Certified PHA HAZOP Leader
Lead safer operations by mastering advanced hazard identification and HAZOP leadership.
The Certified PHA – HAZOP Leader course provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies as essential tools for managing process safety risks. Participants learn how to systematically identify hazards, evaluate risks, and recommend effective safeguards to enhance operational safety.
Designed for professionals in high-risk industries, this course covers a wide range of hazard identification methodologies, including HAZOP, What-If Analysis, FMEA, Checklists, and Bowtie Analysis, while integrating their application into real-world scenarios such as LOPA and Process Safety Management systems.
With a strong focus on leadership, participants also develop the practical skills required to lead multidisciplinary HAZOP teams, facilitate effective discussions, and drive high-quality risk assessments that support compliance with international standards such as IEC 61511 / ISA 84.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles and role of PHA in process safety management
- Identify and apply key hazard identification techniques (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, Checklists, HAZID)
- Conduct HAZOP studies using structured methodologies and guidewords
- Evaluate risks using qualitative and semi-quantitative approaches
- Understand and apply LOPA and Bowtie methodologies
- Define safeguards and independent protection layers (IPLs)
- Lead and facilitate multidisciplinary PHA teams effectively
- Manage team dynamics and conflict during HAZOP sessions
- Interpret P&IDs and process documentation for hazard analysis
- Prepare professional PHA documentation and reports
This course is ideal for:
- Process, chemical, mechanical, and instrumentation engineers
- Safety and HSE professionals
- Plant operators and supervisors
- Project and design engineers
- Maintenance and reliability personnel
- Facility and operations managers
- Anyone involved in process safety, risk assessment, or PHA studies
The course is structured into 8 comprehensive modules:
- Introduction to PHA
- Process Safety Management (PSM)
- HAZOP Methodology
- ReHAZOP & LOPA
- Checklist Analysis
- What-If Analysis & FMEA
- PHA Leadership
- Bowtie Analysis
The Certified PHA – HAZOP Leader training program delivers an in-depth understanding of Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) as a critical component of modern process safety management systems. As industries increasingly adopt complex technologies and operate under strict regulatory requirements, traditional safety approaches are no longer sufficient. This course equips professionals with structured methodologies to proactively identify hazards, assess risks, and improve the overall safety and operability of facilities.
Participants will explore the full spectrum of PHA methodologies, including Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), What-If Analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Checklists, and HAZID. The course explains when and how each method should be applied, ensuring that learners can select the most effective approach depending on project phase, complexity, and risk profile.
A strong emphasis is placed on HAZOP methodology, recognized as the most comprehensive PHA technique. Participants will learn how to structure a HAZOP study, define nodes, apply guidewords, identify deviations, analyze causes and consequences, and evaluate safeguards systematically. The course also introduces the HAZOP Canvas and key building blocks, enabling participants to perform consistent and high-quality analyses.
The program further integrates advanced topics such as ReHAZOP, Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and Bowtie analysis, helping learners understand how hazard identification connects to risk quantification, safety instrumented systems, and decision-making processes in line with international standards.
A unique aspect of this course is its focus on PHA leadership and facilitation skills. Participants will gain practical insights into leading multidisciplinary teams, managing conflict, encouraging participation, and ensuring productive sessions. These leadership capabilities are essential for delivering high-quality studies and achieving meaningful safety outcomes.
Through real-life case studies, practical exercises, and interactive workshops, participants develop hands-on experience in conducting PHA studies and preparing professional documentation, making them fully equipped to lead HAZOP studies across a variety of industries.
- Learn from TÜV SÜD safety and process experts
- Gain practical, real-world HAZOP leadership skills
- Improve decision-making in risk-based environments
- Enhance compliance with industry standards (IEC 61511 / ISA 84)
- Strengthen cross-functional collaboration capabilities
- Build confidence to lead complex PHA studies
- Gain a competitive advantage in safety-critical industries
- Network with professionals in process safety
Instructor-led training in a virtual classroom. This means the course is Live Online. Participants will learn through online teaching. Lectures, case studies, group exercises, discussions, problem solving, examples with explanation, assignments and/or quizzes happen in the virtual classroom training. Participants need to connect to the class from any internet accessible location. Each module is delivered live using webinar technology, creating a virtual classroom learning environment. Live sessions provide you with direct access to the trainer so you can ask questions, understand complex concepts and share ideas with peers. Webcam and microphone are REQUIRED to interact with the instructor and/or other participants.
This course uses a highly interactive approach:
- Instructor-led lectures
- Case studies and real-world examples
- Group discussions and workshops
- Practical exercises and simulations
- Templates and structured tools
- Q&A sessions
Participants actively engage in hands-on HAZOP exercises and team-based learning.
The course content and structure are designed by the domain experts from TÜV SÜD. With immense experience and knowledge in the relevant standards, our team of product specialists and technical experts at TÜV SÜD, developed the course content based on current business landscape and market requirements.
EXAM PREREQUISITES:
If you are interested in becoming a certified PHA HAZOP Leader, you need to comply with the following requirements:
- Attendance of PHA HAZOP Leader course and pass the exam (more than 70% score)
- Its highly recommended for learner interested to be Certified PHA HAZOP Leader to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in HAZOP and PHA.
- University degree (master's or bachelor's degree in engineering or science discipline)
EXAM FORMAT:
Total 50 MCQ with 100 marks examination
MODE OF EXAM:
Invigilator based proctored exam, conducted online
PASSING CRITERIA:
Over all 70% is the passing criteria.
DURATION OF EXAM:
75 minutes
CERTIFICATION:
- Certificate of Successfully completion for “Certified PHA HAZOP Leader” for participants who pass the exam criteria
- For participants who don’t manage to pass the exam criteria will receive attendance certificate of Certified PHA HAZOP Leader
- Basic understanding of process engineering or industrial operations
- Recommended: Minimum 3–5 years of experience in process, safety, or engineering roles
- Ideal: Prior exposure to PHA or HAZOP (not mandatory)
1. What is PHA?
PHA is a structured methodology used to identify, evaluate, and mitigate process hazards.
2. What is a HAZOP study?
A HAZOP is a systematic, team-based method to identify deviations from design intent and assess risks.
3. Do I need prior experience in HAZOP?
No, but basic knowledge of process systems is recommended.
4. Is this course certification-based?
Yes, participants can obtain certification upon passing the exam.
5. What industries benefit from this course?
Oil & gas, chemicals, power, water, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
6. Is LOPA covered in this course?
Yes, including how it integrates with HAZOP results.
7. Will I learn how to lead HAZOP studies?
Yes, leadership and facilitation are key components.
8. Does the course include practical exercises?
Yes, including case studies and real-world simulations.
9. How long is the course?
4 days, typically delivered instructor-led.
10. What tools will I learn to use?
HAZOP worksheets, risk matrices, checklists, and analysis templates.
11. Is Bowtie analysis covered?
Yes, including barrier identification and risk visualization.