A leading global food manufacturer commissioned Finch to support the safety assessment of a brand new expansion Plant Upgrade at one of its UK production facilities.
The project was in its detailed design phase, and the client sought to ensure that the upgraded system met rigorous safety standards before installation.
The client had recently completed a Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study that identified 19 hazardous scenarios with high residual risk. These scenarios posed potential threats to personnel safety, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, equipment failure, and process deviations. The client needed a deeper analysis to determine whether additional safety measures, particularly Safety Instrumented Functions (SIFs), were required to reduce risks to acceptable levels.
Finch Consulting facilitated a Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) workshop across two sessions, involving a multidisciplinary team from the client’s engineering, operations, and safety departments. The sessions were conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams, ensuring accessibility and collaboration across locations.
Our consultants:
- No additional SIFs were required for the scenarios assessed, indicating that the existing safeguards were sufficient.
- 13 general recommendations were made to enhance operational safety and commissioning procedures.
These recommendations were handed over to the client for implementation prior to commissioning.
By partnering with Finch Consulting, the client gained:
Finch Consulting specialises in process safety, risk assessment, and functional safety engineering. Whether you’re upgrading existing systems, designing new facilities, or responding to regulatory requirements, we offer:
Our collaborative, standards-driven approach ensures that your operations are not only compliant but also resilient and safe.
