Highly integrated and complex control systems software, now mission-critical to drilling processes, has introduced software-specific safety risks onboard high-specification offshore assets. Traditional Hazard Studies -- facilitated by individuals without software and network topology experience and with templates that take only the hardware aspect of equipment into consideration -- are no longer the effective method for reducing process-related risk that they should be. Effective Hazard Studies require a systems approach, not an individual equipment approach. They must be facilitated by individuals with software expertise using a more comprehensive template and a superset of guide words that will elicit hazards related to both software and hardware.

Our in-depth knowledge of both control systems software and OEM equipment enables us to provide comprehensive, cost-effective Hazard Studies that measurably reduce control systems risk. Ultimately, these services help ensure that your asset adheres to any applicable regional regulations and that your drilling operations are as risk-free as possible.

Like all Athens Group services, Hazard Studies are customized to meet your specific needs. Depending on your objectives, we offer Hazard Identification (HAZID) and/or Hazard & Operability (HAZOP) studies that include one or more of the following:

  • Technical documentation review
  • Preparation of a hazard workshop analysis template
  • Hazard workshop facilitation and results analysis
  • A comprehensive report that lists:
    • All identified hazards
    • Risk levels on your asset
    • Recommendations
    • Action items and open issues

For more information about how our Hazard Studies can help you measurably reduce control systems risk, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How We're Different

  1. Athens Group’s Hazard Study services are delivered by consultants with an average of 20+ years of software, network topology and hardware experience. This unique combination of experience is necessary to perform comprehensive hazard analyses and is not offered by any other vendor.
  2. Our Hazard Study services combine operations-centric risk identification, early-lifecycle hazard identification, and risk quantification.  As a result, we're able to provide a highly-effective, scenario-driven hazard identification, measurement, and mitigation process that you can implement early in the lifecycle, when it is easiest and most economical to make design changes.
  3. Many failures are a result of poor communication or disorganization. Our consultants are effective facilitators and communicators, and are skilled at knowledge transfer and issue resolution management.