Principles underlying a guideline for applying HAZOP to programmable electronic systems

This paper reports on the experience of the authors, both in applying Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP) to programmable electronic systems (PES) and in researching the subject. A survey during the preparation of a guideline on the application of HAZOP to PES revealed common difficulties in this application. HAZOP is introduced, the difficulties are explained, and means of overcoming them are described.