - LOPA scenarios: defining targeted frequencies and designing IPLs

• LOPA scenarios
• how to define targeted frequencies
• how to define an independent protection layer (IPL)

Module 3 - Documentation and auditing

LOPA documentation

• Uncertainty and sensitivity
• Leading the LOPA Study
• Recommendations

LOPA auditing

• Competent Authority position

Multiple-user fee

If you have several people you want to train, take a look at our multiple user option – allowing you to purchase the course for up to 10 individual users at a significantly reduced price of £995 + VAT.