Competency requirements for process hazard analysis (PHA) teams

• A competency management program should be used to ensure PHA practitioners and teams are appropriately qualified.
• Criteria for selecting PHA team leaders and other team members are identified and described.
• PHA performance metrics are described that can be used to correlate performance with the assessment of competency.
• Certification of team leader competency is desirable owing to the importance of their role.
• Criteria for certification are described and their application is discussed.

Process hazard analysis (PHA) is a cornerstone of process safety management programs. The quality of the PHA performed directly affects the level of risk tolerated for a process. The lower the quality of a PHA, the more likely higher risk will be tolerated. There are few requirements for PHA team members in the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's process safety management regulations. More detailed requirements for participation in a PHA are desirable.A competency management program should be used to ensure PHA practitioners and teams are appropriately qualified. Criteria for selecting PHA team leaders, or facilitators, and other team members are key to such a program and are described in this paper. The criteria cover both technical and personal attributes. Application of the criteria is described and team performance metrics, which can be used to correlate performance with the assessment of competency to validate the criteria and methods used, are discussed.Owing to the importance of the role played by team leaders, certification of their competency is desirable. Criteria for certification are described and their application is discussed.