Functional Safety (IEC 61508)

Independent Review and Verification

Independent, third-party reviews provide objective feedback at critical points in a facility’s lifecycle, from concept or acquisition through to operation, modifications, and decommissioning. By examining risk-related aspects with a fresh perspective, these reviews support performance improvements and risk reduction across various industrial sectors.

Hazard Identification (HAZID)

Hazard Identification (HAZID) is the foundation of any risk assessment and a critical first step in effective risk management. Unidentified hazards cannot be controlled, so a systematic and structured approach to hazard identification is essential to protect people, assets, the environment, and business continuity. Across industries and lifecycle stages, we apply a wide range of HAZID methods — from workshops, checklists, and walkdowns using tools like FMEA, HAZOP, and bowtie analysis — helping clients identify hazards, evaluate their risks, and comply with regulatory frameworks such as Seveso III, COMAH, ISO 31000 and IEC 61511.

Safety Cases and Safety Reports

A Safety Case or HSSE (Health, Safety, Security & Environmental) Case demonstrates that a high-hazard facility has identified its major accident hazards, assessed the associated risks, and implemented sufficient controls to reduce those risks to a tolerable or ALARP level. Safety cases are tailored to industry, site-specific, and regulatory requirements, providing assurance to regulators, workforce, and stakeholders that risks to people, the environment, and assets are systematically identified, managed, and continuously monitored. They play a central role in regulatory regimes such as the Nuclear Installations Act, UK Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations, COMAH Regulations, and Seveso III Directive.

Hazardous Area Classification (HAC)

Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) systematically identifies where flammable or explosive atmospheres may arise in the workplace, helping to define safe zoning, equipment selection, and operational safeguards. By classifying gas, vapour, mist, or dust hazards, HAC supports compliance with ATEX, IEC, and national standards, ensuring workplaces implement appropriate explosion protection measures and reduce ignition risks to an acceptable level.

Qualitative Risk Assessment

Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) provides a structured, deterministic approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks in high-hazard industries. It supports the demonstration that engineering designs, safety measures, and operational practices are robust, effective, and aligned with ALARP principles. Using methods such as hazard identification (HAZID), risk matrices, bowtie analysis, and human factors assessment, we help organisations manage complex risks, comply with regulatory and industry standards like ISO 31000, IEC 61511, and Seveso III, and protect people, assets, and the environment across the asset lifecycle.

ALARP Demonstration

The ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle ensures that industrial risks are reduced to a level where further measures would be grossly disproportionate to the additional safety benefit. ALARP demonstration balances risk reduction, cost, and effort, helping organisations choose sensible, justifiable controls. This approach underpins major accident hazard regulations and is embedded in frameworks like the UK Health and Safety at Work Act, COMAH Regulations, Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations, Seveso III Directive, HSE HSG 65, ISO 31000, and ISO 45001.