How does LOPA address equipment failure?

Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) effectively addresses equipment failure through the assessment of both the likelihood and consequences of equipment malfunctions. The methodology functions by identifying potential hazards associated with equipment and evaluating how likely these hazards are to occur alongside their potential impact on safety and operations. This comprehensive analysis helps in understanding the inherent risks tied to equipment failure and informs decision-making on adequate layers of protection to mitigate these risks.

By concentrating on the likelihood of failures and their consequences, LOPA allows organizations to prioritize risk reduction efforts and establish appropriate safety measures, including passive and active protective layers, enhancing overall system safety. This systematic approach provides a clearer understanding of risk management in relation to equipment operation, ensuring that potential issues are proactively addressed rather than simply evaluated after they occur.