Capitec deliver HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) Process

The need to create a wide range of Nightingale wards as part of the UK NHS Covid-19 response in an extremely short order, has sometimes meant materials and equipment have not always been provided from standard suppliers or indeed applied within standard hospital settings.  Having a structured process to review the operational impact of such equipment, adaptions and environments and to use this to actively and robustly manage risks associated with such adaptions or system changes (in a multi-discipline technical and operational focused manner) is therefore a great help for Trusts assessing safety for use.

HAZOP is a structured and systematic examination of a complex planned or existing process or operation in order to identify and evaluate problems that may represent risks to personnel or equipment.  This is also a recognised process for both NHS and wide- industry applications.

Capitec have experience in running HAZOP workshops in both non PFI and PFI healthcare environments as well as other high risk areas sectors of industry.  With health and safety qualified (and operationally experienced staff) we can both facilitate these reviews (via workshops) and importantly, add value into the process from both a technical and operational perspective. 

“This structured approach can contribute significantly towards systematic and proactive management of safety in healthcare potentially hazardous situations and adaptions…

As a recent example, we have applied these processes to the use of a new Medical Oxygen Vacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE) installations into field hospital Nightingale solution and it worked really well. All participants valued the HAZOP process and clearly defined actions that flowed from it – the actions were clear and the risks systemically worked through even down to potential for terrorist interference.  The process made sure all operational and hazardous aspects of this installations were considered and managed from fire risks to weekly deliveries – to make sure it was safe for use”

Darren Kirk Associate Director Capitec and CMIOSH MIFireE MIHEEM IMaPS