Home › Safety > Consultancy & Studies > QRA Study

Independent Process Safety Consultancy | Pan-India

Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) Study for Industrial & High-Risk Facilities in India

QRA Study, Consequence Modelling & Risk Contour Mapping for Oil & Gas, Chemical, LPG & Hazardous Industrial Facilities

Elion Technologies & Consulting Pvt. Ltd. conducts independent Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) studies for oil & gas facilities, chemical plants, LPG bottling units, refineries, and hazardous industrial installations across India. Studies integrate frequency analysis, consequence modelling using PHAST and SAFETI, and individual and societal risk estimation to produce risk contour maps, emergency planning zone delineation, and mitigation recommendations. Aligned with OISD, CCPS, API, NFPA, and PNGRB requirements.

Request a QRA Study
Request Proposal

OISD

CCPS

ASIS Guidelines

API RP 752/753

NFPA

PNGRB

Since 2010

30,000+ Audits

QRA Study — Track Record

Audits Done
0 k
Years Since 2010
0 +
Disciplines
0 +
Electrical Capability
0 kV
  • Frequency analysis & consequence modelling
  • Individual & societal risk estimation
  • Risk contour maps & F-N curves
  • PHAST · SAFETI · ALOHA
  • OISD, CCPS, API, NFPA, PNGRB aligned

30,000+

Audits Completed

Since 2010

Independent Practice

PHAST / SAFETI

Risk Modelling Software

OISD / CCPS

Process Safety Standards

QRA Study for Oil & Gas Facilities, Chemical Plants, LPG Bottling Units, Refineries & Hazardous Installations in India — OISD, CCPS, API, NFPA & PNGRB Aligned

Elion Technologies & Consulting Pvt. Ltd. is an independent engineering audit and safety consultancy established in 2010, delivering third-party QRA studies and process safety assessments for Indian process industries. 30,000+ audits completed. ISO 9001 · 14001 · 50001 certified. NSIC Approved. Pan-India execution with in-house qualified engineers — no subcontracting. QRA reports accepted by statutory authorities, regulatory bodies, and project stakeholders.

A Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) study (also referred to as a QRA analysis, quantitative risk analysis, process risk assessment, major hazard risk assessment, or industrial risk assessment) is a structured analytical process that estimates the probability and magnitude of harm arising from hazardous industrial operations. It combines frequency analysis — estimating the likelihood of hazardous events such as fires, explosions, and toxic releases — with consequence modelling — quantifying the geographic extent and severity of potential outcomes — to produce numerical risk estimates expressed as individual risk (IR) and societal risk (F-N curves). QRA studies are required for facilities handling hazardous substances above MSIHC threshold quantities, for petroleum and natural gas facilities under PNGRB and OISD guidelines, and as part of safety case preparation, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submissions, and land-use planning adjacent to major hazard installations. Elion conducts independent QRA studies aligned with OISD standards, CCPS guidelines, API Recommended Practices, NFPA standards, and PNGRB technical requirements.

Also searched as: QRA study India · quantitative risk assessment oil & gas · QRA for chemical plants · risk contour mapping India · consequence modelling PHAST · individual societal risk assessment · OISD QRA study · PNGRB risk assessment · LPG facility risk assessment India

Scope & Commercial

What is a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) Study?

A QRA study is a structured engineering analysis that quantifies the risk from hazardous industrial operations by combining frequency analysis (how likely a hazardous event is) with consequence modelling (how far and how severely it causes harm). The outputs — individual risk contours and societal risk F-N curves — are compared against regulatory tolerability criteria to determine whether risk is acceptable and what mitigation is required.

Frequency analysis — failure rates from OREDA, EGIG, API 581

Consequence modelling — PHAST, SAFETI, ALOHA

Individual risk (IR) contour maps

Societal risk F-N curves

ALARP evaluation & mitigation recommendations

Aligned with OISD, CCPS, API, NFPA, PNGRB

Study Overview

What is a QRA Study?

A QRA study quantifies risk at hazardous industrial facilities by combining hazard event frequency with modelled consequence severity. The output provides a numerical basis for risk acceptability decisions, regulatory submissions, and the prioritisation of risk reduction measures.

Risk-Based Approach

QRA evaluates risk as the product of frequency (how often a hazardous event occurs) and consequence (the severity and geographic extent of harm if it occurs). This two-dimensional approach distinguishes QRA from qualitative hazard identification methods such as HAZOP, which identify what can go wrong but do not quantify the probability or magnitude of outcomes. QRA produces absolute risk values — individual risk per year (IRPY) and F-N curves for societal risk — that can be compared against regulatory tolerable risk criteria.

Regulatory Relevance in India

In India, QRA studies are required or referenced under multiple regulatory frameworks: the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals (MSIHC) Rules, 1989 for major accident hazard (MAH) installations; PNGRB regulations for petroleum and natural gas pipelines and terminals; OISD standards (OISD-STD-116, OISD-STD-118, OISD-STD-189 and others) for oil and gas facilities; MoEFCC Environmental Impact Assessment notifications for projects requiring safety risk analysis; and CCOE requirements for explosive and petroleum storage licensing. QRA outputs are submitted to regulatory authorities, used in EIA documentation, and form the basis of Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) under the Factories Act and Environment (Protection) Act.

Regulatory Relevance in India

Individual Risk (IR)

The probability per year that a specific individual at a defined location will be fatally harmed by a hazardous event at the facility. Expressed as contours on a facility map (e.g., 10−5 per year, 10−6 per year). Used to assess land-use planning compatibility and worker risk.

Societal Risk (F-N Curve)

The relationship between the frequency (F) of incidents causing N or more fatalities across the exposed population. Plotted as a cumulative frequency curve and compared against the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) criteria and tolerability limits.

Consequence Zones

Modelled distances for thermal radiation (jet fire, pool fire, BLEVE), overpressure (vapour cloud explosion), and toxic dispersion (LC50, IDLH, ERPG limits). Used to establish emergency planning zones and land-use buffer distances.

Regulatory Triggers

When Is a QRA Study Required?

QRA studies are required at specific lifecycle stages and under defined regulatory frameworks. The following represent the principal triggers for commissioning an independent QRA in India.

Regulatory Requirements
  • MSIHC Rules 1989 — mandatory for facilities handling Schedule 2 or 3 hazardous chemicals above threshold quantities (MAH installations); safety report including risk assessment is a statutory obligation
  • PNGRB compliance — required for city gas distribution (CGD) network authorisation, cross-country pipeline safety cases, and LNG terminal safety management system documentation
  • OISD standards — referenced in OISD-STD-116, 118, 150, and 189 for petroleum storage, LPG installations, and pipeline siting; QRA determines mandatory separation distances
  • MoEFCC EIA Notification — Category A process industry projects requiring Environmental Clearance must include quantitative risk analysis as part of the EIA documentation submitted to SEIAA / MoEFCC
  • CCOE licensing — Controller of Explosives licensing for petroleum and explosive storage facilities may require documented risk assessment as a precondition for licence grant or renewal
Project & Operational Triggers
  • New facility approval — QRA is conducted at the design or FEED stage to establish safe separation distances, inform facility layout, and support regulatory clearances before construction
  • Facility expansion or modification — any change that increases hazardous inventory, modifies process conditions, or introduces new chemicals requires QRA update to revalidate existing risk contours and separation distances
  • Land-use planning — QRA risk contours are required by town planning authorities and DMIC/industrial cluster developers to establish buffer zones and determine compatible land use adjacent to major hazard installations
  • Safety case preparation — facilities developing a formal safety case or safety management system (SMS) require QRA to demonstrate that risk is reduced to ALARP and to define emergency planning zone boundaries
  • Periodic review — QRA studies should be reviewed at defined intervals (typically 5 years) or following significant changes to the facility, neighbouring land use, or the regulatory tolerability criteria
Applicable Facilities

Where QRA Studies Are Required

QRA is applicable to facilities where hazardous substances are present in quantities that could, in the event of a loss of containment, cause harm beyond the facility boundary or to a significant on-site workforce.

Oil & Gas Facilities

Onshore oil and gas processing terminals, gathering stations, natural gas compressor stations, crude oil storage depots, product pipelines, and city gas distribution (CGD) facilities. OISD standards and PNGRB regulations require QRA for pipeline siting, terminal design, and safety management system development. Hazard scenarios include flammable vapour cloud formation, jet fires, pool fires, and high-pressure gas releases.

OISD · PNGRB · API RP 752

Chemical Manufacturing Plants

Facilities manufacturing, processing, or storing toxic, flammable, or reactive chemicals above MSIHC threshold quantities are classified as Major Accident Hazard (MAH) installations. QRA is required as part of safety case preparation, EIA documentation, and periodic risk review. Scenarios typically cover toxic gas dispersion (chlorine, ammonia, HF), reactive chemical runaway, and fire and explosion events.

MSIHC Rules · CCPS · NFPA

LPG Bottling & Storage Plants

LPG bottling plants, bulk LPG storage installations, and LPG auto-LPG dispensing stations require QRA under OISD-STD-144, OISD-STD-150, and PESO licensing requirements. Primary hazard scenarios are BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion) from pressurised LPG vessels, vapour cloud explosion (VCE) following unconfined vapour cloud formation, and pool fire from liquid spill ignition. Risk contours determine mandatory exclusion zone distances.

OISD-STD-144 · OISD-STD-150 · PESO

Hazardous Chemical Warehouses

Warehouses storing flammable, toxic, oxidising, or corrosive substances above MSIHC Schedule 2 or 3 thresholds require risk assessment to determine safe storage quantities, separation distances, and emergency response planning zones. QRA identifies the credible loss-of-containment scenarios for the stored inventory and quantifies consequence zones for fire, explosion, and toxic dispersion to support site layout decisions and emergency planning.

MSIHC Rules · NFPA 30 · Factory Act

Refineries & Petrochemical Complexes

Petroleum refineries and integrated petrochemical complexes involve a wide inventory of flammable and toxic hydrocarbons under elevated temperature and pressure. QRA for these facilities addresses multiple simultaneous hazard sources, domino effect scenarios between adjacent process units, and occupied building siting in accordance with API RP 752 and API RP 753. OISD-STD-116 and OISD-STD-118 provide the primary Indian regulatory framework.

OISD-116 · OISD-118 · API RP 752/753

Infrastructure & Port Projects

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals, CNG mother stations, jetty-based petroleum product transfer facilities, and industrial park developments adjacent to major hazard installations require QRA as part of project clearance. Consequence modelling establishes safety buffer distances, informs land-use planning decisions, and supports Environmental Clearance (EC) documentation submitted to MoEFCC under the EIA Notification.

EIA Notification · PNGRB · CCPS
Study Methodology

QRA Study Methodology

Elion’s QRA studies follow a structured six-stage process aligned with CCPS Guidelines for Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Analysis and applicable OISD, API, and NFPA frameworks. The methodology is applied consistently regardless of facility type, with scope and hazard scenario selection configured for each engagement.

STEP 01

Hazard Identification

Systematic identification of credible hazard scenarios for the facility’s chemical inventory and process conditions. Sources include process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, material safety data sheets, HAZOP study records, incident history, and site walkthrough. Scenarios selected for quantification include loss-of-containment events: rupture, leak, catastrophic failure, and pipeline breach for each significant hazard source term.

 
STEP 02

Frequency Analysis

Estimation of the likelihood of each identified hazard event using failure frequency data from industry databases (OREDA, EGIG, UKOPA, API 581). Event tree analysis (ETA) is applied to determine conditional probabilities of different outcome scenarios (ignited / unignited, immediate / delayed ignition, VCE / flash fire / jet fire) for each initiating release event. Failure frequencies are modified to reflect site-specific safeguarding systems where appropriate.

STEP 03

Consequence Modelling

Quantification of the physical effects of each hazard outcome scenario using PHAST (DNV) or SAFETI (DNV) dispersion and effects modelling software. Models applied include: Gaussian and heavy gas dispersion for toxic and flammable cloud formation, pool fire radiation modelling, jet fire thermal flux, BLEVE fireball and fragment throw, and vapour cloud explosion overpressure using multi-energy or Baker-Strehlow-Tang methods. Meteorological data for the facility location is incorporated to model atmospheric stability and wind direction effects.

STEP 04

Risk Estimation

Individual risk (IR) is calculated by integrating the frequency and consequence of all hazard scenarios at each spatial location around the facility, accounting for wind direction probability and population distribution. Societal risk is estimated by calculating the expected number of fatalities per scenario, combined with scenario frequencies to produce the F-N curve. Risk results are compared against ALARP criteria and regulatory tolerability thresholds to determine whether risk is acceptable, requires reduction, or exceeds intolerable limits.

STEP 05

Risk Contour Mapping

Individual risk contours (typically 10−4, 10−5, 10−6, and 10−7 per year) are overlaid on a georeferenced facility map and surrounding land-use plan. Contours define the risk significance zones used for land-use planning, siting of occupied buildings, and emergency planning zone delineation. The F-N curve is plotted against relevant societal risk tolerability criteria. Both outputs are included in the QRA report as primary regulatory submission deliverables.

STEP 06

Risk Mitigation & ALARP Demonstration

For risk scenarios identified as unacceptable or requiring ALARP justification, risk reduction options are evaluated and documented. Options assessed include: enhanced passive protection (berms, blast walls, secondary containment), active safeguarding (ESD systems, HIPPS, detection and deluge), procedural controls, and land-use buffer maintenance. Residual risk following proposed measures is re-estimated to confirm ALARP compliance. Recommendations are presented with implementation priority and indicative risk reduction magnitude. For fire protection system adequacy, a concurrent fire safety audit is commonly commissioned to verify installed systems against NBC 2016 and NFPA standards.

Modelling Software

Software Tools Used for QRA Studies

Elion uses industry-standard consequence modelling and risk quantification software accepted by Indian and international regulatory authorities.

DNV · Consequence Modelling

PHAST

PHAST (Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool) by DNV is used for individual hazard scenario consequence modelling — dispersion, fire, and explosion effects for a single release event. Applied to determine hazard distances for toxic dispersion (LC50, IDLH, ERPG endpoints), thermal radiation from pool fires and jet fires, BLEVE fireball parameters, and VCE overpressure zones. PHAST outputs are used as direct inputs to SAFETI for risk integration.

DNV · Risk Quantification

SAFETI

SAFETI (Software for the Assessment of Flammable, Explosive and Toxic Impact) by DNV integrates consequence modelling outputs with failure frequency data, population distribution, meteorological data, and ignition probability to calculate individual risk contours and F-N curves across the facility and surrounding area. SAFETI produces the georeferenced risk contour maps required for regulatory submission and land-use planning assessments.

US EPA / NOAA · Atmospheric Dispersion

ALOHA

ALOHA (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres), developed by the US EPA and NOAA, is used for atmospheric dispersion modelling of toxic chemical releases and emergency response planning zone estimation. Applied to determine protective action distances for toxic gas releases (chlorine, ammonia, HF, phosgene) under site-specific meteorological conditions. ALOHA outputs are used to define Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) for on-site and off-site emergency response planning. For hazardous area classified facilities, an electrical safety audit verifying IEC 60079 Area Classification is recommended alongside QRA to validate ignition source assumptions used in frequency analysis.

Standards & Regulations

Standards & Regulatory Framework for QRA Studies

QRA studies for Indian process industry facilities are structured in accordance with Indian statutory requirements and internationally recognised process safety guidelines. The applicable framework is confirmed during the study scoping stage based on facility type, hazardous substance inventory, and regulatory submission requirements.

Standard Application
OISD
Oil Industry Safety Directorate standards — OISD-STD-116, 118, 144, 150, 189 for petroleum, LPG, and natural gas facilities; mandatory for OISD-regulated oil sector operations
PNGRB
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board — technical and safety standards for CGD networks, pipelines, and LNG terminals; QRA required for network authorisation and safety management systems
MSIHC Rules
Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules 1989 — requires safety reports including risk assessment for MAH installations above Schedule 2/3 threshold quantities
CCPS
Center for Chemical Process Safety — Guidelines for Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Analysis (CPQRA); provides the primary methodological framework for QRA study structure and risk criteria
API RP 752/753
Management of Hazards Associated with Location of Process Plant Permanent / Portable Buildings — applied for occupied building siting and blast risk assessment in petroleum facilities
NFPA 59A
Standard for Production, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) — thermal radiation and vapour dispersion exclusion zone requirements for LNG facilities
EIA Notification
MoEFCC Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006 — risk analysis including QRA required for Category A process industry projects requiring Environmental Clearance

ALARP Principle: Indian and international regulatory frameworks apply the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle to risk acceptability. QRA studies quantify residual risk after existing safeguards and evaluate whether further risk reduction is reasonably practicable. Elion’s QRA reports document ALARP justification in the format required for submission to OISD, PNGRB, MoEFCC, and state regulatory authorities.

OISD Standards for Indian Petroleum Facilities

OISD standards are mandatory for oil sector companies in India. OISD-STD-116 covers fire protection for petroleum depots and terminals; OISD-STD-118 for liquefied petroleum gas installations; OISD-STD-189 for petroleum product pipelines; and OISD-STD-150 for LPG bottling plants. QRA is referenced in multiple OISD standards as a tool for determining safe separation distances and validating emergency response planning zones.

PNGRB Technical Standards

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board requires QRA as part of the safety management system for city gas distribution (CGD) network authorisation, cross-country pipeline safety cases, and LNG terminal safety documentation. PNGRB T4S regulations specify risk-based approach requirements for network design and emergency response planning.

CCPS CPQRA Methodology

The CCPS Guidelines for Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Analysis (CPQRA, 2nd edition) provides the reference methodology for scenario development, frequency estimation, consequence modelling integration, and risk characterisation used in Elion’s QRA studies. The CCPS ALARP framework and risk tolerability criteria are applied where site-specific regulatory criteria are not specified.

Independence & Regulatory Acceptance

Elion does not supply, install, or operate process equipment, safety systems, or guarding services at assessed facilities. QRA studies are conducted on a fully independent basis — recommendations are engineering-neutral and not influenced by equipment or service supply interests. Elion’s QRA reports are prepared in formats accepted by OISD, PNGRB, MoEFCC, CCOE, and state pollution control boards.

Study Deliverables

QRA Study Deliverables

Every Elion QRA study produces a documented deliverable set structured for regulatory submission, safety case preparation, EIA documentation, and emergency response planning. All deliverables are produced by in-house qualified engineers.

Risk contour maps — individual risk contours (10 −4 to 10 −7 per year) georeferenced on facility and surrounding area plan

F-N curve — societal risk cumulative frequency curve plotted against ALARP tolerability criteria

Individual and societal risk quantification results with ALARP evaluation and tolerability assessment

Consequence modelling outputs — thermal radiation zones, overpressure contours, toxic dispersion footprints for each modelled scenario

Hazard scenario register — identified release scenarios with source term parameters, outcome event tree, and frequency estimates

Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) delineation for on-site and off-site emergency response planning

Domino effect assessment for facilities with adjacent hazard sources (where applicable)

Occupied building risk assessment per API RP 752/753 (for petroleum and petrochemical facilities)

Risk mitigation recommendations — prioritised engineering, administrative, and procedural risk reduction measures with residual risk re-estimation

Executive summary formatted for regulatory submission — OISD, PNGRB, MoEFCC, or CCOE as applicable

Why Commission from Elion

Why Organisations Commission QRA Studies from Elion

The following reflects Elion’s operational track record and structural characteristics relevant to QRA study commissioning decisions.

Independent Third-Party Study

Elion does not supply, install, or operate process equipment, safety instrumented systems, or emergency response services at assessed facilities. QRA studies are conducted on a fully independent basis — recommendations are engineering-neutral and not influenced by vendor or contractor relationships. This independence is required for regulatory acceptance by OISD, PNGRB, MoEFCC, and CCOE, and for submission credibility with insurers and project lenders.

Established Practice Since 2010

Elion has operated as an independent engineering audit and safety consultancy since 2010 — over 15 years of continuous independent practice across Indian process industries. The QRA team draws on accumulated experience across oil and gas, chemical, LPG, refining, and infrastructure sectors, providing the industry-specific hazard knowledge that is essential for credible scenario selection and failure frequency estimation.

30,000+ Audits & Studies Completed

30,000+ engineering and safety audits and studies completed across Indian industries since 2010. The breadth of field experience across facility types, process categories, and regulatory environments directly informs QRA study quality — particularly in hazard scenario selection, safeguard crediting, and the interpretation of consequence modelling outputs in the context of the actual facility configuration and operating practices.

Multi-Industry Process Safety Experience

Elion has conducted process safety studies across oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, LPG, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure sectors. This cross-industry experience is relevant to QRA because many Indian facilities involve mixed chemical inventories and non-standard process configurations that require adapted hazard scenario development beyond standard industry templates. Related services including energy audits for process facilities are also delivered by the same in-house team, providing an integrated view of process operations and energy flows that supports more accurate source term definition in consequence modelling.

Pan-India Execution

Elion delivers QRA studies for facilities across India including refinery clusters in Gujarat and Rajasthan, petrochemical complexes in Maharashtra, chemical manufacturing zones in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, LPG installations across multiple states, and city gas distribution projects in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. All study work is conducted by in-house qualified engineers — no subcontracting — ensuring consistent methodology and report quality regardless of project location.

Related Services

Related Process Safety & Compliance Services

A QRA study is most effective as part of a broader process safety programme. The services below are commonly commissioned alongside or preceding a QRA study.

HAZOP Study

HAZOP — Hazard & Operability Study

Systematic qualitative identification of process deviations and their causes, consequences, and safeguards. HAZOP is typically conducted before QRA — hazard scenarios identified in HAZOP are selected and quantified in the QRA study. Both studies are commonly commissioned as a combined process safety package.

View service

Fire Safety Audit

Fire Safety Audit

Independent audit of fire detection, suppression, and emergency response systems against NBC 2016 and NFPA standards. QRA consequence modelling identifies credible fire scenarios and hazard distances; the fire safety audit verifies whether installed passive and active fire protection systems are adequate to manage those scenarios.

View service

Electrical Safety Audit

Electrical Safety Audit

CEA Regulations and IS-code-aligned audit of HT/LT electrical systems. For hazardous area classified facilities, electrical safety audits verify Area Classification compliance (IEC 60079), which directly affects the credibility of ignition source assumptions used in QRA frequency analysis.

View service

Energy Audit

Energy Audit

BEE-aligned energy flow analysis for process facilities. Energy audits at process plants frequently identify process inefficiencies and operational deviations that are also relevant to process safety — abnormal pressure profiles, heat exchanger fouling, and relief valve cycling that may indicate process hazard precursors.

View service
Study Comparison

QRA vs Other Process Safety Studies

QRA is one of several process safety study types. Understanding the distinction avoids duplication and ensures the right study is commissioned for the regulatory or engineering requirement at hand.

QRA vs HAZOP

HAZOP is a qualitative, team-based study that identifies process deviations and their causes using structured guidewords (MORE, LESS, NO, REVERSE). It identifies what can go wrong and what safeguards exist, but does not estimate the frequency or magnitude of consequences numerically.

QRA takes credible scenarios — many sourced from HAZOP — and quantifies them: failure frequencies from industry databases, consequence extents from PHAST/SAFETI modelling, and integrated individual and societal risk estimates. QRA is required where regulators (PNGRB, MoEFCC, OISD) need numerical risk evidence; HAZOP alone is insufficient for these submissions. The two studies are typically commissioned together as a combined process safety package.

 
QRA vs HIRA

HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) is a semi-quantitative or qualitative technique commonly used for occupational safety and general industrial risk management. It evaluates hazards using severity × likelihood risk matrices and produces risk ratings (High / Medium / Low) that guide control measure selection. HIRA does not generate individual risk contours, F-N curves, or consequence footprints.

QRA uses absolute numerical risk estimates derived from failure frequency databases and consequence modelling software, making it appropriate for major hazard facility siting, land-use planning, and regulatory safety case submissions where a numerical risk basis is mandatory. HIRA is appropriate for routine operational safety management; QRA is required for major hazard risk decisions.

QRA Study — FAQ

Common questions about quantitative risk assessment methodology, regulatory requirements, and deliverables. For study-specific queries, submit a request or contact the team.

Request a QRA Study
What is a QRA study?

A QRA (Quantitative Risk Assessment) study is a systematic and numerical analysis used to evaluate the risks associated with hazardous industrial operations. It quantifies the likelihood and consequences of incidents such as fires, explosions, toxic releases, and gas leaks, and presents results in terms of individual risk, societal risk, and risk contours to support decision-making.

A QRA study is typically required in India for:

  • Petroleum refineries and oil & gas installations
  • Chemical and petrochemical plants
  • LPG bottling plants and storage terminals
  • Fertilizer and pharmaceutical industries
  • Projects requiring Environmental Clearance (EC)
  • Facilities handling hazardous chemicals under MSIHC Rules

It is often mandated during project approval, expansion, or compliance with regulatory authorities like MoEF&CC and State Pollution Control Boards.

  • HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study): A qualitative, systematic review used to identify process deviations and potential hazards during design or operation.
  • QRA: A quantitative analysis that calculates the probability and impact of hazardous events and expresses risk numerically.

Commonly used industry-standard software includes:

  • PHAST (Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool)
  • SAFETI
  • ALOHA (for basic dispersion modelling)
  • FLACS (for explosion modelling)

These tools are used to simulate scenarios such as gas dispersion, thermal radiation, and explosion overpressure.

Yes, QRA is mandatory for certain high-risk industries, especially those handling hazardous chemicals. It is required as part of:

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies
  • Compliance under MSIHC Rules
  • Approvals from MoEF&CC and other regulatory bodies

It is also often required by insurers and project consultants.

The duration of a QRA study depends on project complexity:

  • Small facility: 2–3 weeks
  • Medium/large facility: 4–8 weeks
  • Complex or multi-plant projects: 8+ weeks

QRA is a systematic process used to identify, analyze, and quantify potential risks in order to make informed decisions and develop effective risk mitigation strategies.

QRA provides businesses with a comprehensive understanding of their risks, helping them prioritize resources, enhance safety measures, and make informed decisions to minimize potential losses.

At Elion, we use cutting-edge softwares and advanced methodologies to assess risks, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Our process involves hazard identification, risk quantification, consequence analysis, and more.

We cater to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, construction, transportation, and finance, among others.

Software ensure accurate measurements, reducing uncertainties in risk assessments and providing more reliable data for decision making.

All our software are regularly checked

QRA can identify a variety of risks, including safety hazards, environmental impacts, operational inefficiencies, financial losses, and regulatory compliance gaps.

The duration of a QRA assessment varies based on the complexity of the project. Our experts can provide a timeframe once we understand your specific needs.

Yes, QRA can identify potential compliance gaps and assist in developing strategies to meet regulatory requirements.

QRA identifies potential hazards and quantifies their consequences, allowing businesses to implement targeted safety measures and reduce the risk of accidents.

Yes, QRA can be tailored to fit the needs of businesses of all sizes. Our experts can customize solutions based on your unique requirements.

While QRA cannot predict future events, it assesses and quantifies risks based on available data, enabling businesses to prepare for potential scenarios.

You can contact us via phone at or email at  to schedule a consultation with our experts.

Yes, we treat all client information and findings with the utmost confidentiality and adhere to strict data protection protocols.

Absolutely. We provide actionable recommendations and strategies to help businesses mitigate identified risks effectively.

QRA enables businesses to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and reduce potential losses, creating a more resilient foundation for sustainable growth.

Yes, QRA can be seamlessly integrated into your existing risk management framework to enhance its effectiveness.

Yes, we offer continuous improvement services to review and refine your risk assessment processes as your business evolves..

QRA considers historical data, current trends, and expert insights to anticipate and address emerging risks, helping businesses stay prepared for future challenges.

QRA considers historical data, current trends, and expert insights to anticipate and address emerging risks, helping businesses stay prepared for future challenges.

The field of risk assessment is commonly associated with various standards and guidelines that are used globally, such as those published by organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Petroleum Institute (API).

For specific industries or sectors in India, there might be regulations, guidelines, or industry-specific standards related to risk assessment, safety, and environmental management. These could include standards from organizations like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), or other relevant government bodies.

To get accurate and up-to-date information about any specific Indian standard for QRA that might have been introduced after my last update, I recommend checking the official websites of the relevant Indian government agencies, industry associations, or professional organizations. You might also consider consulting experts in the field of risk assessment and safety in India for the latest information.

The objective of a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) study is to systematically and quantitatively evaluate the potential risks associated with a specific activity, process, facility, or system. QRA is commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, nuclear power, transportation, and other sectors where safety and risk management are paramount. The primary goals of a QRA study include:

  1. Risk Identification: Identify and characterize potential hazards and scenarios that could lead to accidents, incidents, or adverse outcomes.

  2. Risk Quantification: Quantify the likelihood of various accident scenarios occurring and the potential consequences of those scenarios, such as human injuries, fatalities, environmental damage, property damage, and economic losses.

  3. Risk Comparison: Compare and prioritize different risks to aid in decision-making, resource allocation, and risk mitigation efforts. This helps organizations focus their resources on addressing the most significant risks.

  4. Risk Communication: Provide clear and understandable information about risks to stakeholders, regulators, employees, and the public. Effective communication is essential for fostering understanding and support for risk management strategies.

  5. Risk Management: Support the development and implementation of risk reduction and risk mitigation measures. QRA helps identify strategies to reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents and their impacts.

  6. Compliance and Regulation: Assist organizations in complying with regulatory requirements and standards related to safety, environmental protection, and public health.

  7. Emergency Preparedness: Support emergency response planning by providing insights into potential accident scenarios and their impacts, aiding in the development of effective response strategies.

  8. Continuous Improvement: Serve as a tool for ongoing improvement by evaluating the effectiveness of risk management measures and updating the assessment as new data or insights become available.

A typical QRA includes hazard identification, consequence analysis, frequency analysis, and risk estimation.

Safety Consultancy focuses on expert guidance, compliance support, safety system evaluation, and improvement recommendations.
QRA specifically provides numerical risk estimates—like likelihood of failure and consequence severity—using data, modeling techniques, and probabilistic analysis.

Organizations use these services to:

  • Ensure legal and statutory compliance
  • Identify hidden hazards and risks
  • Quantify risk levels for critical processes
  • Reduce accidents and financial loss
  • Improve operational safety performance
  • Support insurance and regulatory submissions

QRA is widely used in:

  • Oil & Gas and Petrochemical
  • Chemical Processing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Power Generation
  • Refineries
  • LPG/LNG Facilities
  • Mining & Heavy Engineering
 

In many high-risk sectors, QRA is required by statutory authorities or industry standards to demonstrate that risks are understood and controlled to acceptable levels. Even when not mandatory, it strengthens safety strategy and due diligence.

HIRA (Hazard Inspection & Risk Assessment) identifies and ranks risks qualitatively (e.g., low, medium, high).
QRA goes a step further by assigning numerical values to risks based on probability and consequence analysis.

Commission an Audit

Request an Independent QRA Study for Your Facility

Submit your facility type, process description, hazardous substance inventory, and regulatory submission requirements. Our team will review your requirements and provide a fixed-fee technical proposal within a defined period. Applicable for new facility siting, existing installation periodic review, EIA documentation, and regulatory compliance submissions across India.

Request an Audit
Request Proposal
Have an existing Elion report? Verify authenticity here →