Integrating Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) with Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) has many, advantages over performance these studies separately. The merits include: fewer actions from The combined effort compared to only a HAZOP;. team continuity The combined effort as opposed to two separate teams having possibly differing points of view. and, ultimately, a time and cost savings realized by The combination. This integration defines the risk associated with a given scenario, enabling better decisions that impact business assurance. By using the Center for Chemical Process Safety, guidelines to define the independent protection layers up front, the gray areas can often be reduced or eliminated, eliminated thereby enabling a more thorough LOPA. Examples include taking credit if a unit has two independent operators (outside and inside) responding to critical alarms or taking credit for centralized control rooms that may control rooms that may allow immediate operator interaction and response. This article shows how The guidelines have been. used successfully in joint HAZOP/LOPA studies, and describes an initial preparation protocol that can ensuring high-quality results, (C) 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 28: 308-311, 2009