Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Document ID PR-1148
Security Unrestricted
Revision 4.0
This document is the property of Petroleum Development Oman, LLC. Neither the whole nor any part of
this document may be disclosed to others or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form by any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic recording or otherwise) without prior written
consent of the owner.
Revision: 4.0
Petroleum Development Oman LLC Effective Jul-11
i Document Authorisation
Authorised For Issue July 2011
ii Revision History
The following is a brief summary of the 4 most recent revisions to this document.
Details of all revisions prior to these are held on file by the issuing department.
Revision No. Author Scope / Remarks
4.0 July-11 Robin Norman UOP6 Refer to Addendum 2 for changes
Apr-11 Added Section 1.9 - ALARP
Rev 3.1 Nov-09 Robin Norman UOP6/ For minor changes refer to Addendum 1
Del Ellbec UOP7
Rev 3.0 Feb-09 Robin Norman UOP6 Revised Sections 2.1 & 2.2.
Added use of Dragger Tubes for testing
prior to Confined Space Entry
Added Appendix 1 Reference Material
Rev 1 Nov-98 UOP/1 SI-19 re-written in new format.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 Background..................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Purpose........................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Distribution / Target Audience.......................................................................................... 6
1.4 Changes to the Document............................................................................................... 6
1.5 Step-out Approval............................................................................................................ 7
1.6 ALARP............................................................................................................................. 7
2 Roles and Responsibilities..................................................................................................... 8
3 Confined Space Entry Procedure........................................................................................ 10
3.1 Preparation for Confined Space Entry...........................................................................10
3.1.1 Potential Hazards Associated with Confined Space Entry......................................10
3.1.2 Planning and Risk Assessment...............................................................................10
3.1.3 Gas Freeing and Flushing.......................................................................................12
3.1.4 Working Atmosphere............................................................................................... 12
3.1.5 Ventilation............................................................................................................... 14
3.1.6 Positive Isolation..................................................................................................... 14
3.1.7 Use Naked Flames and Arc....................................................................................14
3.1.8 General................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Confined Space Entry Process......................................................................................15
Appendix 1 Narcotic Effect of Hydrocarbons...........................................................................19
Appendix 2 Abbreviations........................................................................................................ 20
Appendix 3 Reference Material............................................................................................... 21
Appendix 4 User Feedback Page............................................................................................ 22
Addendum 1 Changes at Revision 3.1....................................................................................23
Addendum 2 Changes at Revision 4.0....................................................................................24
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
The nature of industry in which PDO operates frequently requires personnel to enter
Confined Spaces to carry out inspections and / or maintenance and repair work. A
confined space:
Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit
Is large enough for an employee to enter and perform assigned work, and
Is not designed for continuous occupancy by the employee.
A permit-required confined space is one that meets the definition of a confined space
and has one or more of these characteristics:
Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere,
Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing the entrant,
Has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or
asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward
and tapers to a smaller cross section, and/or contains any other recognised
serious safety or health hazards. These shall include but are not limited to:
o Process vessels i.e. separators, pressure vessels
o Storage tanks
o Compressor enclosures
o Heaters and boilers
o Flare and vents systems
o Cellars and pits
o Culverts
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide all personnel, PDO or contract, with clear
and concise instructions for entering or working within a confined space.
1.6 ALARP
ALARP is the acronym for As Low As Reasonably Practicable which simplified means,
reducing the risk to a level at which the cost and effort (time and trouble) of further risk
reduction are grossly disproportionate to the risk reduction achieved. Full Compliance
to PDO Standards and Procedures is a key element in achieving ALARP.
For more details refer to ALARP Definition
1
If delegated by Responsible Supervisor
2
If delegated by Responsible Supervisor
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3
Nominated on the Confined Space Entry Certificates
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Revision: 4.0
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4
This may not be the case if the tank or vessel is to be washed and cleaned prior to gas freeing
and ventilation. In such cases personnel entering the space shall be equipped with breathing
equipment.
5
When using water to gas freeing tanks, towers and vessels ensure that high level vents or
man ways / access hatches are open to prevent drawing and negative pressure and risking
collapse.
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Revision: 4.0
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FLAMMABLE
Entry into confined spaces where there is any possibility of flammable vapours, gas
testing with an approved PDO explosive meter shall be carried out and recorded. This
meter must be capable of measuring hydrocarbons in an inert atmosphere if the
confined space has been subjected to gas freeing using nitrogen. (examples are
Ray Systems MX6 or MSA Tankscope.) The frequency of subsequent testing shall be
stipulated on the PTW. If a reading greater than 0% is indicated the Responsible
Person or his delegate must be notified and any required restrictions or precautions to
be taken shall be entered on the "Confined Space Entry Certificates".
Flammable process hydrocarbon vapours are also hazardous due to their potential
narcotic / anaesthetic effects, and can result in irrational behaviour, loss of
consciousness, or even death. Hazardous concentrations can be related to flammability
limits (Refer to Appendix 1). Continuous ventilation shall be established within these
spaces where possible.
TOXIC
Where toxic vapours may be present and continuous ventilation is not considered
possible or feasible, each man entering the confined space shall wear positive pressure
respiratory6 protection.
If NORM or Mercury is suspected then the necessary external and internal tests MUST
be carried out by competent persons and the results checked and confirmed by the
Production Chemists. If the tests are outside the specified limits, the confined space
should be ventilated continuously and re-tested at regular intervals until acceptable.
Further information on NORM and Mercury can be obtained in:
SP-1170 - HSE Specification - Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
PR-1515 - Control of HSE Risks of Dealing with Mercury in PDO Facilities
INTERNAL TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
For entry to spaces like Waste Heat Recovery Units of gas turbines, additional hazards
may exist. These hazards exist due to the operational service where the space has
been subjected to high temperature. Hazards such as internal temperature, humidity
and hot surfaces should be included in the risk assessment, and suitable controls put in
place. These controls could for example, result in work duration being reduced
accordingly.
BREATHING APPARATUS
For entry in to a confined space without the use of breathing apparatus, tests may
include but are not limited to:
Oxygen (between 20%-21%)
H2S shall be no greater than 1ppm
Benzene shall be less than 1ppm, but preferably zero
Hydrocarbons in air less than 2% LEL but preferably zero (see Table)
<2% Entry allowed without BA
2% and <10 or atmosphere Entry only with BA
unsustainable
10% No entry allowed
3.1.5 Ventilation
Ventilation shall be employed to make the atmosphere inside of the confined space
able to support life. Where the atmosphere in the confined space is flammable or
toxic, forced ventilation will be employed to extract and clean air be allowed to replace
that extracted by natural circulation from a low point.
WARNING: Outside air shall not be forced in to expel the flammable atmosphere
as this may cause an explosive mixture being formed.
When dealing with vessels and tanks etc, that are have a risk of pyrophoric deposits
being present within the internals reference should be made to PR-1077 Preparation
of Static Equipment for Internal Maintenance and Inspection Section 4.2 Confined
Space Entry.
3.1.8 General
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Correct PPE shall be worn at all times while the work is being undertaken. Specialised
PPE required for specific tasks shall be made available to all personnel involved. The
requirements of specialized PPE shall be made on the Job Safety Plan.
SAFETY HARNESSES / LIFELINES
Safety harnesses shall be provided for all persons working inside the confined space if
the work involves scaffolding or raised platforms. Suitable strong points shall be
made available if not already provided.
Lifelines shall be used at all times by personnel inside the confined space.
PORTABLE POWER TOOLS
Where practical power tools used within confined spaces shall be pneumatic. Use of
electrically powered equipment shall be kept to a minimum and be in accordance with
SP-1111 - Temporary Electrical Supplies for Construction & Maintenance Work.
The preference shall also be made to adopt pneumatic lighting for confined spaces
rather than those powered from electrical circuits.
4. The permit applicant and the Responsible Supervisor shall inspect the
work site and identify all hazards. The permit applicant and responsible
supervisor shall produce and agree a Risk Assessment which will form the
basis of a Job Safety Plan which shall be approved by the responsible
supervisor.
5. The responsible supervisor shall:
authorise the PTW
authorise the isolation on the Mechanical Isolation Certificate
check the Confined Space Entry Certificate safety precautions
(Section 2)
approve the risk assessment and Job Safety Plan
6. Once authorised the PTW and all other required certificates shall be issued
to the Permit Holder to undertake the work.
7. The area authority shall oversee or undertake the required isolation in
accordance with the mechanical isolation certificate and ensure that
electrical isolations have been made and certified by the competent
electrical person. The isolations shall be signed for on the PTW and / or the
Mechanical / Electrical Isolation Certificates.
8. The permit holder shall complete the TRIC and conduct a TRIC talk to
ensure that personnel working on the job are aware of the safety hazards,
the risk assessment contents, control measures required and emergency
response procedures.
The permit holder shall oversee the provision of all necessary safety
equipment and that the correct tools and PPE are provided.
9. The Area Authority shall check that all safety precautions have been taken
and that all required equipment for the confined space entry is available.
10. Once the PTW has been validated by the area authority the
vessel/tank/equipment can be drained, gas freed and opened for ventilation.
11. The initial gas test shall be taken when the confined space has been
ventilated or prepared for entry. When gas freeing using nitrogen has taken
place a meter capable of measuring hydrocarbons in an inert atmosphere
shall be used. The gas test shall be conducted by the area authority or
registered gas tester. The results are entered on the Confined Space Entry
certificate.
12. Once the gas tests have been conducted and the confined space conforms
to the requirement the authorisation can be issued by the responsible
supervisor / area authority. The authorising authority shall sign the
appropriate section of the Confined Space Entry certificate.
CAUTION: Before entry shall be authorised confined spaces that have
contained hydrocarbons shall be tested using a Photo-Ionization
Detector (PID e.g. Draeger Tube) to confirm that levels Butane,
Pentane and Benzene (highly narcotic) are below OEL and % volume
required to produce surgical anaesthesia.
7
Isolations can be entered on the PTW, however if the isolation is complex a Mechanical
Isolation Certificate is used. This may be backed by additional documents if more space is
required.
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Revision: 4.0
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13. The work can be carried out within the confined space in accordance with
that defined on the PTW. The permit holder shall oversee the work and
ensure that entries and exits are logged on the Confined Space Entry
certificate.
The appointed standby man/men shall maintain communication with the
personnel inside the confined space and also the area authority / CCR.
14. Additional gas tests (including PID if considered necessary) shall be carried
out in accordance with the PTW. These gas tests shall be entered at the
correct intervals on the Confined Space Entry certificate or the Additional
Gas test Records sheet.
15. On completion of the work the permit holder shall oversee the
normalisation of the work site. The confined space shall be inspected and
all entry and exit records checked before closure is authorised. Inspection
and authorisation for closure shall be given by the area authority or
responsible supervisor.
16. On closure the Permit Holder carry out reinstatement testing of the
equipment / vessel and remove or oversee the removal of all isolations with
the Area Authority. The Area Authority shall be close out the PTW.
17. The vessel/tank/equipment shall be handed over to production and brought
back into service.
The following links shall take the user of this procedure to sites where reference information
can be obtained on:
Exposure Limits:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/table1.pdf
Lower Explosive Limits / Lower Flammable Limits
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/explosive-concentration-limits-d_423.html
General Description of the Immediate Hazards Associated with Hydrocarbon Releases
http://www.hse.gov.uk/offshore/notices/sn_04_04.htm
Anaesthetic Effects of Hydrocarbon Gas
Appendix 2 Abbreviations
Other Documents
ALARP Definition
UOP7
Custodian of Document Date:
Page Changes
7 Section 1.5 Roles and Responsibilities
Production Supervisor and Risk Assessments added
Responsible Supervisor and ensure Risk Assessments are added
Area Authority and ensure Risk Assessment controls are adhered to added
Permit Applicant and Risk Assessment added
8 Section 1.5 Roles and Responsibilities
Permit Holder Risk Assessments added
10 Section 2.1.1 Number of personnel working within the confined space and The
maximum number of personnel required to work in the confined space added
11 3rd para as part of the Risk Assessment Process suitable for the agreed maximum
number of personnel for each added
NOTE: These issues may limit number of people in confined space added
6th para covering the maximum permitted number of personnel added
13 FLAMMABLE
This meter must be capable of measuring hydrocarbons in an Inert
atmosphere if the confined space has been subjected to a nitrogen purge.
(examples are Ray Systems MX6 or MSA Tankscope.) statement made bold and
examples added
15 Step 4 and responsible supervisor shall produce and agree a Risk Assessment
which will form the basis of added
17 Step 11 When nitrogen purging has taken place a meter capable of measuring
hydrocarbons in an inert atmosphere shall be used. added
Page Changes
General Added New Front page / Added new Owner / Moved related documents to Appendix
3 Reference Material / moved roles and Responsibilities to Section 2 / Renamed
Appendix 1 / changed purging to gas freeing to align with PR-1073
Page 7 Section 1.1 Background removed last two paras. Not necessary
Section 1.2 Purpose Changed to read The purpose of this procedure is to provide
all personnel, PDO or contract, with clear and concise instructions for entering or
working within a confined space.
Page 8 Section 1.4 Changes to Document added shall in place of should in last para
Page 10 Section 3.1.2 changed 2nd para to If the work is to be carried out in a confined
space a risk assessment shall be completed covering all activities that will be carried
out both inside and outside of the space.
Re-ordered last after The risk Assessment will --- and removed atmosphere
Page 13 1st para after bullets changed to read The outcome of the risk assessment
process shall be a Job Safety Plan approved by the Responsible Supervisor, who
shall determines what mitigation must be put in place based on the Risk Analysis.
Page 20 Amended the Process Flow diagram moved the TRIC talk between isolation
Carried Out and Vessel / tank / equipment drained / gas freed and ventilated
Amended procedural steps to capture changes
Pages Re-arranged Appendices.
19-22