How can management of change (MOC) affect the results of a LOPA?

Management of change (MOC) plays a critical role in Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) because it can fundamentally alter the risk landscape of an operation. When changes are made—whether they involve modifications to processes, equipment, people, or technology—new risks can be introduced, or existing risk reduction measures (such as independent protective layers, or IPLs) may be affected.

For instance, if new technology is implemented, it may not function as intended, or its interaction with existing systems could create unforeseen safety issues. Additionally, changes can lead to modifications in how safety systems operate, potentially making existing IPLs less effective or irrelevant. Therefore, MOC must be thoroughly assessed during LOPA to ensure that all potential impacts on risk are identified and managed appropriately. This is crucial to maintaining a consistent safety performance and ensuring that the LOPA analysis remains valid and relevant, reflecting the current state of the process or operation.