What type of system safety analysis is typically used early in a project for gross hazard identification?

Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) is a proactive approach used early in a project to identify and evaluate potential hazards. It focuses on gathering information about the system, its components, and foreseeable interactions that might pose risks. This methodology is particularly valuable in the initial stages of project development, where the goal is to actively identify and address high-level hazards before they evolve into more detailed safety concerns.

PHA is characterized by its broad scope, allowing for the identification of gross hazards without requiring detailed information that comes later in the design process. It often serves as a foundational step that informs subsequent, more detailed analyses, such as fault tree analysis or failure mode and effects analysis, which are used later when the system is more fully defined.

In contrast, Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP) typically involve a more intense examination of specific processes and systems, focusing on operational issues and requiring detailed design information. Fault Tree Analysis and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis are both more detailed methods that assess specific failures and their implications, thereby necessitating an established understanding of system components and their interactions. Thus, while valuable, these analyses are not ideally suited for the very early stages of project development where PHA excels.