Standard Process Deviations

Standard Process Deviations allow organisations to standardise the way HAZOP studies are prepared by defining a common library of process parameters, guide words and deviations within the SLM Global Module. Rather than manually creating deviations for every study, administrators can configure a reusable corporate library that automatically populates new HAZOP worksheets, improving efficiency and consistency.

Using a standardised deviation library ensures every facilitator begins with the same set of approved deviations, helping teams produce more consistent Process Hazard Analyses across multiple sites. Enterprise administrators can maintain one corporate standard or allow individual facilities to manage their own deviations where operational requirements differ.

This guide explains how to configure Standard Process Deviations, synchronise them across the organisation and use them to streamline HAZOP facilitation within SLM.

What are Standard Process Deviations?

Standard Process Deviations are predefined HAZOP parameters, guide words and deviations that can be configured within the SLM Global Module and automatically applied to new HAZOP studies.

Rather than manually entering common deviations for every study, administrators create a reusable library that improves consistency while significantly reducing study preparation time.

Each standard deviation library typically consists of:

Process parameter
Guide word
Resulting deviation

Once configured, these deviations automatically populate new HAZOP worksheets, allowing facilitators to focus on identifying hazards rather than recreating standard study information.

For an overview of enterprise configuration within SLM, see the System Module Global Configuration guide.

These configuration capabilities are provided through the SLM Global Module.

Configuring Standard Process Deviations

Standard Process Deviations are configured from the Enterprise object within the SLM Global Module.

Administrators simply add each deviation to the Process Standard Deviation table by defining:

Process parameter
Guide word
Process deviation

This library becomes the corporate reference used when creating new HAZOP studies. Additional deviations can be added at any time as operational experience grows or company standards evolve.

Maintaining a well-structured deviation library helps ensure every study starts from an approved corporate baseline while reducing repetitive data entry.

Enterprise Standards or Site-Specific Deviations?

SLM allows organisations to decide whether standard deviation library should be managed centrally or individually at each operating site.

Many organisations maintain one enterprise-wide deviation library that is synchronised across every facility. This approach provides:

Consistent HAZOP methodology
Standardised guide words
Improved reporting consistency
Simplified administration

Where individual facilities have unique operating processes, site-specific deviation libraries can also be maintained without affecting the enterprise standard.

This flexibility allows organisations to balance corporate governance with local operational requirements.

Synchronising Standard Process Deviations Across Sites

Once the enterprise approved process deviations library has been configured, administrators can synchronise the configuration across all sites within the organisation.

Synchronisation ensures every new HAZOP study begins with the same approved deviation library, improving consistency between study teams and reducing administration.

Organisations using a common corporate HAZOP methodology generally benefit from maintaining a single enterprise library and distributing updates whenever new deviations are introduced.

Facilities requiring local variations can instead maintain their own deviation libraries while continuing to use the same overall Global Module administration framework.

How Standard Process Deviations Improve HAZOP Studies

Using Standard Process Deviations provides a consistent starting point for every HAZOP study while reducing preparation time for facilitators and study teams.

Instead of creating parameters and guide words from scratch for every study, SLM automatically populates approved deviations when a new worksheet is created.

Key benefits include:

Reduced HAZOP preparation time
Consistent application of guide words
Standardised corporate methodology
Improved study quality
Reduced manual data entry
More consistent reporting across sites

Standardising deviations also improves comparison between studies and helps organisations demonstrate a consistent Process Hazard Analysis methodology across multiple facilities.

Best Practices for Managing Standard Process Deviations

A well-maintained standard deviation library library becomes an important part of an organisation’s Process Safety Management programme.

Recommended best practices include:

Develop a corporate library of approved parameters and guide words.
Review deviation libraries periodically to reflect operational learning.
Synchronise enterprise libraries where a common HAZOP methodology exists.
Document approved site-specific deviations where required.
Ensure facilitators understand when local deviations should be used.
Control updates through the Global Module to maintain governance.

Following these practices improves consistency, reduces administration and helps maintain high-quality HAZOP studies throughout the organisation.