Strengthening Process Safety with PHAST Modelling
Understanding and managing major accident hazards starts with robust consequence modelling. At OTECSA, we provide advanced DNV PHAST modelling services to help organisations quantify, assess, and visualise the potential impacts of hazardous releases.
From fire and explosion analysis to toxic gas dispersion studies, our modelling supports safer design, regulatory compliance, and informed engineering decision-making across high-hazard industries.
What is PHAST Modelling?
DNV PHAST is an industry-recognised consequence modelling software used to simulate hazardous events involving flammable, explosive, and toxic substances. It enables organisations to understand the potential effects of accidental releases and evaluate associated risks to people, assets, and the environment.
PHAST modelling is widely used in sectors such as:
- Oil and gas
- Chemical processing
- Hydrogen and alternative fuels
- Energy and utilities
- Manufacturing and storage facilities
- Pharmaceutical and industrial operations
By combining robust engineering inputs with advanced modelling techniques, PHAST provides reliable outputs that support effective risk management strategies.
Our PHAST Modelling Services
At OTECSA, our experienced process safety engineers deliver tailored PHAST modelling studies that provide clarity and defensible technical outputs.
Our services include:
- Gas dispersion modelling
- Jet fire analysis
- Pool fire modelling
- Vapour cloud explosion analysis
- Toxic release assessments
- Thermal radiation studies
- Overpressure assessments
- Hazard contour mapping
We utilise the latest versions of DNV PHAST software to ensure accurate and up-to-date modelling for fire, explosion, and toxic gas dispersion scenarios.
Supporting Regulatory Compliance
PHAST modelling plays a critical role in demonstrating compliance with major process safety regulations and risk management requirements.
Our modelling supports:
- COMAH Regulations compliance
- DSEAR risk assessments
- ALARP demonstrations
- OBRA studies
- Land-use planning assessments
- Safety reports and regulatory submissions
- Hazardous area classification studies
We provide clear, traceable, and defensible outputs suitable for both internal decision-making and regulatory engagement.
Why Engineering Judgement Matters in Consequence Modelling
Effective PHAST modelling is not just about software capability. High-quality consequence analysis depends on:
- Accurate process and inventory data
- Realistic release assumptions
- Appropriate meteorological conditions
- Correct scenario selection
- Experienced engineering interpretation
At OTECSA, we combine technical expertise with practical engineering judgement to deliver modelling studies you can trust.
When Should PHAST Modelling Be Used?
PHAST modelling can add value throughout the lifecycle of a facility or project, including:
Concept and Design Stages
Identify potential hazards early and optimise safer facility layouts.
Existing Operations
Review and validate operational risks, safety distances, and emergency response strategies.
Regulatory Submissions
Support COMAH reports, DSEAR assessments, and planning applications with robust technical evidence.
Facility Modifications
Assess how operational or design changes impact hazard scenarios and risk profiles.
Benefits of PHAST Modelling
Organisations use PHAST modelling to:
- Improve process safety understanding
- Support safer engineering decisions
- Demonstrate regulatory compliance
- Visualise potential accident consequences
- Reduce uncertainty in risk assessments
- Support emergency planning and mitigation measures
Clear consequence modelling enables organisations to make informed decisions that improve both safety and operational resilience.
FAQs
What is consequence modelling in process safety?
Consequence modelling evaluates the potential effects of hazardous incidents such as gas releases, fires, explosions, or toxic dispersion. It helps organisations understand the severity and extent of possible accident scenarios.
What is DNV PHAST used for?
DNV PHAST is used to model hazardous releases and predict outcomes such as thermal radiation, explosion overpressure, toxic gas dispersion, and flammable gas cloud behaviour.
Is PHAST modelling required for COMAH compliance?
PHAST modelling is commonly used to support COMAH safety reports by providing quantitative evidence of potential major accident consequences and risk mitigation measures.
Can PHAST modelling support DSEAR assessments?
Yes. PHAST modelling can support DSEAR risk assessments by evaluating hazardous releases, explosive atmospheres, and potential impacts associated with dangerous substances.
What industries benefit from PHAST modelling?
Industries handling hazardous materials, including chemical, oil and gas, hydrogen, manufacturing, and energy sectors, commonly use PHAST modelling to improve process safety and regulatory compliance.
Work with OTECSA Consulting Ltd.
Whether you are developing a new facility, reviewing operational risks, or responding to regulatory requirements, our PHAST modelling services provide reliable technical insight and practical process safety support.
Our experienced consultants work closely with clients to deliver consequence modelling studies that add real value, improve understanding, and support confident decision-making.
Speak to our team today
Contact us to discuss how our PHAST modelling services can support your process safety objectives.