Question 1: How long does a HAZID, HAZOP or FMECA take?
The duration of a HAZID, HAZOP, or FMECA study can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the system, the scope of the analysis, and the preparation level. Here’s a general guideline:
HAZID (Hazard Identification):
Purpose: Early-stage, high-level identification of hazards.
Duration:
- Small system: 0.5–1 day
- Medium system: 1–2 days
- Large or complex system: 3-10 days
Teamsize: 5-10 people
Notes: Often used in concept studies or early project phases.
HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study)
Purpose: Detailed, systematic review of process deviations and risks.
Duration:
- Rule of thumb: several hours per P&ID node
- Small unit: 3–5 days
- Large plant: Several weeks (split into sessions)
Teamsize: 6-10 people
Notes: Time-intensive but highly detailed; good preparation can reduce duration significantly.
FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis)
Purpose: Systematic analysis of failure modes and their impact.
Duration:
- Simple component/system: 1–2 days
- Complex system (e.g., aerospace, automotive): Several weeks
Teamsize: 3-8 people
Notes: Time-intensive but highly detailed; good preparation can reduce duration significantly.
Factors that influence duration:
- Number of nodes/components
- Complexity of the process or system
- Experience and active parcitipation of the team
- Quality of documentation
- Level of preparation and pre-work
Question 2: What makes a good facilitator?
Pre-Workshop support for the client
- Clarifies objectives, scope, and expectations with the client
- Reviews documentation (P&IDs, process descriptions, safety data, etc.)
- Helps identify and confirm the right participants
- Offers briefings or training on methodology if needed
- Creates a realistic timeframe
- Sets a collaborative and focused tone before the workshop
Preparation
- Familiar with the process system and relevant documentation
- Knows the participants and their roles
- Drafts a clear agenda
Methodological competence
- Demonstrates strong knowledge of the methodology
- Can explain the method clearly to others
- Identifies methodological gaps or errors in the analysis
Moderation skills
- Leads the session in a structured and goal-oriented manner
- Remains neutral and objective during discussions
- Encourages active participation from all team members
- Handles disagreements calmly and constructively
- Keeps the discussion within the planned timeframe
Communication
- Asks targeted, open-ended questions
- Practices active listening and summarizes input clearly
- Avoids unnecessary jargon and ensures clarity
- Promotes a respectful and inclusive discussion environment
Documentation
- Ensures complete and traceable documentation of all findings
- Identifies missing information and prompts the team to address it
- Coordinates follow-up actions (responsibilities, deadlines, etc.)
Follow-up
- Provides feedback on the session and next steps
- Reflects on their own moderation performance
Additional aspects (Optional but valuable)
- Ensures alignment with other risk assessments (e.g., LOPA, SIL)
- Supports learning and competence-building within the team
- Adapts the method to complex or non-standard systems
- Uses digital tools and visual aids effectively
- Collects feedback and suggests improvements for future workshops
Frage 3: Warum braucht es sowohl einen Moderator als auch einen Protokollanten (Scribe)?
Great question! The roles of moderator and scribe in a HAZOP, HAZID, or FMECA session are distinct but complementary. Here’s why both are needed:
Different focus areas
Moderator: Focuses on facilitating the discussion, guiding the team through the methodology, asking the right questions, and ensuring participation and progress.
Scribe: Focuses on capturing the discussion, documenting deviations, causes, consequences, safeguards, and actions in real time accurately and clearly.
Cognitive load management
Leading a structured risk analysis requires deep concentration, especially when navigating complex systems and group dynamics.
If the moderator also had to document everything, it would split their attention, reducing the quality of both facilitation and documentation.
Quality and efficiency
A dedicated scribe ensures that the documentation is complete, consistent, and traceable.
This allows the moderator to keep the session flowing, avoid bottlenecks, and maintain engagement.
Real-Time collaboration
The moderator and scribe often work as a team
- The moderator may pause to let the scribe catch up.
- The scribe may flag unclear points or asks for clarification.
- Together, they ensure that nothing important is missed.
Result: Better outcomes
- Faster sessions because roles are clearly divided.
- Higher-quality documentation, which is critical for audits, follow-up, and safety compliance.
- More engaged participants, since the moderator can focus on people, not paperwork.
