Scribes allow you to focus more on your meeting, and less on the finer points. This not only allows you to stay in the moment, but it ensures the meeting runs smoothly and you can review the finer points at a later date in case you missed something. They can be game changers in a number of industries and businesses. Two areas where scribes are extremely helpful are for HAZOPs and HAZIDs. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two areas, how a scribe can help, and why we always work with a scribe for these procedures.
HAZOPs vs HAZIDs
First, let’s cover the basics of HAZOPs and HAZIDs. An understanding of the basics will make it even clearer how a scribe can help!
What is HAZOP?
Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) is for organizations to “identify abnormalities in the work environment and pinpoint their root causes.” They can be used in complex operations where serious accidents can happen. Common industries that use HAZOPs include oil and gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical.
The study can identify and help to rectify engineering issues that have previously been missed by looking into “nodes,” or broken down complex processes.
What is HAZID?
Hazard Identification (HAZID) on the other hand refers to a risk analysis tool that can alert individuals of hazards on the jobsite. This tool is capable of examining all potential sources of hazard from construction to decommissioning. HAZIDs allow companies to be able to assess consequences of incidents, provide risk inputs, and draft guidelines for event screening.
What are Scribes Responsibilities During a HAZOP/HAZID?
Whether your organization is using a HAZOP or HAZID, a scribe is very useful. Scribes will first meet with the team to discuss expectations, how information will be put together, and how the final report will be constructed. They may also go over the recording methods with you to ensure everyone is on the same page.
During the actual HAZOP/HAZID, the scribe will be responsible for documenting every aspect of the meeting and actions. Scribes have to be able to perform the following actions:
- Type fast (of course!) and transcribe in real time
- Stay alert to every aspect of the meeting, test, discussion, etc
- Understand and be interested in the subject matter
- Adopt to different styles required by the team
- Anticipate outcomes of discussions
- Clarify with the team about complex issues
- Be flexible to meet the teams’ needs
- Create templates and formats
- Develop editing checklists
- Document control standards
- Develop document management systems
- Provide support for managing documents
What Are Four Reasons Why People Hire Scribes?
So now that you know the differences between HAZOPs and HAZIDs and what a scribe actually does, it’s time to dive into why people hire scribes. Below are just four reasons. If you want a few more, check out this article: Benefits of Using a Scribe.
- They Helps You Stay Focused on the Meeting
A lot is going on in meetings, HAZOP/HAZID or no. Complex topics can be broached or minds can wander during the less engaging parts of the conversation. Either way – it’s easy for information to get lost.
Scribes ensure no information is lost! They will create a report for you that details everything that was covered in the meeting and conversation. You’ll be able to refer to it to ensure you’re making educated decisions based on the meeting going forward and can reach out to any of the team members for clarification.
- They Saves You Time and Effort
While you could absolutely record the meeting or HAZOP/HAZID yourself, you’d also need someone to transcribe the meeting and understand proper formatting. Without experience and training, you could find someone has written down incomplete information, or formatted it in a way that is not easy to follow.
Scribes know what you’re looking for in regards to formatting, and have the skills necessary to complete the work according to industry standards.
- They Increase Accuracy
This benefit really follows up #2. Inexperienced transcribers may not have the knowledge of the industry that’s required, either. If presented with complex knowledge outside of their wheelhouse, they could write down incorrect details or even skip it all together, meaning you’ll have gaps in the report.
Experienced scribes, however, not only have the skills necessary to complete the work, they understand it. They can follow the conversations, tests, and reports, and even gauge where the conversation is going – writing ahead of anyone talking! You’ll have accurate reports and transcripts of your meetings, HAZOPS, and HAZIDS thanks to working with a scribe who is knowledgeable in the field as well as skillful.
- They Keep Meetings/HAZOPs/HAZIDS Flowing
There’s nothing quite like stopping a meeting over and over because someone missed a statement, or a number, or a fact. These can add up, and suddenly a meeting that should have taken 30 minutes is reaching the hour mark.
Scribes help you avoid that problem all together! Since your entire team will know the conversation is being recorded, they won’t have to clarify many points that very minute. They can simply review the report afterward.
Scribes, no doubt, can take a lot off your plate and make HAZOPS/HAZIDS much easier to tackle than ever before. By working with an experienced, knowledgeable scribe, you’ll be able to save money, time, and effort.
Want to learn more about how your organization can benefit from working with a scribe? Discover what Shea Writing & Training Solutions’ Scribes are capable of here and then get in touch with us to learn more.
