Analyst behaviour and team processes during hazard analysis: The development of an observation protocol and initial results from evaluating HAZOP sessions

Analyst behaviour and team processes are important factors in the quality of expert-driven hazard-analysis techniques and methods, such as HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Analysis) and STPA (System-Theoretic Process Analysis). Beyond the support provided by the analysis method, the literature suggests, for example, that facilitating creativity, awareness of human judgement limitations, and consistency of method application can substantially impact the completeness and outcome of the analysis. However, empirical research on these factors and their effect on hazard analysis is almost nonexistent. To address this gap, we (the authors) have developed an observation protocol consisting of 27 items on analyst behaviour and team processes. We developed the protocol based on a literature review and analyst interviews, utilising methods frequently employed to develop psychological tests. Two studies, with the participation of four analysts in each, found sufficient clarity and relevance of the protocol items and identified refinements and adjustments to the protocol. The analysts stated the protocol would be useful for analyst team self-evaluation in addition to its use in empirical studies. Future studies should verify our findings and could utilise the protocol in systematic studies of analyst behaviour and how it impacts the hazard analysis and the analysis outcome. Analyst teams could use the protocol for self-assessment in their professional development and as an indicator of the quality of their team processes.