LOPA – Layer of Protection Analysis

Where Risk Becomes Measurable and Manageable.

At Lion Safety Consulting, we perform LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) to provide a semi-quantitative evaluation of process risks, building directly on the results of HAZOP studies. Our approach focuses on quantifying the frequency of hazardous events and assessing the effectiveness of existing and proposed protection layers. By combining engineering expertise with realistic operational assumptions, we deliver reliable insights that support critical safety and investment decisions.
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Clients Across World

From Hazard Identification to Quantified Risk

Quantitative Risk Evaluation for Critical Safety Decisions.

LOPA bridges the gap between qualitative hazard identification and fully quantified risk assessment. By translating scenarios identified in HAZOP into measurable risk levels, it provides a clear basis for determining whether existing safeguards are sufficient or additional protection is required.
Our Approach to LOPA:

Initiating Event Analysis

We identify potential initiating events and determine their expected frequency, forming the foundation for quantitative risk evaluation.

Independent Protection Layers (IPL) Assessment

We identify and assess the effectiveness of independent protection layers (IPLs), ensuring that each layer meets independence and reliability requirements.

Risk Calculation

We calculate the resulting frequency of hazardous scenarios by combining initiating event data with IPL performance.

Risk Evaluation

We compare calculated risk levels against defined risk acceptance criteria, supporting informed decision-making.

vSIL – Verified Safety Integrity Level

vSIL represents the achieved Safety Integrity Level, verified through reliability calculations and system analysis. Its purpose is to confirm that implemented safety functions meet the required dSIL

Benefits:

• Objective confirmation of SIL compliance

• Comprehensive documentation for audits, inspections, and insurers

• Early identification of gaps and opportunities for technical optimization

dSIL – Determined Safety Integrity Level

dSIL defines the required Safety Integrity Level for a given Safety Instrumented Function (SIF), based on risk analysis results—particularly LOPA—and organizational safety criteria. It answers a critical question:
“What level of risk reduction is required to make this scenario acceptable?”

Benefits:

• Defining required SIL levels in collaboration with multidisciplinary experts

• Aligning dSIL targets with results from HAZOP and LOPA analyses

• Preparing input requirements for SIS, ESD, BMS, and other E/E/PE system designers

Why LOPA Matters?

Key Benefits of Layer of Protection Analysis

Conducting a LOPA analysis provides more than just risk numbers — it delivers actionable insights that support safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. By quantifying risk and evaluating protection layers, Lion Safety Consulting helps clients focus resources where they matter most, make informed decisions, and ensure that safety functions are aligned with operational priorit

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Justification of Required Risk Reduction

LOPA identifies the critical hazardous scenarios in your process and calculates the necessary level of risk reduction. This ensures that all safety measures are data-driven and targeted, giving management a clear rationale for safety decisions.

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Basis for Determining SIL Levels (dSIL)

LOPA results provide a foundation for defining the required Safety Integrity Level (dSIL) for each safety function. This allows your engineering team to design and implement SIS, ESD, and BMS systems that meet exact safety standards.

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Optimization of Safety Investments

By highlighting the highest-risk areas, LOPA enables organizations to focus investment on the most critical protections, avoiding unnecessary costs while maximizing operational safety.

Our latest realisations

From LOPA services:

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