Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Documents Classification:-
Risk Classification
Critical
Security Classification
Unclassified
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: PREPARATION OF PLANT FOR WORK................................................................................... 5
1. SCOPE............................................................................................................................................................. 5
2. APPLICATION ................................................................................................................................................. 5
3. CLEARANCE OF PROCESS MATERIALS - GUIDELINES..................................................................... 5
4. ISOLATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
5. OPENING UP AND VENTILATION ............................................................................................................ 11
6. GAS SAFETY TESTING.............................................................................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 2: TEMPORARY ACCESS .............................................................................................................. 20
1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION ....................................................................................................................... 20
2. SAFETY SIGNS AND TEMPORARY BARRIERS ................................................................................... 20
3. SCAFFOLDING ............................................................................................................................................ 24
4. LADDERS, STEPS AND TRESTLES ........................................................................................................ 31
5. VEHICLE-MOUNTED WORK PLATFORMS ............................................................................................ 35
6. ROOF ACCESS ............................................................................................................................................ 37
CHAPTER 3: WORK ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................... 40
1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION..................................................................................................................... 40
2. CONFINED SPACE WORK ...................................................................................................................... 40
3. TANK CLEANING GUIDE............................................................................................................................ 62
4. AREAS CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS ................................................................................................... 72
5. HOT WORK ................................................................................................................................................... 74
6.2. HAZARDS....................................................................................................................................................... 77
7. EXCAVATION ................................................................................................................................................ 81
8. DEMOLITION................................................................................................................................................ 85
9. CHEMICAL HANDLING ............................................................................................................................... 89
CHAPTER 4: TASK CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 90
1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION ....................................................................................................................... 90
2. WELDING AND FLAME CUTTING ............................................................................................................ 90
3. PRESSURE AND LEAK TESTING ............................................................................................................ 96
4. BLAST CLEANING ..................................................................................................................................... 100
5. CHEMICAL CLEANING ............................................................................................................................. 103
6. HIGH PRESSURE WATER JETTING ..................................................................................................... 106
7. PAINTING .................................................................................................................................................... 109
CHAPTER 5: TOOL CONSIDERATIONS....................................................................................................... 112
1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION ..................................................................................................................... 112
2. MOBILE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES .................................................................................... 112
Document No: QHSE-P221 Page Page 2 of 147
No: 5 Print Date: 05/04/2018 15:27
Date: 05/04/2018 Hard copy only valid on print date.
Qalhat safety regulations for work under permit
ISSUE HISTORY
Changes from previous issue are indicated in the table below:
5 update to capture the lesson learnt shared by Shell with regards to 05/04/2018
the use of hammers with wooden handles
1. SCOPE
This section covers, in general terms, safety in the preparation of plant,
office/recreational/company residential structures and laboratory for access other than access
required for normal operation.
In this context:-
1
Plant means any piece of manufacturing and / or storage equipment.
Preparation includes: clearance of materials which are flammable, asphyxiant or otherwise
hazardous to health, isolation from sources of hazardous material, power and radiation,
opening up, ventilation and gas safety testing.
Access might be required for cleaning, inspection, maintenance or plant modification.
More specific safety instruction and guidance in relation to particular activities and situations
are given in subsequent sections of these Safety Regulations and also given in Permit to W ork
Procedure QOP-P109.
2. APPLICATION
It is the responsibility of the designated personnel in the area concerned to decide upon the
extent of plant preparation necessary for particular access.
Where, as indicated in this section, Permits to W ork are necessary to cover preparation
activities, they must be separate from the Permits to Work required for subsequent work.
3.2. HAZARDS
During clearance of process materials, the hazards are:-
• Production, in the surroundings, of atmospheres which are flammable,
asphyxiant or otherwise hazardous to health.
• Over-filling of the plant with liquid, causing either containment failure due to
hydrostatic pressure, or overloading of a structure.
• Over-pressurisation of the plant causing loss of containment.
• Vacuum in the plant causing loss of containment.
• Premature entry of air into contaminated plant and subsequent ignition causing
fire or explosion where a source of ignition is present e.g. static electricity.
1
Plant may also include Office HVAC
For more detailed guidance on control of access to systems containing inert gas see
Section 5. ‘Inert Gas entry’
4. ISOLATION
4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
An essential ingredient of any Safe System of W ork is the integrity of the isolation
procedure and the management of isolations, both mechanical and electrical is
controlled within the PTW software.
The kinds of isolations used and the precautions taken will depend on the level of risk
that the job is likely to involve. Refer Site Safety regulation Section 3: Preparation of
plant for work and QOP-P107, which shall always take precedence.
This chapter covers safety in the selection and implementation of all types of plant
isolation.
Isolation means the physical separation from a source of hazardous material, power or
radiation. It might entail defeat or override of automatic controls affecting the area of
the work.
4.2. HAZARDS
During the course of isolation, the hazards are:-
• The hazards of opening up when removing blind flanges or fitting spades etc.
(see Opening up and ventilation – Chapter 5 of this section)
• Accidental defeat or override of an automatic control or protection system.
• Voluntary defeat or override of an automatic protection or control system
without the provision of an adequate alternative.
• Further hazards are created if the form of isolation chosen is inadequate for its
purpose or circumstances change while the work is in progress.
contains valves of this type, the isolation plan shall contain a procedure for integrity
testing the valves, and the use of the intermediary cavity bleed. Particular attention
should be given to securing valves of this type, in recognition that one motive source
affects both valve positions.
SINGLE BLOCK
Single Block (SB) provides a valve barrier against the ingress of fluids by the closure
of a single block valve.
The block valve must be proved acceptably tight against full normal upstream
pressure before immobilising / securing in the closed position. The valve integrity shall
be proven by bleeding off the downstream pressure and observing pressure on an
appropriate indication device, over a suitable period of time, (this period of time
depends on the piping volume available for pressure build up). It should be noted that
single block should only be used where isolation can be proved to be effective.
Extreme care should be exercised at all times when using single block valves within an
isolation scheme.
(1) Positive isolation of the moving parts from all sources of driving fluid.
(2) Positive isolation of the moving parts from all electricity supplies.
(4) The fitting of physical stops between the moving parts (e.g. clamp).
The Isolating Authority shall verify with the Technician carrying out the task that any
blinds inserted and blanks fitted are of the correct pressure/temperature rating and
correctly located. W here possible, the Isolating Authority shall arrange for the testing
of blinds/blanks to as high a pressure as they can be subjected with the isolations in
place.
Before opening up to give access for personnel to the moving parts in any piece of
equipment, the drive must be isolated from all sources of motive power by means of
positive isolation.
Additionally, before entry or part entry of any person between moving parts,
mechanical couplings must be disconnected where practicable and physical stops, of
adequate strength to inhibit movement between the parts, must be fitted.
The procedures to be followed for the isolation of electrical systems, equipment and
conductors are covered in the, QEN-P310 Electrical Safety Rules and may only be
carried out by appropriately trained and authorised personnel.
(1) The switch at the distribution board must be locked of and tagged.
(2) All the fused must be removed from the circuit and the fuse box tagged.
(3) The electrical cables must be physically disconnected from the supply and tagged.
The QEN-P310 Electrical Safety Rules describe the procedure to be used for the
management of electrical isolation locks.
4.10. REFERENCES
Shell HSSE and SP Control Framework; Personal Safety Manual; Hot W ork Section.
Permit to W ork Procedure QOP-P109.
Control and Use of Override on Process Safeguarding procedure QOP-P110.
Process Isolation, Planning, Preparation, implementation and Monitoring isolation
Procedure QOP-P107.
5.2. HAZARDS
During opening up the hazards are:-
− Forceful release of pressurised material at the breached point.
− Discharge of hazardous or environmentally damaging substances from the
breach point.
− The entry of air at the breach, producing a flammable atmosphere internally and
the consequent risk of explosion, particularly if pyrophoric materials are present
inside the plant.
During ventilation the hazards are:-
− The transient presence of flammable atmospheres in spaces which contain
flammable liquids or vapours.
− The contamination of the atmosphere around ventilation outlet points.
− Premature entry of personnel to inadequately ventilated spaces.
− The contamination of the area during ventilation by pulling hazardous
atmosphere
If single isolation is all that is available to isolate the breach point from a source of
hazardous material under significant pressure, then the work must be supported with
job hazards analysis.
Flanges to be sprung apart should be carefully split, in accordance with good
engineering practice, to check for pressure and hazardous materials before all bolts
are removed.
If there is concern that there might be flammable vapours together with pyrophoric
deposits present in the part of the plant to be breached, arrangements must be made
to ensure that there is a small outward flow of inert gas as the breach is made. The
pressure of the inert gas must not be sufficient to harm personnel as it emerges from
the breach.
Special precautions are necessary when spades are to be fitted in large systems, such
as flare systems and large diameter vapour ducts, which either cannot be isolated or
can be isolated only at some considerable distance from the proposed breach point. In
such a situation, the designated Engineering authority must produce a method
statement (engineering work plan) covering the execution of the activity.
5.6. VENTILATION
Before opening up for ventilation:-
− All hazardous substances must be cleared from the plant sufficiently to ensure
that during ventilation there is no unacceptable spread of hazardous vapours to
the surroundings and that, where there are risks of ignition from pyrophoric
deposits, there is no development of flammable atmospheres.
− Workers are not exposed to hazardous materials beyond set exposure limits.
− The plant must be positively isolated from all sources of hazardous substances.
− Precautions must be taken to control the rate of oxidation and avoid ignition of
any pyrophoric deposits which might be present. In the case of iron sulphide
deposits this can be achieved by wetting the deposits with water and / or
injecting inert gas with the ventilating air.
Ventilation may be achieved by:-
− Natural means such as wind or convection.
− Artificial means such as air eductors or fans placed at the air inlet.
− A combination of natural and artificial means.
The ventilation strategy employed will depend upon the contents of the plant as
follows:-
Plant which has been blanketed with inert gas must not be opened up direct
to atmosphere if it still contains sources of hazardous gases or vapours. If
necessary to should be cleared first by inert gas purging and then treated as in
5.6.2 below.
When ventilating spaces that might contain flammable vapours, all equipment
used for any artificial ventilation should take suction from direct fresh air and
should be placed at the natural air inlet ventilation to the space so that, in the
event of its failure, it is unlikely to be enveloped by the flammable vapours.
The equipment chosen must not be susceptible to mechanical sparking. It
must be fully bonded and earthed against electrostatic charging. Electrical
components must be certified for operation in Zone 1 areas (see Chapter 3:
Work Environment Considerations – paragraph 4: Areas Classified as
hazardous.)
− Failure to identify activities that concurrently could adversely affect the work site
condition
(a) Any work which might produce a source of ignition in an area either classified as
hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres or thought for any other reason
to be contaminated with flammable gases or vapours.
(b) Entry by personnel into an area where the atmosphere might be asphyxiant or
hazardous to health.
Gas safety testing will only be carried out by trained and suitably qualified OLNG
personnel.
Only makes and types of gas safety testing equipment approved by the QMI
Department may be used.
All gas testing equipment are critical equipment that shall be subject to Management
of Change process if needed to be changed.
The minimum protection standard for the gas safety testing equipment used at
OLNG is set by QHSE department.
Gas safety testing equipment must regularly examined, tested, calibrated and
marked satisfactory with the latest examination date, in accordance with a
schedule by an appropriately qualified person.
Users must satisfy themselves before use that the equipment has been
examined and tested as required, is generally in good condition and responds
as it should to trial contamination of the intake air.
Hot work must not be allowed where the measured flammability of the
atmosphere exceeds 5% of the lower flammability limit.
The flammable gas readings for equipment designed with catalyst cannot be
relied upon if the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere under test is less
than 16% by volume.
Breathing apparatus must be worn for entry into any confined space where the
concentration of oxygen is less than 20% by volume and should be considered
for entry into any space where the concentration of oxygen is measurably
different from that of fresh air - W ork Environment consideration section
addressing Confined Space Entry.
A wide range of standard test tubes is available. Each tube is designed for one
species of contaminant within a particular concentration range. Some tubes
can be used for a group of related species.
Most colorimetric tubes have a specified shelf life which applies as long as they
are kept sealed and in cool conditions, away from direct sunlight. The seals
must not be broken until immediately before use.
The bellows pump must be in good condition and should be blown clear with
clean air after use. The pump should be tested for leaks prior to each test and
the volume of the stroke should be checked on a routine basis. It is important,
when carrying out the test, that the stroke of the bellows pump is a full one and
that exactly the specified number of strokes is taken.
They are available in the form of sophisticated analysers which can only be
used by trained and experienced operators. Infra-red gas analysers are the
most common but other types of analysers are also available. They are very
accurate and give continuous or TW A readings e.g. MSA multi gas tester.
Maximum Exposure Limits and Occupational Exposure Standards for all commonly occurring
hazardous gases and vapours are given in ACGIH.
6.13. REFERENCES
Shell HSSE CF
(2) Any signs in such proximity that they might lead to confusion.
(3) The signs relating to fire fighting and fire escape provisions.
Warning signs
(1) The background colour must be yellow.
(2) The triangular band must be black.
(3) The symbol which is necessary to amplify the meaning of the sign must
be black and placed centrally on the background.
(4) Yellow must cover at least 50% of the area of the safety sign.
(5) Any text must be put onto a supplementary notice.
Mandatory signs
(1) The background colour must be blue.
(2) The symbol which is necessary to amplify the meaning of the sign must
be white and placed centrally on the background.
(3) Blue must cover at least 50% of the area of the safety sign.
(4) The symbols used on mandatory signs should depict general types of
protection.
(5) W here necessary, a specific type or level of protection should be
indicated by text, on a supplementary notice.
Safety symbols
(1) The design of any symbol incorporated into the sign must be as simple
as possible.
(2) Details not essential for the understanding of the message should be
omitted.
(3) The recommendations given for symbols in BS-5378 must be followed.
(4) In case of ionising radiation hazards, the symbol recommended by BS-
3510 must be used.
Safety notices
(1) Text in the form of a safety notice may or may not be necessary in
addition to the safety sign, but whenever a safety notice is used it must
be accompanied by an appropriate safety sign.
(2) More than one sign may be used if this helps understanding.
(2) The degree of responsibility to be expected from the personnel for whom the
barrier is necessary.
(3) The factors which might cause the barrier to deteriorate within the period of
exposure.
Note: Plastic tapes (W arning/Danger) are not the appropriate barriers as per above
circumstances and should only be used for warning purposes only and to be removed
immediately upon completion of work.
(9 Prohibition
® No Smoking
Mandatory Hearing
(Must Do) Protection
Warning
(Donger-Potential
Hazard
Safe Condition
(The Safe Way)
Fire Equipment
& Safety
3. SCAFFOLDING
3.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers safety in the construction, use and dismantling of modular scaffolds.
A scaffold is a temporary structure used to provide access for work or to support materials and
equipment. It may be of the conventional tube and coupler type or of a proprietary type based
upon the use of standard frames, with or without standard tubes and couplers.
3.2. HAZARDS
During construction, use and dismantling of scaffolding, the particular hazards are:-
(1) Faulty structural design or inadequate bracing.
(3) Overloading.
(4) Deterioration of the fixings or the materials of construction due to damage or the
weather.
(3) Verify that the Scaffold Contractor provides adequate supervision of the
work in hand.
(4) Ensure that a clearly written handover procedure is available - scafftag.
(5) Ensure that the Users are informed about the purpose of the scaffolds,
the User’s responsibilities and the need for Personal Protective
Equipment.
User’s Responsibilities
Users must:-
(1) Ensure that scaffolding is safely used and not modified without
authorisation.
(2) Report defects and unauthorised modification of the scaffolding.
(3) Inform the relevant person when scaffolding is no longer required and is
available for dismantling.
Scaffold Loading
Scaffolds must be built to suit the loading duty as indicated by table 3.1
Construction Details
The material used to build any scaffold must be in good condition and
comply with the approved standards (refer to Oman LNG Procedure for
Scaffolding). Steel items should be clean and not treated in any way to
conceal defects.
Every scaffold structure must be well founded. The foundation must be
capable of carrying the imposed load for the entire life of the scaffolds.
Base plates and sole boards must be used as appropriate to spread the
load.
Aluminium ladders are not allowed to be used on site.
Scaffolds must not be supported by process lines, unless specifically
allowed by the permit to W ork, and must not be tied into existing
handrails or guard-rails, and structural beams.
The scaffold must not foul process valves or push buttons, ladders or
block platform completely.
Scaffold tubes must not protrude so as to endanger personnel. The use
of coloured end caps is recommended near access-ways.
Layout Constraints
Sufficient means of emergency escape must be provided from each
scaffold platform.
Scaffolds must not block access or escape routes unless this is
specifically allowed by the Permit to W ork.
Supplementary provisions for access might be required if a scaffold
blocks a normal access or escape route.
For working under very hazardous situations at elevation stairs in two
opposite direction shall be built instead of ladders, and mesh protection
to prevent someone being blown off the platform should be considered.
3.6. INSPECTION
Erectors inspection
The scaffolding contractor will receive a request to build a scaffold
through CMMS work order. When the request is not clear, the
scaffolding supervisor should with the requester go to the location and
discus what type and size of scaffolding is required. Erection has to be
done as per OLNG safety regulations chapter 4.5. The scaffold is ready
for use only when the scaffold inspector has approved it and fixed a
signed scaftag on the entrance of the scaffolding.
The Scaffolding Contractor erecting the scaffold must ensure that, at
the time of handing over, the scaffold:-
(1) Complies with any design drawing and/or specification for that particular
scaffold.
(2) Complies with the requirements of the Oman LNG Procedure for
Scaffolding QEN-P103 and the approved standard noted therein.
(3) Is adequate for the purpose for which it is intended.
(4) Is stable and in a safe condition.
2
(5) Safe working load is not less than 200kg/m .
(6) Has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified competent person.
(7) The handover certificate has been signed and dated on behalf of the
erection company.
(8) A scafftag is in place on the scaffold at the point of access.
Pre-dismantling Inspection
The scaffold must be inspected prior to dismantling. If the scaffold is
defective, it must be made safe before dismantling commences.
Where alterations have been made to the scaffold during its working life,
it is not safe to assume that dismantling can be carried out in a
sequence the reverse of that used during erection.
Status Cards
Before a scaffold from which a person might fall more than 1.8 metres is
taken into general use, a system of status cards (Scafftags) is
established.
A status card must be displayed in a prominent position at every access
point on the scaffold to indicate whether the scaffold may be used and if
so, the date of the last satisfactory inspection and the signature of the
person(s) who carried out the last inspection.
The system provides a card-holder with a slot for the status card (see
figure 3.2). This indicates automatically that the scaffold is unsafe when
the card is removed. Users must check regularly that status cards are
up to date.
Figure 3-2 Status Card System with and without the Card
Trestle Platforms
Trestle platforms must not be less than 435mm in width. For platforms
less than 640mm in width, fabricated staging boards are recommended.
Trestle platforms must not be used where a person is liable to fall more
than 4.5 metres from the platform.
Trestle platforms without guard rails and toe boards may be used by
experienced persons for short duration work provided that, where a
person is liable to fall a distance of more than 1.8 metres from the
platform, either good handholds or a safety harness attached to fixed
anchor points is worn.
Marking of Equipment
Equipment must be marked with the following particulars in accordance
with British Standards:-
(1) The name, trademark or other means of identification of the
manufacturer or supplier.
(2) The number and date of the British Standards or equivalent to which the
equipment conforms.
(3) The class and duty rating of the equipment.
Inspection
Equipment must be inspected by a competent person and dated or
colour coded to confirm satisfactory inspection, normally at intervals not
exceeding 6 months. Those items found to be defective must be
suitably marked or labelled and withdrawn from service.
Inspection records must be maintained for the lifetime of the equipment.
The condition of the equipment should be checked by the user before
each occasion of use.
Storage
Ladders, steps and trestles should be stored in such a manner as to
provide ease of access and inspection and to avoid hazard when
withdrawing for use.
When not in use, ladders may be stored vertically or horizontally; if
horizontally they should be on racks designed for their protection. These
racks should have supporting points every two metres to prevent
excessive sagging. At no time should any load be placed on the ladder
whilst in store.
All equipment should be stored under cover in locations where there is
good ventilation. It should not be stored near radiators, stoves, steam
pipe or other places subject to excessive heat or dampness.
Transport
When a ladder is carried single handed, the front end must be kept high
enough to clear the heads of personnel. Special care must be taken at
corners and blind spots.
A ladder carried on a vehicle must not project beyond the lines of the
vehicle body without highly visible markings such as a whit flag or
equivalent at the tip of the overhang. The ladder must not project more
than one metre in front or two metres behind without side and end
markings as required by the Highway Code.
Adequate and appropriate fixings and/or lashings must be provided
during transit, of resilient material. Ladders should be ties to each
support to minimise rubbing and the effects of vibration. Other
equipment should be loaded carefully so that the ladder will not be
subject to shock or abrasion.
Maintenance
Ladders, steps and trestles must be maintained in good condition at all
times. Fittings and accessories should be checked frequently to ensure
that they are securely attached and in working condition.
Moving parts, such as pulleys. Locks hinges, and wheels should operate
freely without binding or undue play and should be oiled frequently.
All bolts and rivets should be in place and tight.
The ropes and cables of ladders should be inspected frequently and
those that are frayed, badly worn or defective should be replaced.
The cords of steps and trestles should be replaced at the first sign of
wear or deterioration.
Ladder Erection
Ladders must not be used the wrong way up.
Ladders must be of the proper length for the job to be done. If a ladder
is used as a means of access to a landing place or as a working place it
must rise to a height of at least 1.05 metres above the landing place
and above the highest rung to be reached by the feet of the person
using it.
Where extension ladders are used fully extended, the minimum overlap
of sections must be at least four rungs. Splicing or lashing of ladders
together to obtain an extension is not permitted.
A ladder longer than three metres must not be used unless:-
Ladder in Use
A person working on or from a ladder must have both feet on the rungs
and have a secure hand hold. If the work to be done necessitates the
use of both hands, a safety belt must be worn.
Only one person at a time may be on any one ladder.
Tools and other materials should not be hand carried by persons
ascending or descending vertical ladders. W here practicable, tools
should be carried in pockets, special belts or should bags, provided that
they do not impair movement and are held securely.
The floor of the platform should be well drained and slip resistant. It
must be surrounded by a plated wall or guard rails to a height of at
least 920mm. If guard rails are provided, strong mesh walls or
intermediate guard rails plus 150mm deep toe boards are required.
The platform must not be modified in any way which increases its
weight or its wind profile without the approval of the manufacture.
MARKING OF EQUIPMENT
Each platform must be conspicuously marked with:
Work carried out from the platform should not entail a reach which
would take the worker's feet off the platform or the worker's centre of
gravity outside the platform guard rails.
All passengers should remain entirely within the guard rail as the
platform is moved.
The vehicle must not be moved with the platform in the elevated
position except as specifically provided for by the manufacturer.
The platform must not be used as a crane unless provided for by the
manufacturer. It must not be used as a jack to put pressure against a
fixed object.
6. ROOF ACCESS
6.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This Chapter covers safety in temporary access across flat and sloping roofs, whether for work
on the roof or as a temporary route to other work. The uses of ladders, lifts and scaffolds to
reach a roof and the use of scaffold platforms for roof access are covered by other chapters in
this section.
A sloping roof in this context means a roof or part of a roof having a pitch of more than 10
degrees.
6.2. HAZARDS
The particular hazards from roof access are:
1. Fall of persons,
From unguarded edges of flat roofs, from the edges of sloping roofs, through
openings in roofs, through weak or fragile roof materials.
Document No: QHSE-P221 Page Page 37 of 147
No: 5 Print Date: 05/04/2018 15:27
Date: 05/04/2018 Hard copy only valid on print date.
Qalhat safety regulations for work under permit
2. Fall of materials,
3. Contact with electricity supplies.
The hazards are exacerbated by icy, wet and windy weather.
6.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Roof work, particularly work on pitched roofs, is hazardous and requires a specific risk
assessment and method statement prior to the commencement of the work.
For complex roof work, such as re-roofing, a Method Statement should be agreed with the
contractor or work team before the start of the work.
Guard rails and toe boards should be provided where practicable to protect all personnel
working in positions where they might otherwise fall from a height exceeding 1.8 meters.
Where this is not practicable, suitable personal fall arrest equipment must be used.
6.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
All access to roofs, other than where permanent safe access is provided which is itself
sufficient to supply a safe working area for all proposed activities, must be controlled by a
Permit to W ork.
6.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
Roof ladders and crawling boards must be of good construction, suitable and sound material,
and adequate strength, free from patent defect and properly maintained. W hen in use they
must be properly supported and securely fixed or anchored to prevent them shipping.
Roof edge protection must be well constructed and fixed, providing an upper guard rail at
between 920mm and 1150mm above the roof edge and a toe board 150mm deep at the roof
edge. A central guard rail may also be necessary. Alternatively, a scaffold platform with guard
rails and toe boards may be provided outside the edge.
Anchor points provided for personal fall arrest equipment must be sound and well maintained.
Temporary protective coverings for fragile roof areas, roof openings or roof lights must be of
adequate strength and security fitted.
6.6. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ACCESS
Before any temporary roof access is allowed, a proper assessment must be made, including
internal and external inspection as necessary, to determine the construction, strength and
condition of the roof and to determine where loads may be placed and how they may be
distributed.
Adequate anchorage points for harnesses to be identified prior to performing activity.
All personnel who will have access must be informed of the strengths and weakness of the
roof.
The area underneath, where materials could fall from the roof work, should be marked off by
cones and tapes. Notices to give warning should be placed at all normal access points to this
area.
Provisions must be made to stop work in excessively icy, wet or windy conditions.
The locations of any live electricity cables in the roof area must be established and action
taken to isolate them from the power supply or to avoid them.
6.7. WORK ON OR NEAR TO FRAGILE ROOFS
All fragile roofs, other than roofs clad wholly in transparent glass, must be identified by
warning notices at all likely points of access.
Roof ladders and crawling boards must be used on all fragile roofs.
There must be suitable means of access such as scaffolding, ladders and crawling boards;
suitable barriers, guard rails or covers where people work near to fragile materials and roof
lights; and suitable warning signs indicating that a roof is fragile should be on display at ground
level.
Personnel must not step on to a fragile roof for any purpose.
Where personnel might fall or overbalance on to a fragile roof, guard-rails or protective
boarding shall be provided, or personal fall arrest equipment used as necessary to avoid a fall
through.
Personnel required to work on fragile roofs must use appropriate crawling boards.
Access to roof areas where the fall from the edge could exceed 1.8 meters and where there is
no roof edge protection may be allowed only to persons wearing personal fall arrest equipment
for light work of short duration.
6.9. WORK ON SHALLOW PITCH ROOFS
Roofs having pitches of less than 10 degrees are normally less robust than flat roofs and may
be fragile. Platform boards are necessary if there is any doubt as to their strength.
Personal fall arrest equipment of roof edge protection is required as for flat roof work.
Platforms may be required to span the portions where roofs sheets are to be replaced.
6.10. WORK ON SLOPING ROOFS
Roof ladders or properly fixed crawling boards are necessary for all work on sloping roofs,
except where:
The pitch is less than 30 degrees and the roof surface provides particularly good foot holds in
all likely weather conditions,
The pitch is between 30 degrees and 50 degrees and roof battens are exposed and in such
good condition as to provide safe hand and foot holds.
Roofs edge protection should be provided for all work on sloping roofs except for very short
duration light work such as inspection or odd tile replacement for which access using roof
ladders or crawling boards is acceptable, provided that personnel fall arrest equipment.
For work on roofs with pitches greater than 50 degrees or curved roofs, scaffold platforms
should be provided.
6.11. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with generally applicable OLNG
PPE Regulations.
Leather knee pads should be used if necessary.
Personal fall arrest equipment must be worn whenever a person is exposed to a fall exceeding
6.18 meters.
6.12. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING
Only personnel who are trained and experienced in roof top working may work from sloping
roofs where the pitch is greater than 30 degrees or where the pitch is between 10 degrees and
30 degrees and the roof is likely to be slippery.
6.13. REFERENCES
1.2. APPLICATION
It is necessary that all authorised persons operating a ‘Permit to W ork’ system are capable of
recognising that additional hazards may accrue to a particular task when it is carried out in a
hazardous environment.
Such authorised persons must understand that increasing levels of hazard in a working
environment may require that a higher level of enabling certification is necessary to allow a job
to proceed.
2.1. PURPOSE
To prevent or reduce the Consequences of Incidents related to planning, preparing, executing
and supporting Confined Space work (CSW ) including Inert Gas Confined Space Entry.
2.2. SCOPE
This section applies to:
Fully or partially enclosed spaces that are not designed and constructed for continuous human
occupancy, have limited or Restricted Means for Entry or exit, and where there is a Risk of injury or
health effect from Hazardous Substances or conditions, and there is a risk of oxygen deficiency or
accumulation of hazardous substances (dusts, vapours or gases).
this work. Appendix 2 provides minimum guides and precautions required for entry into a confined
space which is under an inert gas atmosphere.
2.3. DEFINITIONS
Confined Space
Fully or partially enclosed spaces that are not designed and constructed for continuous human
occupancy, have limited or Restricted Means for Entry or exit, and where there is a Risk of injury or
health effect from Hazardous Substances or conditions, and there is a risk of oxygen deficiency or
accumulation of hazardous substances (dusts, vapours or gases).
A Confined Space where the existing atmosphere is intentionally displaced with an inert gas such as
nitrogen.
Storage Tanks
A container for storing liquids or gases such as hydrocarbons, chemicals and effluent. A tank may be
constructed of ferrous or nonferrous metals or alloys, reinforced concrete, wood, or filament-wound
plastics, depending upon its use and include underground and refrigerated tanks.
Restricted Entry
Describes a physical configuration which requires the use of the hands or a contortion of the body to
enter into or exit from a Confined Space.
Hazardous atmosphere
Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death,
incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury,
or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:
Flammable gas, vapours, or mists in excess of 10% of its lower flammable limit (LFL);
Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL; NOTE: This concentration
may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet (1.52 m)
or less.
Atmospheric concentration of any substance which could result in employee exposure in excess of its
dose or permissible exposure limit; NOTE: An atmospheric concentration of any substance that is not
capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness
due to its health effects is not covered by this provision.
2.4. HAZARDS
Hazards identifications and risk assessment shall be carried out before entry in confined space to
ensure adequate controls and monitoring are in place.
The risk assessment should be carried out by persons who are knowledgeable, experienced and
competent in carrying out such risk assessments and in addressing the necessary protective
measures and emergency arrangements that should be put in place prior to work. If the risk is found to
be unacceptable, then entry should not be undertaken.
Document No: QHSE-P221 Page Page 41 of 147
No: 5 Print Date: 05/04/2018 15:27
Date: 05/04/2018 Hard copy only valid on print date.
Qalhat safety regulations for work under permit
The need to isolate the confined space from risks arising externally which may affect the environment
inside the confined space should be an additional part of the risk assessment.
Matters to be considered in carrying out a risk assessment include but are not limited to
• hazards arising as a result of the environment inside the confined space;
• hazards created by work and other activities that will be carried out inside the confined space;
• Hazards that are outside the confined space that could affect a person inside the confined
space.
When entry is allowed into confined spaces, the particular hazards are:
4. Toxic Hazards: can result from the same sources as the flammable hazards. Additional
hazards are: e.g. H2S, CO, ammonia, contaminated PPE
5. Corrosive Hazards from corrosive substances are harmful by skin or eye contact
6. Physical Hazards e.g. excessive noise levels; Heat stress, electric shock.
7. Unsafe Conditions: e.g. falling tools and materials; slippery floor surfaces and tripping hazards;
improper shoring of excavations leading to collapse.
10. Electrocution from the confined space area acting as conductive material
16. Concurrent activities inside and adjacent to the confined space (including interconnected
systems)
17. Occupancy load – number of concurrent personnel needed to be in the confined space at a
time
18. Time needed for exiting in the event of an emergency (fire, toxic atmosphere, rescue injured
workers etc.)
The details of the nature and sources of hazard group 1 to 7 are detailed in Appendix 1.
Second: Avoid the need for Respiratory Protection or skin protection for work in confined space by
eliminating or minimizing flammable, toxic, asphyxiant or other Hazards through emptying, flushing,
clearing, and ventilating. Avoid the need for hearing protection, fall protection, lifelines or other types of
Personal Protective Equipment by removing or controlling Hazards.
Third: Specify Respiratory Protection and/or other protective equipment and apply working methods
that reduce the exposure time of people in the Confined Space where there is no oxygen deficiency.
Oman LNG regulations designate levels of authority for the issuance of permits which require work
using breathing apparatus within atmospheres which might be immediately harmful to health in the
event of failure or accidental removal of the breathing apparatus. (See Appendix 2: Inert Gas Entry).
The specification for any work which requires confined space entry where body recovery could be
difficult in an emergency must include a Method Statement describing the rescue plan.
OLNG job supervisor should prepare the rescue plan and get it reviewed and approved by QHSE/2
department. For the complicated confined space entries, .e.g. seawater intake header, the rescue plan
must be tested and witnessed by QHSE/2 personnel to unearth any challenges/ weaknesses in the
plan in early stage.
However, in the case where the entry of a competent and authorised person is necessary for the
purpose of confirmation that the space is gas free before the Safety Certificate can be issued, such a
person may enter under the terms of the proposed permit and confined space entry certificate,
provided that:
a) All equipment including lifesaving equipment are deployed ready, tested and fit for the
intended work
b) Before any other entry is allowed, the competent and authorised person must be
completely satisfied that all the necessary safety precautions have been taken and
must complete the confined space entry tag (this includes but not limited to positive
isolations, prescribed PPE, atmosphere testing and prescribed limits are recorded,
lights etc.)
The initial testing shall be comprehensive enough to assess all possible areas where trapped
hazardous material might be, areas of stagnation or trapped fluids (especially for equipment with
internal that may restrict ventilation flow).
The Permit to W ork, when completed, should refer to a Method Statement which has been prepared
for the job. Consideration must be given as to whether associated work requires a need for other types
of Permit to W ork.
The requirements and precautions of the Confined Space Permit are communicated to the permit
holder and involved parties as per the PTW Procedure – QOP-P109.
Particular care is required to clear dead legs and pockets within the space and to remove any
coating blisters which might conceal volatile flammable materials.
(2) Clearance from the space of vapours and materials which might release vapours hazardous to
health.
(3) Clearance of asphyxiant atmospheres from the confined space, except where an inert gas
atmosphere is specially required for the work.
(4) Positive isolation of the confined space from all sources of flammable, asphyxiant and otherwise
hazardous materials and energy; including radiation except as may be specified for the work. The
isolation points have to be as close as possible to the Confined Space. Refer to QOP-P107 -
PROCESS ISOLATIONS PROCEDURE.
For confined space entry, pipework and ducts must be disconnected and positively isolated, using
properly designed blanks or spades. Isolation simply by closed valves, plugs or stoppers is not
acceptable without specific QOP/1 approval
(5) Adequate ventilation of the space with fresh air, except where inert gas conditions are specifically
required.
Ventilation may be supplemented by wind sails, fans or air eductors provided that, where there is
any risk of flammable atmospheres, the equipment is appropriately selected, properly positioned
and properly earthed to avoid any possible source of ignition.
For equipment (column/vessel etc.) larger than 5M3 or culvert, airing plan (ventilation plan)
detailing the ventilation scheme and location for access and equipment set-up (i.e. air ejector,
fan, HVAC etc.) should be provided. The plan is attached as supporting document when
approving a permit with confined space entry by AGSI. AGSI may approve amendments of the
ventilation plan during the course of the activity to cater for changes in activity lay-out and work
site conditions.
When forced draught ventilation is requested, a ventilation plan is to be attached to the permit
with air flow marked on PEFS.
(6) Safeguards against contamination of the space from the surrounding area.
Any work in the surrounding area which could give rise to contamination of the ventilation air must
be stopped. If there is doubt on this matter, then continuous or very regular monitoring must be
applied.
Diesel engines must not be located upwind of any ventilation inlet to the space.
Residues and waste materials must be moved well away from the confined space so as
not to give rise to contamination of the ventilation air.
(7) Protection against leakage, within the confined space, of any welding or cutting gases used.
Provision for safe disposal of any gas or fume produced within the space by the equipment used
for the work. Fume extraction facilities may be required.
Where pneumatic tools are used special care is necessary to ensure that they are
not coupled up to nitrogen supplies by mistake, or to (instrument) air systems
and/or without using oilers.
(8) Testing of the atmosphere within and around the space and monitoring as necessary to establish
and maintain the atmospheric conditions required for entry.
The initial tests and specified re-test interval when the space is believed to have change in
conditions must be carried out by the authorised competent person.
AGSI carries out the initial test and specifies the re-test frequency. Monitoring and re-tests during
the work may be delegated to Authorised Gas Testers.
Except for the components listed in the table below; Maximum Exposure Limits and Occupational
Exposure Standards for all commonly occurring hazardous gases and vapours to be used in OLNG
shall be as published by ACGIH. For the following agents; the limits are defined as follows:
For compounds not listed in ACGIH, use relevant MSDS approved by QHSE/2 and QHSE/3
Any deviation in the oxygen level or in the contaminant level of toxics or
flammables should be reported to the permit issuer who will investigate the
deviation, assess the risks and take appropriate action.
(9) Protection against static charge build-up from the work being carried out by means of grounding.
(10) Usage of material safety data sheet to prescribe protection requirements and monitoring criteria
for personnel entering confined space for cleaning as well as other activities that may put them in
contact with chemicals.
(11) Specific instructions must be developed for each confined space entry cleaning that addresses
among others the hazards and controls of fire and explosion, toxic substances and asphyxiation,
static electricity and pyrophoric materials
Electricity supplies to drives must be isolated by properly locked off switches and confirmed by
isolation Certificates.
Fluid sources of motive power must be isolated by properly fitted blanks or spades.
Mechanical drive linkages should normally be disconnected. If this is not practicable, then other
methods of immobilizing the system should be applied.
(2) Locking of moving parts in position by properly designed and fitted mechanical stops.
(3) Avoidance of all sources of ignition both inside the confined space and in the vicinity of any
opening to the space, except as allowed by a Fire Permit.
Tools and equipment not adequately certified for use in Hazardous Areas must be treated as
potential sources of ignition.
(4) The isolation of all sources of ionizing radiation affecting the space. These must be removed or
properly screened and locked off.
(5) If electrical equipment is needed inside the Confined Space (e.g. lighting) use low voltage
equipment if available. If low voltage equipment is not available, an earth leakage current device
or ground fault circuit interrupter must be used to protect entrants against electric shock.
(7) Provision for the removal of loose deposits, loose refractory linings and weakened fittings.
(8) Avoid concurrent or multiple activities inside a confined space to prevent physical harm.
(2) Lighting in the Confined Space should allow entrants to see well enough to work safely and to exit
the space quickly in an emergency.
(3) A practicable plan for recovery of personnel from the space in any foreseeable emergency,
including provision of any hoisting equipment and extra breathing apparatus and resuscitation
equipment which might be necessary. All equipment and other resources needed for a rescue
must be readily available whenever people are in the Confined Space. At the discretion of the
AGSI, the recovery plan will be tested.
(4) Indicate the Entry points to be used, and barricade or use signs at all other openings to prevent
unauthorized entry
(5) If required, limitation and control of the number of persons who may be within the space at
anytime
The further precautions necessary will depend upon whether entry is to be effected with or
without breathing apparatus.
(6) The wearing of safety harnesses and, if reasonably practicable, recovery ropes.
(7) The provision of a properly trained and equipped attendant or attendants outside (See paragraph
10). Briefing on the agreed protocols of access, communication and egress prior to start of work
Communications
An effective and reliable means of communications at all times during work in confined spaces is
essential. Such communication is likely to be necessary between each member of the team entering
the confined space, between those inside and those outside the confined space and between the
persons outside the confined space and any emergency/rescue teams that may be required. If a
situation arises on the outside of the confined space which could endanger the entrants it is important
that those in the confined space are informed quickly. If persons in the confined space get into
difficulties of any type, it is critical that this is communicated to the emergency team at the very earliest
so that whatever action that is necessary to provide suitable assistance can be speedily taken.
The choice of a means of communication should take into account all anticipated conditions inside the
confined space e.g. noise levels, visibility, possibility of a flammable atmosphere, personal protective
equipment in use e.g. ear muffs, breathing apparatus etc. The communications system chosen should
allow all messages to be communicated easily, rapidly and unambiguously between all relevant people.
Ventilation
The ventilation of the workplace should be effective and sufficient and free of any impurity, and air
inlets should be sited clear of any potential contaminant. There are several methods of ventilating a
confined space. The method and equipment chosen should be dependent upon the size of the
confined space openings, the type of gases to be diluted and the source of air. Ventilation should be
continuous where possible because in many confined spaces a hazardous atmosphere will form if the
flow of air is stopped.
A common method of ventilation uses a large hose, one end attached to a fan and the other lowered
into a manhole or opening with the purpose of diluting or displacing all harmful gases and vapors. The
air intake should be placed in an area that will draw in fresh air only. During ventilation by this method,
all openings including emergency exits should be opened for ventilation.
Natural Ventilation:
Natural ventilation – also known as natural draft – utilizes the natural air currents in the confined space.
During confined space entry, all openings including emergency exits should be opened for ventilation.
When using natural ventilation, it is important to remember that many vessel acts like chimneys and
steps must be taken to ensure that air that is contaminated from e.g. the sewer systems,
processes/chemicals used on the site etc. is not drawn into the ventilation system. The potential for this
happening is usually increased during major turnarounds when there is a large amount of equipment
being serviced, cleaned etc.
Natural ventilation is usually minimal movement of air and any work in the confined space may change
the air mixture. To maintain air quality, mechanical ventilation e.g. blowers, fans etc. is usually more
reliable.
Mechanical Ventilation:
Mechanical ventilation - also known as forced ventilation – is a control to ensure that the air reliability is
managed in a safe manner over the entire work period. As the mixture of atmosphere in a confined
space may change - and many times will change - due to work being carried out, mechanical
ventilation forces the movement of air, therefore maintaining a safe atmosphere.
There are 3 major groups of design of mechanical ventilation - centrifugal, axial, and air ejector:
• Centrifugal Ventilators are generally driven by an electric motor. They are noted for their
moderate to high static pressure, good air delivery, and sturdiness. They are noisier than the
other two types of mechanical ventilators and also usually heavier.
• Axial Ventilators are generally used when there is a need to move large volumes of air against
relatively low static pressures. They are typically powered by small electric motors and are
known to be quieter and less heavy then the standard centrifugal ventilator.
• Air Ejectors are favored for use because they have no moving parts. They operate by either
compressed air or steam being admitted into a side inlet of the structure or confined space.
This creates a venturi effect where large volumes of surrounding air enter through the inlet and
then exit the other end of the ventilator, typically at high velocity. This has advantages in areas
of high residue that could clog a centrifugal or axial design. They are also useful in applications
requiring explosion proof ventilation.
Regardless of the type of ventilation used, it is important to maintain constant air monitoring of the
confined space to ensure a safe environment.
b) Asphyxiant vapours and vapours otherwise hazardous to health at concentrations where they
might be immediately harmful in the event of accidental displacement of the breathing
apparatus.
c) The atmospheric condition inside the confined space and duration of stay
b) The provision of a properly trained and equipped attendant or attendants outside (See
paragraph 10).
c) The immediate availability of spare sets of breathing apparatus for use during an emergency
recovery.
If breathing air is being supplied from a central source, at least one standby set should be
immediately available.
a) Harmful vapours at concentrations exceeding the long term occupational exposure limits.
Flammability measurements must not be relied upon as a safeguard against the presence of
vapours hazardous to health.
Atmospheric quality monitoring is particularly necessary where the movement of any residues of
deposits during the course of work might release or generate gases, vapours or dusts at such
concentrations.
(2) Avoidance of the use of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers where these might produce
atmospheres asphyxiant or hazardous to health within the confined space.
(3) Avoidance, as far as reasonably practicable, of the use of flammable materials, including solids
(e.g. wood) inside the space, particularly where sources of ignition are to be allowed for the work
within the space.
(6) Provision of an attendant, rescue personnel, emergency breathing apparatus sets and safety
harnesses, as for entry with breathing apparatus, should be considered where access to or from
the space is difficult.
(1) To maintain a record of numbers and names of people in the Confined Space and their time in
and out of the confined space.
(2) To monitor the Confined Space from outside at all times while entrants are inside, and maintain
communication with the entrants.
(3) W hen breathing apparatus is in use, to ensure that the air supply from outside is maintained and
safeguarded against contamination. (W hen a BA trolley is in use, the attendant must monitor the
usage of air also)
(4) The Fire & Safety officer is responsible for the maintenance of the BA apparatus through
approved contractor and ensure that it is fit for use. He is responsible for the filling of air bottles
with air that meets the specified requirements concerning quality and pressure.
Parameter Requirements
Oxygen 21% ± 1 %
The volume flow and the quality of the compressed breathing air supply should be tested at least
every 3 months or whenever a mobile compressor is moved as the intake air is now being drawn
in from a new location.
(5) To stop the work and evacuate the Confined Space if ventilation systems fail, contaminants
exceed agreed limits, conditions become unsafe, or other emergencies at the site require
evacuation.
The Attendant must not attempt a rescue unless it is conducted as defined in the rescue plan. Format
of the Confined Space W ork rescue plan is given in the Appendix 3.
Where language differences exist, at least one attendant must be capable of communication in English
and in any other language necessary to be understood by all the persons in the confined space.
In circumstances where it is not possible for the attendant(s) to keep the person(s) inside under
continuous observation, reliable telecommunications equipment or suitable personal alarms must be
used to maintain continuous communication.
Arrangements must be made for any necessary recovery operation to be carried out without leaving
the space unattended from the outside.
Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with applicable Oman LNG Regulations. For
confined space entry, where atmospheres might be contaminated with materials for which dust
respirators are not suitable, breathing apparatus of the positive pressure demand type should be used
except where particular types of gas respirator are allowed by the Oman LNG Management for specific
cases.
Where vapours might be present at concentrations which would be immediately hazardous to life or
harmful to health in the event of accidental displacement of the breathing apparatus, additional
safeguards are necessary, (See Appendix 2: Inert Gas Entry).
Persons required to wear breathing apparatus for confined space entry must be certified and
experienced both in confined space entry and in the wearing of breathing apparatus. They must be
familiar with the particular type of breathing apparatus specified.
In cases where the user has extensive facial hair, the facemask selected must be capable of making a
gas tight seal. Attendants on duty outside during confined space entry work must be competent and
physically capable of duties required.
Persons who will be working in the Confined Space should be physically, mentally and technically
capable of working in Confined Spaces. W here applicable, they have demonstrated competence in the
wearing of the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) to be used for confined space entry/access at
least to the following levels:
• Demonstrated the correct donning, operational use and doffing of the RPE to be used. This
includes demonstrated an understanding of the safety features and wearer limits and warning
devices provided within the equipment certified/re-certified as having these competencies.
Those persons who will be expected to be engaged in any Emergency Response/Rescue activity in a
Confined Space should have additional competences which include but are not limited to being
physically, mentally and technically capable and having the practical training/ experience to engage in
emergency response/rescue situations in Confined Spaces.
(2) Analyze the Hazards – Prior to the initiation of hot work, perform a hazard assessment that
identifies the scope of the work, potential hazards, and methods of hazard control.
(3) Monitor the Atmosphere – Conduct effective gas monitoring in the work area using a properly
calibrated combustible gas detector6 prior to and during hot work activities, even in areas where a
flammable atmosphere is not anticipated.
(4) Test the Area – In work areas where flammable liquids and gases are stored or handled, drain
and/or purge all equipment and piping before hot work is conducted.7 W hen welding on or in the
vicinity of storage tanks and other containers, properly test and if necessary continuously monitor
all surrounding tanks or adjacent spaces (not just the tank or container being worked on) for the
presence of flammables and eliminate potential sources of flammables.
(5) Use W ritten Permits – Ensure that qualified personnel familiar with the specific site hazards review
and authorize all hot work and issue permits specifically identifying the work to be conducted and
the required precautions.
(6) Train Thoroughly – Train personnel on hot work policies/procedures, proper use and calibration of
combustible gas detectors, safety equipment, and job specific hazards and controls in a language
understood by the workforce.9
(7) Supervise Contractors – Provide safety supervision for outside contractors conducting hot work.10
Inform contractors about site-specific hazards including the presence of flammable materials.
First: Minimise the need for or reduce the frequency of tank cleaning.
Second: Use Online Cleaning methods that do not require the opening of, or entry into, tanks.
Third: Use mechanical cleaning options that do not require people to enter tanks.
Fourth: Allow personnel entry and manual cleaning of tanks where supported by a documented
Risk Assessment. Reference Confined Space W ork.
Cleaning of confined space activities in Oman LNG are carried out in accordance confined space entry
requirements. In addition;
For potential contact with chemicals: All chemicals with potential to come into contact with
personnel must be assessed through specific risk assessment methodologies (Health Risk
Assessment and translated to Job Hazards Analysis). Personnel monitoring against contaminants
exposure accumulation within the body performed as prescribed based on the health risk assessment
For cleaning; specialist contractors shall be sought in line with contractors HSSE management.
All activities shall be done through specific risk assessment in line with industry standards specifically
IP16 tank cleaning safety code. Refer to paragraph 3 Tank Cleaning Guide of this chapter for specific
guidance related to tank cleaning.
When use of specialist contractor is needed for tank cleaning, selection of the contractor shall be in
line with NG-P063 OLNG Contractors' HSE Management Procedure.
2.14. REFERENCES
• Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework; Personal Safety Manual; Confined Space Work section;
Version 2, December 2009
• Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework; Personal Safety Manual; Cleaning of Storage Tanks
section; Version 2, December 2009
• CSB - Seven Key Lessons to Prevent W orker Deaths During Hot W ork In and Around Tanks
• IP16_tank_cleaning_safety-code
• API 2015_Requirements for Safe Entry and Cleaning of Petroleum Storage Tanks
• API RP2016_Guidelines and Procedures for Entering and Cleaning Petroleum storage Tanks
Oxygen Deficiency
The normal, naturally occurring atmospheric concentration of oxygen is 20.8% vol. at sea level.
Atmospheres containing less than 20% vol. oxygen are considered to be oxygen-deficient.
Oxygen deficiency in an atmosphere can result in asphyxiation. Loss of consciousness can occur
without warning. This can happen even in circumstances where only a person’s head is inside a
confined space.
• Displacement of air from low points in a confined space by heavier gases such as hydrocarbons or
carbon dioxide;
• Purging of the confined space with an inert gas to remove flammable or toxic gases, fumes,
vapours or aerosols;
• Naturally occurring biological processes that consume oxygen, which can occur in sewers, storage
tanks, etc.;
• Leaving a vessel completely closed for some time, since the process of rust formation on the
inside surface consumes oxygen. Newly fabricated or shot blasted carbon steel vessels are
especially vulnerable to rusting;
• Gradual depletion of oxygen as workers breathe in confined spaces and where provision of
replacement air is inadequate.
Entry into confined spaces containing less than 16% vol. oxygen shall not be allowed, except under inert
gas entry conditions.
Oxygen Enrichment
The normal, naturally occurring atmospheric concentration of oxygen is 20.8% at sea level.
Atmospheres containing more than 21.5 % vol. oxygen should be treated as oxygen enriched.
Oxygen enrichment will significantly increase flammability of clothing, grease and other combustible
materials.
• Leaks from oxygen containing equipment such as gas cylinders, valves, hoses and welding
torches;
The most common oxygen containing equipment is that used in gas cutting operations. Cylinders, gas
hoses, valves and welding torches should be handled with care and should be daily inspected for
damage. Gas cylinders should not be taken into confined spaces. All cutting and welding equipment
should be removed from confined spaces during breaks and at the end of the working day.
• Material leaking from behind vessel linings (rubber, lead, brick, refractory etc.) or from vessel
fittings
• Materials leaking from flanges or vents on process pipes running through the confined space
• Solvents brought into the space for cleaning, painting, dye penetration tests or in adhesives;
• Gases brought into the space for welding or gas cutting, including leakage from cylinders, valves
and hoses;
A source of ignition can be any heat source having enough energy to ignite a flammable vapour air
mixture, or to raise the temperature above the auto-ignition temperature.
Toxic Hazards
Toxic atmospheres may occur due to the presence or ingress of hazardous substances. Such
substances may be present in confined spaces for a number of reasons e.g.
• Substances remaining from previous processing/storage;
• The disturbance of sludge or other deposits e.g. during cleaning;
• Substances trapped under scale or in brickwork that are released as a result of the work process;
• The presence of a fire or smoldering within the space or an adjoining space;
• Seepage from improperly isolated adjoining plant;
• Formation of such an atmosphere during the work processes carried out in the space.
Such an atmosphere may cause various acute effects on humans including impairment of judgment,
unconsciousness and death.
Toxic substances can be solids, liquids or gases. They can cause harm by inhalation, ingestion or skin
contact. They can affect the tissue at the point of contact, or organs remote from the point of contact.
Toxic substances can cause injury, acute or long-latency illness, or death, depending on the
characteristics of the substances, the concentration and the duration of exposure.
Toxic hazards in confined spaces can result from the same sources as the flammable hazards
described in Fire and Explosion section. Additional hazards are:
• Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are present in the exhaust of combustion engines;
Common toxic substances in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry are:
• Acute toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia and
chlorine;
• Narcotic gases and vapours such as butane, pentane, hexane, gasoline and gas condensate;
Entry into confined spaces containing a concentration of toxic vapour, fume or dust between the OEL
and the IDLH value shall be allowed only by exception when and it is not practical to ventilate the
confined space or otherwise remove the hazard to reduce the toxic concentration. In this case it shall
only be allowed when the source, nature and concentration of the toxic hazard is understood and
exposure is adequately controlled by other means.
Entry into confined spaces containing a concentration of toxic vapour, fume or dust above the IDLH
value shall not be allowed, except under inert gas entry conditions.
Corrosive Hazards
Corrosive substances are harmful by skin or eye contact, by inhalation of a corrosive mist or vapour or
by ingestion. They destroy the tissue and may leave permanent injury or scars. Common corrosive
substances in the oil and petrochemicals industry are sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid and
hydrofluoric acid.
Physical Hazards
Typical physical agents that are hazardous in confined spaces include:
• Excessive noise levels from tools or machinery, which tend to be magnified by the walls of a vessel
or tank.
• Heat stress, resulting from inadequate cooling of vessel or from ambient heating. It can be made
worse by the PPE being worn.
A confined space may also present the risk of claustrophobia. It is strongly recommended that
personnel who are to enter/work in confined spaces should be checked for claustrophobia before
initially being allowed to enter and on a regular basis after that. Those who show signs of being
affected by claustrophobia should not be allowed to enter.
Unsafe Conditions
Typical causes of unsafe conditions in confined spaces include:
• Structural failure, e.g. the internal floating cover or roof may not support a worker’s weight;
• Poor visibility;
• Noise;
• Free flowing solids that can engulf, suffocate, drown a person and prevent escape, e.g. catalysts;
• Flow of liquids into a drain or excavation leading to drowning or other serious injury;
• Contact with live electrical sources – this may also come from the tools used inside the confined
space;
• Contact with moving parts and mechanically powered equipment
• Presence of radioactive sources;
• Dust & powders in sufficient quantities that are disturbed in a confined space can result in
asphyxiating atmosphere or static discharge;
• Excessive heat or cold would affect workers inside the confined space. The risk may be enhanced
by the PPE used, work load and the ventilation set-up.
Work inside a space containing an inert gas atmosphere may be required where:
(1) Materials such as catalysts are present which would be damaged if exposed to air.
(2) It is impracticable to clear the space of flammable vapours and therefore inert gas is used to
avoid the presence of a flammable atmosphere
Similar precautions should be applied in other situations where safety is crucially dependent upon the
continuous wearing and effectiveness of breathing apparatus.
NOTE: This type of work will by its nature usually be performed by highly trained specialist contractors
supplying their own equipment, at least for personnel protection purposes. Their technical knowledge
and standards will be required in drawing up a ‘method statement’ or similar document.
HAZARDS
The particular hazards for persons working in and around spaces containing inert gas atmosphere are:
(1) Immediate risk to life should a person working within the space remove breathing apparatus or
loses air supply for any reason.
(2) Additional difficulties faced by rescues required to recover persons from inert gas atmospheres. (3)
The risk of life of persons overcomes by asphyxiant atmospheres when close to vents and
openings from spaces containing inert gases.
(4) The risk of development of a flammable atmosphere should the inert gas become excessively
diluted with air.
(5) The use of carbon dioxide from cylinders to produce an inert gas atmosphere in a space
containing flammable vapours which can give rise to risks from static electricity discharges.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Inert gas entry should be allowed only when there is no reasonability practicable alternative.
The Permit to W ork system regulations must designate special levels of authority for approval of
Permits allowing entry to inert gas environments (ref: .QOP-P109 Permit To W ork).
Before Inert Gas Entry starts, there should be a Team Briefing between all those directly involved in the
work, including the Safety Certificate Signatories, the Authorised GENERAL CLEARANCE
CERTIFICATE Signatory, the W ork Supervisor and members of the team as appropriate, to ensure
that all safety precautions and emergency provisions are properly understood.
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
The supplementary Certificate which is necessary must be prepared by the Authorised Safety
Inspector and counter-signed by the designated special level of authority as defined in QOP-P109.
Permit to W ork procedure.
SAFEGUARDS AGAINST HAZARDS OTHER THAN ASPHYXIATION
Arrangements are necessary to:
(2) Isolate the space, as for Confined Space Entry, from all sources of heat, fluid, power, ionising
radiation and mechanical movement other than may be specially allowed by the permit for the
work.
(3) Control the oxygen concentration within the space and avoid excessive ingress of air as
necessary to avoid flammable atmospheres and hazardous chemical reactions.
(4) Give safe access to and within the space, including adequate ladders, platforms and lighting.
If it is planned to ventilate the space with air on further entry after completion of the Inert Gas Entry
work, procedures should be followed as for Confined Space Entry, including the issue of a separate
gas test certificate.
SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ASPHYXIATION
• Protection of Personnel Outside Inert Gas Filled Spaces
Vents and openings from spaces filled with inert gas should, as far as is reasonably practicable, be
located well away from places where personnel have access.
Persons required to work near vents and openings must wear appropriate breathing apparatus.
Arrangements must be made to keep persons not protected by breathing apparatus away from places
around vents and openings where concentrations of inert gas might be high. These must include:
• Inert Gas Area Safety Signs and Barriers
Safety signs and barriers must be places across all access ways and at a sufficient distance from the
inert gas filled space to ensure that, whatever the wind conditions and whatever the status of the
openings from the space, personnel outside barriers will be safe from the asphyxiant effects of the inert
gas in use.
• Vessel Access Safety Signs
Safety signs must be placed at appropriate positions to ensure that the compressed air breathing
apparatus is worn by everybody approaching vessel access points.
• Vessel Access Covers
When not required for entry and before being left unattended, openings must be fitted with tamper-
proof and, if reasonably practicable, gas sealed covers and warning signs.
• Protection of Personnel within Inert Gas Filled Spaces
(1) The persons entering to wear full life support sets.
(2) At least two rescue personnel, also wearing full life support sets, to stand by at the entrance
ready to enter if necessary for a rescue.
(3) An attendant to be wholly concerned with maintaining the breathing air supplies and the line of
communications to those within the inert gas filled space.
(4) Adequate means to be provided for the attendant to raise the alarm in an emergency.
(6) Breathing apparatus and body recovery equipment to be immediately available for the
personnel working outside.
(7) Resuscitation equipment to be immediately available for any person affected by the inert gas.
Specialist contractors may be very much more experienced than OLNG staff.
This knowledge should be utilised in developing a plan for safe practice for each occasion on which
this occurs
Careful plans must be made for the co-ordination of emergency procedures between the contractor
and the OLNG.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Contractors working in the business of inert entry will supply their own PPE for such entry. This is a
developing technology and it is unwise to be over-prescriptive as to how such equipment must work.
Users of such contractors should seek to understand certain issues, however:
(1) The life support system will normally incorporate positive pressure demand-type breathing
apparatus. It must be clear how the air supply system works and how it is backed up.
(2) The equipment needs to incorporate fool proof / fail-safe devices to prevent ‘human error’
incidents, such as removal of helmet.
(3) How the system copes with a total failure of air supply from outside the confined space.
(5) How the (essential) voice communication between outside attendants and operatives works.
Personnel required to approach the confined space work, but not actually enter a space containing an
inert atmosphere, must be, as a minimum requirement, wearing positive pressure demand-type
breathing apparatus.
COMPETENCE AND TRAINING
The competence and fitness of the contracting crew should be reviewed as follows:
(2) Are they adequately trained for the work and in the use of the particular equipment?
(3) Is the supervisor adequately trained and experienced in the particular field of inert entry?
2.
*This is for routine activities. For TA activities, to be included in the Shutdown Manual.
6. Possible Potential Scenarios (Conditions of Persons to be Rescued):
Injured by fall Electrocuted Injured by falling objects
Unconscious Others
5. Prepared & Agreed by Job Supervisor (Site): Position & Ref Date:
Ind.:
1.2 Decommissioning
Prior to the degassing and purging the Operations Team and the Contractor, if applicable, shall
determine the responsibilities for decommissioning the tank, including setting legs (floating
roof) and removing, handling, storing, and disposing of recoverable and non-recoverable
product, sludge and residue.
1.2.1 Setting Floating Roof Legs (Only applicable for floating roof tank)
When work on the tank cleaning is first scheduled and the tank still contains product,
Operations shall assure that the legs on the floating roof are properly adjusted (preferably in
the high position) to allow room for entrants to work underneath the roof after the tank is
emptied. Ref to API RP 2016 for additional information on setting roof legs.
Before emptying the tank, a qualified person shall assure by visual or other means of
inspection, that all roof legs are pinned at the same height, either high or low.
Operations shall establish the criteria for entry upon a floating roof as permit required confined
space entry; non permit required confined space entry or non-confined space entry.
NOTE: It is petroleum industry practice to normally consider entry upon an open-top floating
roof that is within five (5) feet or 1.5 meters of the top of the tank to be non-confined space
entry provided that (1) no physical hazards are present and (2) testing has been conducted to
assure that no hazardous flammable or toxic atmospheric is present on the roof top.
GAS-FREEING REQUIREMENTS
Before any gas-freeing operations commence Operations shall determine the applicable
requirements and the method to be used to remove vapours from the tank. The selection of an
appropriate and effective gas freeing and degassing (where required) method depends on, but
is not limited to, the following:
• The product or material (hydrocarbon) stored in the tank, the amount remaining in the
tank after removal of recoverable product, the potential for hazardous toxic and
exposures during vapour and gas freeing and regulatory requirements for degassing
vapours.
• The size, design, type, configuration, location and condition of the tank, including tank
openings, relief devices, vents, seals, pontoons, flotation devices another applicable
appurtenances and tank characteristics such as inlet and outlet locations.
• Regulatory and environmental considerations and requirements for the release,
recovery or treatment of liquids, gases and vapours.
Tank to be
Ventilated
YES
MECHANICAL GAS-FREEING
Mechanically introducing fresh air into a tank is the preferred method of removing vapours or
gas from a storage tank, provided that the tank design, size, type, configuration, condition and
location and the product stored in the tank permit this method of gas freeing.
In most cases OLNG adopts the mechanical method (i.e. artificial air ventilation) of gas-freeing
tanks. Figure 1 can be used to determine the most appropriate method to use.
There is other alternate method for gas freeing using inert N2 gas as described in the following
section 2.5.
.
PURGING OR INERTING
Gas-freeing of a tank may also be achieved by purging the tank with an inert N2 gas. This
method requires a readily available supply of inert N2 gas.
Purging Methods
The removal of flammable vapours and gas (or toxic gas) from the tank by purging with inert
N2 gas is accomplished by either dilution or displacement.
Dilution occurs when the air and flammable vapour and gases in the tank mix with the
incoming purge gas to form a homogeneous mixture throughout the tank. As dilution
progresses, the concentration of the air, flammable vapour (gas) and toxic gas in the tank’s
atmosphere decreases. As the air, vapour and gas mixture is pushed out of the tank, the
atmosphere in the tank becomes increasingly inert.
• When using the dilution method, the purge gas must be injected into the bottom of the
tank at a sufficient velocity to mix with heavier vapours accumulating in the lower
portion of the tank.
• The purge gas, air, flammable vapour (gas) and toxic gas mixture must be expelled
from the tank as high as possible (minimum 12 feet [3.7 meters]) above ground level
(using flexible ducting if necessary) or to a degassing system (if required).
Displacement requires the purge gas to be lighter than hydrocarbon vapours; it must be
injected into the top of the tank in order to push the heavier hydrocarbon vapours out of a
bottom connection.
• The displacement method requires that the purge gas be injected at a very low entry
velocity so as to develop a stable interface between the purge gas and the flammable
vapour in the tank (a small amount of dilution will occur at the interface).
• Using flexible ducting, the air, toxic gas and flammable vapour mixture is expelled
from the tank as high as possible (minimum 12 feet [3.7 meters]) above ground level
or to a degassing system (if required).
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Applicable government regulations; industry standards and OLNG Standards shall be reviewed
to determine what inspection, testing, recordkeeping and reporting is required when returning a
tank to service.
If major repair, alteration or reconstruction work was performed, Operations shall assure that
testing, inspection and certification requirements have been satisfactorily completed to ensure
the mechanical and physical integrity of the tank prior to re-commissioning.
Regulatory requirements prior to re-commissioning include, but are not limited to, hydrostatic
testing, seal inspection and visual inspection for leakage.
Where tank inspection is required for environmental or other compliance, prior to re-
commissioning the Static Equipment Inspection Team shall notify the appropriate regulatory
agencies.
RE-COMMISSIONING PREPARATION
General
Operations shall assure that operations elsewhere in the facility do not subject any part of the
re-commissioning process to hazardous conditions.
REFILLING TANK
Qualified persons shall be assigned to conduct visual examinations or use other equivalent
methods to inspect the tank and check for leakage upon initiation of filling and periodically
throughout the filling operation, until the tank has reached operating capacity. Should leaks
occur, the qualified persons shall immediately notify Operations so that product receipt can be
stopped. The emergency plan shall be activated in event of a major leak, large spill, or release
of flammable or toxic vapours.
Filling Rate
The initial flow rate (velocity) of product into the tank shall be at a reduced rate until the inlet
opening of the fill line is covered with liquid, in order to minimize the creation of static
electricity. The initial fill velocity will vary depending on the product, pump capacity, size of the
fill line and tank configuration, but is recommended that it should be not more than 3 feet (1
meter) per second.
3.4. HAZARDS
Gas-freeing (and degassing) is one of the most hazardous tank operations. Operations shall
assure that responsible supervisors, qualified persons, testers, entrants, attendants, standby
persons, rescuers and workers are aware of the potential flammable and toxic hazards and
establish appropriate prevention and control measures during gas-freeing (and degassing)
operations.
FIRE HAZARDS
Tanks that have contained flammable gas and low flashpoint flammable liquid products will
have high concentrations of flammable gas and vapours, and their atmospheres will initially be
above the upper explosive (flammable) limit (for the product stored). During the mechanical
gas-freeing process, as fresh air is introduced into the tank, the vapours and gases will be
diluted. The atmosphere in the tank will change from being “too rich,” into the explosive
(flammable) range and ultimately fall below the lower explosive (flammable) limit or become
“too lean to burn,” as the vapour-in-air (gas-in air) mixture becomes increasingly diluted.
The responsible supervisor or qualified person shall assure that the vapours or gases
discharged from the tank do not create hazardous conditions outside the tank. Since some
hydrocarbon vapours are heavier than air, discharging teapots at the top of the tank or at a
high elevation provides for quick dispersion (where degassing is not required or used).This
precaution prevents flammable vapour or gas from settling at ground level and flowing to an
ignition source, being ignited and flashing back into the tank.
During the initial stages of vapour and gas-freeing (degassing), while the tank still contains
high concentrations of flammable vapour and gas, the responsible supervisor or qualified
person shall restrict all maintenance work in the immediate area surrounding the tank and on
top of the tank roof.
All sources of ignition in the area should be prohibited during vapour and gas freeing and
degassing. A hot work permit shall be issued by the responsible supervisor or qualified person
and continuous monitoring for flammable vapours or gases shall be conducted in order for any
hot work to be performed during vapour and gas-freeing (degassing) operations.
TOXIC HAZARDS
Operations, responsible supervisors and qualified persons shall be aware of the potential for
exposure to toxic and hazard vapours, dust or gases emitted from the tank during the vapour
and gas-freeing (degassing) process and develop and establish measures to control or
prevent exposure of workers to these substances.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Prior to the start of operations, the employer (owner/operator or contractor) shall review the
method selected for vapour and gas freeing and degassing and the condition and construction
of the tank in order to determine the potential hazards, including, but not limited to, the
following:
A qualified person shall assure that the induced air, water, or inert gas does not pressurise the
tank in excess of its maximum design pressure during gas-freeing (degassing) operations.
When displacing vapours or gas with water, a qualified person shall determine that the tank is
structurally able to hold the weight of water.
If tanks are connected by a common venting or vapour recovery system, a qualified person
shall assure that the tank being vapour or gas freed is isolated from the other tanks.
ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS
The potential exists for drawing flammable vapours, toxic fumes or exhaust gases into the tank
during vapour and gas freeing and ventilation operations when tanks are located near areas
where internal combustion engines may be operating or if tanks are located in low lying areas
below the surrounding ground level (where vapours may accumulate). Responsible
supervisors and qualified persons shall be aware of such situations and implement appropriate
measures to assure that only fresh, uncontaminated air enters the tanks.
4.2. HAZARDS
Inevitably, flammable atmospheres occur from time to time in and around installations
handling flammable liquids and gases; these are normally transient and of limited
extent. Ignition is normally avoided by application of adequate design and engineering
practices on equipment that could produce sources of ignition in the neighbourhood.
When a source of ignition occurs, there is some risk of an explosion or a flash back to
a source of flammable vapour and some risk of this leading to a more serious fire.
All areas where flammable liquids and gases are continuously or frequently handled
should be classified using the principles outlined in BS 5345: Part 2, and amplified for
the petroleum industry by the institute of Petroleum Model Code of Safe Practice and
by the European Model Code of Safe Practice in the Storage and Handling of
Petroleum Products.
Reliable Area Classification Drawings should be available for the use of authorised
persons in the ‘Permit to Work’ system.
The Fire Permit Control Areas, designated for the control of Hot W ork, must include all
areas classified as Hazardous and all adjacent areas from which hot work might
introduce sources of ignition into Hazardous Areas.
Area Classification is the division of an installation into Hazardous Areas and Non-
hazardous Areas in relation to flammable atmospheres and the subdivision of
Hazardous areas into Zones.
(1) The characteristics of all the sources and potential sources of release of
material which could produce flammable atmospheres in the area.
A Fire Permit must be obtained for any work which might introduce a source of ignition
into a Hazardous Area except as may be allowed by OLNG Regulations for the normal
use of specified Ex equipment, low power, electronic equipment. The conditions laid
down by the associated permit must take account of the Classification of the area.
4.5. REFERENCES
5. HOT WORK
2. Electrical welding
2. Mechanical de-scaling
5.2. HAZARDS
When a source of ignition occurs, there is some risk of an explosion or a flash back to
a source of flammable vapour and some risk of this leading to a more serious fire.
Controlling sources of ignition enables to significantly reduce the risk of fire and/or
explosion.
All equipment used that provide potential source of ignition must be in accordance with
procedure for control of source of ignition (reference: QCM-P002 Procedure for the
Control of Ignition Source)
(3) Located at sufficient distance from the boundary of the Hazardous Area,
considering the wind conditions, to ensure that no spark, flame or fire from it is
likely to reach the Hazardous Area.
(1) To seal off all continuous sources of flammable vapour in the vicinity (e.g. wet
sacks over drains).
(2) To watch for leaks and spills this might produce flammable vapours.
(4) To stop instantly all hot work in the event of vapour release or a pre-arranged
alarm signal.
For the precautions necessary when using diesel engines in Zone 2 areas refer to
Section 7.
Types of hot work which cannot be stopped and cooled instantly (e.g. open fires) may
be allowed in Zone 2 areas only if the area is sufficiently cleared of flammable
materials and isolated from the source of the flammable material to enable it to be
treated temporarily as non-hazardous.
• Entry and use of vehicles and other mobile equipment in Classified Area is
managed through QOP-P105 Access of personnel and vehicles to site.
5.11. REFERENCES
HSSE Control Framework, Hot W ork section
6. DIVING OPERATIONS
6.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This Chapter covers the operations necessitating the use of divers and their
equipment, working at depths not greater than 50 metres, typically in culverts, sewers,
drains and jetty areas.
A diving operation runs from the time the diver commences to prepare to dive until the
time the diver has left the water, has returned to the place from which the diving
operations are being carried out, is no longer subject to raised pressure and is unlikely
to need therapeutic recompression.
6.2. HAZARDS
During diving operations, the hazards are:
1. Failure of the diver’s equipment, e.g. loss of air supply or communication.
2. Worsening of the weather conditions, strengthening of normal water currents
and adverse tidal effects.
3. Mechanically induced water movements, e.g. ships passing, water flows in ducts
increasing.
4. Impacts from moving parts, e.g. ship’s propellers, pump blades.
5. Contamination of the water by hazardous substances.
6. Entanglement of supply and lifelines around underwater objects.
7. Electric shock from underwater cathodic protection systems.
8. Narcosis from being down too long or to deep or coming up too quickly
All underwater activities must be co-ordinated in collaboration with the Marine Section
who is sponsors for the diving contract.
Any diving operation requires a dive plan to be prepared before entering the water
A Fire Permit is required to support the diving permit for the use of underwater flame
cutting equipment in a Fire Permit Control Area.
Breathing air cylinders must be legibly marked with the cylinder capacity and
mechanical test details.
Inspection
Equipment subject to mandatory inspections and tests must be
accompanied by test certificates.
Diving equipment must not be used unless it has been examined by a
competent person within six hours before the diving operation
commences.
Supervision
Divers must not commence the dive without supervision by a qualified
diving supervisor.
The dive plan and the procedures required during the dive must be fully
explained by the supervisor and must be understood by all divers,
attendants and Permit Signatories.
Diving Attendants
Attendants must be fully conversant with all the equipment being used
during the dive and with the communication signals that may be used
from the surface to the diver.
Isolation
For diving operations within confined spaces, all sources of
contamination from hazardous substances must be positively isolated
and all sources of hazardous water flow must be blocked by reliable
valves or sluices which must be locked. Pump motors must be isolated
Lifting and scaffolding activities on the surface within 100 metres of the diver is not
permitted due to the risk of falling objects hitting the diver.
On completion of the operation all diving log books must be completed and kept for at
least two years from the date of the last entry.
Personal protective equipment must be worn, in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE
regulations, by all attendant personnel involved in the diving operation.
Diving operations must only be carried out by divers with a valid certificate of training
and a valid certificate of fitness to dive. Certificates of training must be obtained from
an Approved body. Medical certificates must be obtained from a doctor.
6.11. REFERENCES
HSSE & SP Control Framework, Diving Operations section, Version 2 of December
2001
OGP “Diving Recommended Practices” report No: 411 June 2008
Oman LNG Diving Procedure QOP-P311
7. EXCAVATION
7.1. PURPOSE
To manage the risks of excavation activities
7.2. SCOPE
This chapter covers safety in excavation and work below ground.
Excavation means any breaking of ground or cutting into floors. It includes the driving of piles, stakes
or posts into the ground. It includes breaking into walls, floors or ceilings.
7.3. HAZARDS
During excavation, whether or not below ground, the particular hazards are:-
1. Production of sparks in hazardous areas when using power driven or un-wetted tools, or when
breaking concrete.
2. Damage to buried electric cables.
3. Damage to buried pipes or equipment containing hazardous materials.
4. Damage to structures of foundations.
5. Any noise produced which might drown the sound of emergency alarms.
6. Injury to personnel from shock, burns etc.
Additionally when working below ground, hazards can arise from:-
(1) Accumulation of liquids or vapours which might lead to explosion, asphyxiation or harm
to the health of personnel.
(2) Contact with underground services.
(3) Hazardous substances, particularly near the site of current.
(4) Contaminated ground.
(5) Collapse of the walls due to inadequate shoring or to over loading around the edges of
the excavation (by close proximity of materials or vehicles)
(6) Subsidence to adjacent areas.
(7) Flooding.
(8) Objects falling into the workings.
(9) Personnel falling into the workings.
Third: Use shoring or trench shields based on the job risk assessment
materials should be established and identified on site by markers. The AE must take in consideration
overhead structures (pipes, cables…)
The permit covering the work must give warning of all known hazards and of any uncertainties over
the hazards which might be present. Any exploratory digs must be carefully specified.
Initial excavation to locate known or suspected underground hazards must be made by hand digging,
so far as is reasonably practicable. The point at which it will be considered safe to proceed using
powered equipment must be clearly specified in the enabling permit.
Wherever practicable, electric cables which might be damaged by excavation work should be de-
energised before work commences, and pipework which might be damaged should be de-pressured
and cleared of hazardous materials.
Where noisy equipment might make existing site emergency alarms inaudible, arrangements must be
made to ensure that personnel working in the area are made aware of any site emergency alarms
which might occur during the work.
The requirement for the rescue plan and rescue equipment shall be specified for the excavation work
during the job risk assessment.
(6) Safe access and egress for personnel and vehicles to, and around the excavation.
(7) Temporary crossing over excavations. These should be constructed at least 0.7 metres wide
and be sufficiently strong for the span. There must be a railing on one side it there could be a
fall of more than one metre or if the trench is more than 0.7 metres wide.
(8) Adequate shoring of the sides of the earthworks.
(9) Avoidance of excessive loading on the sides of earthworks. A minimum distance between the
toe of any earth pile and the edge of the trench is required. This should be at least 1.5 times the
depth of the trench.
(10) Dewatering and avoidance of flooding where applicable.
(11) Adequate gas testing and ventilation.
(12) Daily inspection of earthworks.
(13) Inspect Excavations and Shoring, including areas adjacent to the Excavation, for signs of
ground instability, before each shift and before resuming work after adverse weather conditions
(14) Clearance of unauthorised personnel from the area and the erection of suitable warning signs
and barriers.
(15) Personal protective clothing (including head protection)
(16) All service crossing the excavation must be supported. Underground service detectors or metal
detectors may also be used, giving due regard to the appropriate electrical certification.
(17) At points where vehicles and excavation machinery may approach the excavation, stop logs
must be placed at a safe distance and use a flagman when manoeuvring near an excavation.
(18) Use hand probing and hand tools only (i.e. no powered excavators) within 1 metre of a live line,
pipeline or power cable, to prevent damage.
The permit holder must inspect Excavations and Shoring, including areas adjacent to the Excavation,
for signs of ground instability, before each shift and before resuming work after adverse weather
conditions.
Refer to the Area Engineer in case of unforeseen conditions or problems with the planned work.
7.9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment must be worn, in accordance with the Oman LNG regulations. Hearing
protection must be worn when the equipment noise levels are likely to exceed the 85 dB(A), the upper
exposure action level.
7.11. REFERENCES
Shell HSSE Control Framework, Personal Safety Manual, Excavation Section, Version 2, December
2009
8. DEMOLITION
8.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers the safety precautions generally required when buildings,
plant or structures are to be dismantled or demolished.
8.3. HAZARDS
Demolition is one of the most hazardous construction operations and is
responsible for more deaths and major injuries than any other activity.
When carrying out demolition work, the particular hazards are:-
(1) Premature collapse or springing apart of the facility concerned, causing injury to
personnel or damage to property.
(2) Damage to remaining live plant services causing release of materials, electricity
or radiation.
(3) Dust and fumes.
(4) Manual handling.
(5) Noise and vibration from heavy plant and equipment.
(6) Fire or explosion arising from residual flammable materials.
(7) Residual toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic or other biologically active materials which
might cause immediate or long term harm to health of personnel.
(8) Falls of personnel arising from inadequate means of access.
(9) Falls of materials onto personnel arising from inadequate clearance of debris.
(10) Future hazards arising from facilities left behind.
(11) Additional pollution of earth or water due to release and/or distribution of
contaminants during demolition.
(12) Dangers posed by the use/movement of heavy equipment during the demolition
activity.
(1) Provisions for supervision of the work and communication with the demolition
personnel. This includes access controls/restrictions and signs.
(2) The sequence and method of demolition, with details of personnel access and
machinery requirements.
(3) Any restrictions to be placed on flame cutting or any other hot work in the
demolition area.
(4) Specific details of any weakening of facilities which are to be pulled down,
knocked down or demolished with explosives.
(5) Arrangement for the protection of personnel and the public and for the exclusion
of unauthorised persons throughout the work.
(6) Areas outside the worksite boundaries that may occasionally need to be
controlled for safety during critical stages of the work or during adverse weather
conditions.
(7) Details for the removal or making safe of site service systems including
electricity, gas and drains.
(8) Details of temporary services available or required for the contractor’s use.
(9) Details of methods to establish the presence of flammable materials and
substances hazardous to health. All process fluids, chemicals and utilities
positively isolated from accessing the demolition structure or equipment
(10) Details of methods for dealing with flammable materials and substances
hazardous to health, including the materials which might be resent in process
machinery, pipework, storage or underground spaces such as cellars sewers and
drainage. The methods must include any protective equipment required.
(11) Arrangement for the safe storage and legal control of the transport user for the
removal and for the legal disposal of demolition products.
(12) A clear statement of what will not be done, particularly in relation to the condition
of the ground and any sub-surface facility should be included.
(13) Engineering assessment of the structure and/or affected equipment to assess the
possibility of an unplanned collapse of the structure
(14) Debris spread, collection and disposal including provision of chutes and
protection boots
(15) Requirement for provision of bracing and supports for adjacent
(16) In case the work is performed from a higher point, or from any part of a building,
or any other constant building, jacks or stairs shall be provided and fixed at the
work place and maintained. Such jacks, or stairs must be adequate, suitable
and safe to perform the required work.
(17) Details of PPE which must be worn
8.6. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Permits to W ork must be provided for demolition activities as they would be for
maintenance of the asset, projects and plant changes, construction.
All relevant Safety considerations apply including but not limited to excavation,
confined space entry, chemical handling, hot works. The demolition engineers
are to detail in the method statement the work steps/stages in order to support
identification of all relevant controls and Permit to W ork aspects.
DEMOLITION
WORK IN PROGRESS
!
Figure 6.1: RECOMMENDED ‘DEMOLITION WORK IN PROGRESS’ SIGN
Notices must be illuminated in reduced lighting conditions, where
necessary using lighting appropriately certified for the classification of
the area in relation to flammable atmospheres.
Decontamination
Before any major demolition work starts and as far as is reasonably
practicable, the facility should be cleared of hazardous materials and of
sources of flammable vapour. A decontamination unit should be
provided. W here complete clearance is not practicable or cannot be
guaranteed, special precautions will be necessary under specific
Permits to W ork .
Isolation
Before any major demolition work starts, the area should be isolated, as
far as is reasonably practicable, from all active facilities, service fluids
and electricity. W here complete isolation is not practicable or cannot be
guaranteed, special precautions will be necessary under specific
Permits to W ork.
Demolition Procedures
During demolition the integrity and stability of the remaining structure
must be maintained wherever there is access for personnel. Shoring
and guy wires might be necessary from time to time.
Care must be taken in the removal and setting down of materials and
components to avoid harm to personnel and equipment.
Components must not be thrown to the ground from a height. They must
be lowered in an orderly fashion by crane, gin wheel or other suitable
means. Small items should be lowered in bags or baskets.
When flame cutting is allowed during the demolition work, gas cylinders
should where practicable, be situated at the ground level. The cylinder
valve keys must be left in position while in use.
All materials must be removed from the site as soon as is reasonably
practicable to ensure that the site is free from trip hazards.
Emergency Provisions
Appropriate provision must be made in the vicinity of the demolition work
for fire watching, fire fighting, first aid and personnel decontamination
(e.g. eye baths and s showers) and alarm calls.
Alternative warning arrangements must be made if the noise from the
work is likely to mask existing alarm signals.
Health Care
Where the demolition area might be contaminated with substances
hazardous to health, medical tests might have to be carried out and
records kept of workers’ health, both before they start work at site and at
regular intervals during work.
8.12. REFERENCES
Shell
DEP34.51.90.10-GEN: Demolition of Storage Tanks.
Regulation of Occupational Safety and Health (MD 286/2008)
9. CHEMICAL HANDLING
2. All tasks associated with the handling and use of chemicals shall be subject to the Health Risk
Assessment
work instructions or permit to work as they may react and cause harm/injury
10. Removal, collection and disposal of chemicals shall only be carried out by approved appointed
personnel or contractors.
1.2. APPLICATION
Many tasks will fall within the scope of this Section, however users will often, in addition, need to refer
to Section 5, ‘W orking Environment Considerations) and to Section & (Tool Considerations).
Where a task is not specifically covered in this Section, guidance should be sought from:-
1) Chapters covering similar tasks
2) QHSE department
3) The more General Sections of these regulations relation to flammable atmospheres.
2.2. HAZARDS
The particular hazards arising from welding, flame cutting and gouging are:-
(1) Burns from radiation, hot metal splatter or the accidental handling of hot objects
(3) Toxic fumes from the hot work, particularly when working in confined spaces or with contaminated
objects.
(4) W elding and cutting fumes contain nitrogen oxides and ozone from the air, metal oxide fumes
from the burning of the base metal and the welding rods, and fumes produced from the burning of
the fluxes and any coatings or deposits present.
(6) Noise from gouging and from certain types of welding process.
(8) Fire or explosion from hot work or stray electric currents in areas containing flammable or
combustible materials.
(10) Fire or explosion from inadequate control of the welding or cutting gases used.
(11) Spurious activation of flame detectors by radiation disturbing plant controls or protective systems.
(1) On a piece of equipment, tank or vessel which contains or might contain flammable a material.
Inspection
User should check regularly and arrange for replacement as necessary of:-
(1) Damaged insulation on welding leads, electrode holders and connectors.
(2) Faulty earth clamps and earth leads.
(3) W orn insulating mats and cradles
(4) Faulty gas pressure gauges, pressure reducers, flash back arrestors and torches.
(5) W orn or damaged hoses.
All systems, particularly the safety devices, must be inspected regularly by a competent person other
than the user.
The area around and below the work must be cleared and kept clear of all flammable and combustible
materials, other than any fuel necessary for the work.
A fire watcher should be employed to give warning if there is concern that a fire might be started by
sparks out of the sight of the welders or that a fire might start during the absence of the welders.
There must be procedures for stopping the work without delay in emergencies.
Adjacent equipment must be protected as necessary from radiation and sparks by fire-resistant sheets
or blankets, wetted with water if necessary.
The work piece and any adjacent piece of equipment which might be heated by the welding should be
cleared of and isolated from all materials which might give rise to fire or pressure during work.
If the work piece contains lead, cadmium or other toxic volatile material, special precautions might be
necessary to protect the worker against fumes.
Hazardous Areas
Welding and flame cutting should be avoided, as far as is reasonably practicable, in areas classified as
Hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres and in adjacent areas from which sparks or flames
from the hot work might enter the flammable area.
The additional precautions necessary when hot work is allowed in areas classified as Hazardous are
covered by Section 5 Chapter 4. This applies to welding and cutting work. Particular care is necessary
to ensure that the whole space affected by sparks or hot metal spatter is kept clear of flammable
vapour throughout the work.
Any welding machines necessary should be located in non-hazardous areas.
Confined Spaces
Additional ventilation, preferably extract ventilation from the neighbourhood of the welding or cutting
operation, should be provided, where reasonably practicable, both to minimise the need for respiratory
protection and to avoid excessive workplace temperatures.
For electric arc welding in a space with conductive walls or floors, the welder should be provided with
an insulating mat or cradle to avoid bodily contact with the walls.
Direct current welding equipment should be preferred for work in confined spaces and particularly in
hot and humid conditions where the risks of electric shock to the welder are high. Alternatively,
alternating current welding equipment with open circuit voltage limiting relays may be considered.
Electric arc welding should not be carried out on equipment suspended from a crane because of the
risk of damage to lifting wires from uncontrolled stray currents.
Welders must not wear metal rings, bracelets or necklaces during the work as these might be heated
by induced currents from the welding equipment.
Dry, non-conductive gloves should be worn.
The welder must always disconnect the electrode holder from the supply before attempting to replace
an electrode.
The welder should not lean against an earthed conductor whilst manipulating live electrodes.
Welders working with electrodes fed from different phases of a three phase supply should not work in
close proximity to one another.
(2) operations to prevent contact with sparks, flames and metal splatter.
(3) Cylinders must be placed where they are unlikely to be damaged by stray electric currents or
falling objects.
For further advice on the handling of gas cylinders, see Section 7 Chapter 8:Gas Cylinders.
The torch must always be lit from a lighter provided for the purpose. There should be no attempt to
light it from hot metal.
(2) The torch and supply hoses must be removed from the space or disconnected from the cylinders
when left unattended.
(3) W hen left unattended, torches should be isolated by closing the gas cylinder valves, removing the
valve keys and depressurising the hoses.
(2) Any mixture of gases or vapours within their flammable range or which might enter the flammable
range as a consequence of the hot work.
(3) Compressed air or an oxygen enriched atmosphere in the presence of flammable or combustible
materials.
(4) A substance which might undergo decomposition or chemical reaction causing a dangerous
increase of pressure or dangerous weakening of the container.
(5) An oxygen concentration which might be sufficient to cause uncontrolled burning of the metal.
(6) A partial pressure of hydrogen exceeding seven bar(g) in a ferric steel container.
(7) A material which might give rise to stress corrosion cracking of the container.
Document No: QHSE-P221 Page Page 94 of 147
No: 5 Print Date: 05/04/2018 15:27
Date: 05/04/2018 Hard copy only valid on print date.
Qalhat safety regulations for work under permit
In any case no welding is allowed when the wall thickness of the pipe / equipment is less than 5mm.
Where welding, brazing or soldering is allowed on the outside of a piece of equipment which contains a
hazardous material or is under pressure, as might be for hot tapping or patching, the Method
Statement must cover:-
(1) The requirements of any certificate of exemption which is necessary.
(3) The preliminary inspection of the work piece to ensure that it is in a condition to retain the
necessary strength throughout the hot work.
(4) The arrangements to keep the bulk of the work piece cool. An internal liquid flow might be
necessary
(5) The hot work technique to be used and the control necessary to avoid unacceptable weakening of
the work piece during the work.
(7) Contingency plans in case the work piece should fail during the work.
The precautions necessary to keep the area of the work clear of flammable vapours during the work
must be covered by the Permit.
Where maintenance work includes the cutting into the liner of a column or vessel, care should is
necessary in case there is a hazardous material trapped behind the liner. Cold tools should be used
initially to establish that there are no such materials present.
2.12. REFERENCES
3.2. HAZARDS
The hazards arising from pressure testing and to a lesser extent, from leak testing are:
1) Failure of the equipment during the test causing immediate release of hazardous materials or
dangerous amounts of energy.
2) Fire or explosion arising from the use of flammable fluids for testing
3) Damage to the equipment during test causing a weakness, which might result in failure later.
4) Failure to vent the system completely before opening up.
Failure or damage to the equipment during the test might arise from: -
1) Use of an excessive test pressure due either to faulty calculation or faulty pressure control
equipment.
2) Testing at too low a temperature.
7) Internal explosion from pressure testing using air contaminated with oil and excessively heated by
compression.
3.11. REFERENCES
DEP 74.00.10.10-Gen: SHOP AND FIELD PRESSURE TESTING OF PIPING SYSTEMS
4. BLAST CLEANING
4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers safety when blast cleaning using abrasive panicles in a stream of air or other gas.
The abrasive material used may be synthetic grit, a ground slag, ground corundum, iron or steel shot. It
must not contain sand or any form of silica
The cleaning might be in preparation for inspection, painting or coating of the work piece.
4.2. HAZARDS
The particular hazards of blast cleaning are:
(1) The production of dusts which are hazardous to health when inhaled or ingested,
(2) Electrostatic charging giving rise to electric shocks and incendive sparks,
(3) Airborne grit and debris affecting the eyes and skin,
(5) Overheating of the metal surface causing ignition on the other side,
(7) Thermite sparking of aluminium alloy cleaning lances against rusty surfaces,
(8) Loose grit fouling equipment and also producing a slip hazard.
4.4. INSPECTION
The cleaning team must check daily at the start of work and whenever the cleaning equipment is
moved:
1. That the provisions made for bonding and earthing of the equipment and the workpiece are
intact
2. That hoses and equipment are not worn or faulty.
3. The cleaning equipment should be inspected by a competent person not less frequently than six
monthly and a record kept of the results.
4. Equipments and parts that can be damaged by blasting (e.g. sight glasses) are covered
Alarms
Additional visual alarms must be provided where noisy equipment might make emergency alarms
inaudible.
4.9. REFERENCES
Health and Safety Executive commission
EH-44: Dust in the W orkplace: General Principles of Protection.
Respiratory Protective Equipment: Legislative requirements and lists of HSE approved
5. CHEMICAL CLEANING
5.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers safety in the cleaning of equipment using chemical solutions or solvents.
The cleaning might be to remove: -
1) Inorganic salts from water heat transfer surfaces.
2) Organic growth from cooling water pipe walls.
3) Catalyst fines or polymeric by-products from process systems
4) Scales produced by corrosion at metal surfaces.
The agent’s uses are usually solution of acids or alkalis with corrosion inhibitors or they are organic
solvents. They are often used at elevated temperatures.
Contact with the cleaning might be achieved by immersion, brushing, spraying or piped circulation.
5.2. HAZARDS
The particular hazards of chemical and solvent cleaning arise from: -
1) The damage to eyes and skin and hazards to health that can arise from contact with the cleaning
agents used.
2) Corrosion leading to weakening of the equipment that can arise from the wrong choice of cleaning
agent, inadequate inhibition of cleaning solutions or use of excessive temperatures.
3) The production of flammable and toxic gases that can arise from chemical reactions involved.
4) Pollution of the environment by spent cleaning agents.
3) In any case where the evolution of gas is to be expected during cleaning or where gas or air is to
be injected to agitate the cleaning solution, provisions must be made for safe and environmentally
acceptable disposal of the gas. A high level vent or scrubber may be required.
4) Arrangements must be made either to exclude from the system, pockets and dead legs within
which circulation is not possible or to provide for alternative agitation in these areas.
3. The safe and environmentally acceptable disposal of all remnants and flushing materials.
Emergency Provision
Where corrosive liquids are used for cleaning, sealed eyewash bottles and clean water showers must
be provided with easy access from the area of operations.
Additional visual alarms must be provided where existing alarms might be rendered by noisy
equipment.
The medical centre should be aware of the types of cleaning material in use.
If hydrofluoric acid is used, special medical provisions are necessary and the Sur hospital should be
made aware.
Leak Control
The cleaning fluid circulation system must be inspected daily for leaks whilst in operation and kept
under constant observation by the cleaning team. Leaks must be repaired without delay.
Hoses must be routed and sheathed as necessary to avoid physical damage.
Pumps must be stopped and the system depressurised before it is left unattended.
Gas Monitoring
Monitoring to protect against accumulations of flammable, asphyxiant and otherwise hazardous gases
arising from the cleaning operations might be necessary particularly where the work is carried out near
confined or poorly ventilated spaces.
Equipment Location
Any piece of equipment not certified as suitable for use in an area classified as hazardous in relation to
flammable atmospheres must not be located in a hazardous area unless special precautions are taken
to avoid the development of flammable atmospheres. See: “Areas Classified as Hazardous” in Section
5. of these regulations
Gas Agitation
Air agitation of the cleaning fluid must not be allowed in situations where there are risks of hydrogen or
other flammable materials being released during the cleaning process.
Housekeeping
The working area must be kept clean of trip hazards and chemical spills during the work and cleared of
all chemicals and cleaning equipment when the work is complete.
Respiratory protective equipment may be required for particular types of chemical cleaning.
6.2. HAZARDS
When high-pressure water jet cleaning is in progress, the particular hazards are:
(1) Piercing of the skin by a water jet,
(3) Release of hazardous materials into the atmosphere from deposits disturbed,
(4) Noise, masking the sounds of existing emergency alarms and damaging hearing,
(5) Difficulty in breathing in confined spaces due to the water vapour in the air,
Access
Provision must be made appropriate to the circumstances to keep working surfaces clear of
obstructions and non-slip throughout the period of the work.
Shields
Shields should be located within the working area to limit, where practicable, the risk to personnel from
stray water jets and flying debris. Shields are necessary to avoid the hazards where a jet is expected to
emerge from the far end of a long tube being cleaned.
Where acceptable from the ventilation point of view, nozzles and openings from vessels being cleaned
internally should be covered by shields.
Testing of Equipment
Before cleaning work starts, the high-pressure water system, including the pump, the pipework and the
cleaning lance, when assembled, must be tested as a whole at a water pressure equal to the design
test pressure of the lowest rated component.
All high-pressure equipment must be electrically-bonded and earthed before work starts and
throughout the work to avoid the development of electrostatic discharges between the lance and the
work piece.
Equipment Selection
Nozzles and operating pressures should be selected to allow effective cleaning at as low a pressure
and flow rate as practicable.
The types of nozzle and lance used must be appropriate for the type of work and all operators must be
experienced in the use of the particular combination chosen.
First Aid
Any person struck on the skin by a high-pressure water jet must receive immediate medical attention.
The internal injury can be more severe than is apparent at the surface.
The medical attendant will need to know not only that the injury was caused by a high-pressure water
jet, but also details of any contaminant which might have been present in the water at the time.
(3) Rubber boots with steel toe caps and upper foot protection, ~
(4) Hearing protection is required if the noise levels in the working environment exceed 85dB(A)
6.11. REFERENCES
Health and Safety Executive
Guidance Note PM-29: Electrical Hazards from Steam/W ater Pressure Cleaners etc.
Shell
DEP 70.10.80. 11-TGen: Cleaning of Equipment.
DEP 70.10.80.21.9-UK: Procedure in the use of HP W ater Jet Cleaning for plant and equipment.
7. PAINTING
7.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers the safety of painting work in industrial premises. It includes hand preparation for
painting but not blast cleaning (see Section 6 Chapter 6 Blast Cleaning).
7.2. HAZARDS
During painting work, the hazards are:
(1) Harm to the painter from plant activities,
(4) Fire hazards arising from paints, paint spraying operations, cleaning and thinning fluids,
(6) Panicles in the eyes from surface chipping, and wire brushing,
(7) Inhalation of the paint mist and vapours from spraying operations,
(2) Cause serious plant upset or harm to themselves by accidental damage to or movement of
delicate equipment,
(3) Cause fire by use of paints and solvents near to sources of ignition.
7.10. REFERENCES
Application
The Permit to W ork for any task should specify all the tools which may be used other
than cold tools and must include the safety precautions necessary for the tools which
are to be used.
Where a tool is not specifically covered by this Section, guidance should be sought from
Chapters covering similar tools and from the more general Sections of the Regulations.
2.2. HAZARDS
When operating an internal combustion engine in an area where flammable dusts or
vapours might be present, the particular hazards are:
(1) Ignitions of any flammable dust or vapour that might be present in the vicinity,
caused by sparking, flame emission or auto-ignition at hot surfaces.
(2) Over-speeding of the engine caused by flammable vapours in the air supply.
(3) Noise, affecting personal hearing and/or the audibility of the site alarm.
(4) Fire, resulting from liquid spills or vapour emissions during refuelling operations.
2.8. REFERENCES
Health and Safety Executive Guidance
Guidance Note: PM-58: Diesel-engine, fork lift trucks in hazardous areas.
Industry
Recommendations for the Protection of Diesel Engines Operating in Hazardous Areas.
The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association Publication No 107.
3.2. HAZARDS
The particular hazards are:
(1) Collision of the crane jib or its load with personnel, equipment or location
facilities.
(2) Contact with live overhead electric cables.
(3) Overturning of the crane during a lift.
(4) Introduction of a source of ignition to a Hazardous Area,
(5) Damage to underground services,
(6) Uneven weight distribution causing instability.
A Fire Permit is required for entry of a crane into a Fire Permit Control Area.
(1) The crane complies with the conditions stipulated by the contract for the
hire of the cranes,
(2) The supply company has been vetted for its safe working procedures.
(3) The crane has a current insurance certificate. Additional insurance may
be required for special lifts.
The Crane Mechanism
Checks must be carried out before the crane is operated at the site to confirm that:
Any jib projecting beyond the body of the crane by more than one metre must carry
projection markers (See fig.3.2).
Wind Restrictions
The Manufacturer's Operating Instructions must be strictly obeyed with regard to wind
velocities during erection, operation and dismantling. Measurements of the wind speed
(See Table 6.3.I ) should be made as necessary within the erection and the operating
areas. An anemometer might be required.
WORKING OR TRAVELLING
NEAR OVERHEAD CABLES
MAINTAIN A SAFE
WORKING DISTANCE
6m
OMAN LNG
Figure 3-3 Minimum Safe Distance When Near Overhead Power Cables
When working near overhead cables, the Electrical Engineer must be contacted and
should advise on the safe working clearance. A minimum of six metres is required 'in
plan' between the tip of the extended crane jib and the line of the nearest overhead
cable (See Fig.3.3).
All plant and equipment to be used must be of such construction or be so restricted that
the safe working clearances cannot be breached. In difficult cases it is usually possible
to make the overhead cables 'Dead' for a certain period of time so that work can
proceed.
The crane must not be left unattended whilst the engine is running or a load is
attached, except where unavoidable during an emergency.
Lowering of Loads
Loads must be lowered under crane power except where a chain block system is
attached between the crane hook and the load.
Suspended Loads
A crane carrying a suspended load must not be left unattended at any time.
3.10. REFERENCES
Legislation
Sultanate of Oman MD 19/82 – Occupational Health & Industrial Safety Precautions –
article 11
Health and Safety Executive
PM-42: Excavators used as Cranes.
British Standards
BS-5744: Code of practice for the safe use of cranes.
BS-381O: Part 4 Terms used in connection with cranes.
CP-301O: Safe use of cranes (mobile cranes, tower cranes and derrick cranes).
4. LIFTING EQUIPMENT
4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers safety in the use of Lifting equipment. Lifting equipment includes
Lifting gear and Lifting appliances.
Lifting gear, sometimes called lifting tackle, means equipment used to connect a load
to a Lifting appliance. It includes any rope, chain, sling, shackle, eyeball, hook, lifting
lug, lifting frame, Lifting beam, plate clamp or beam clamp.
Oman LNG considers that a lifting appliance is a machine which can be used to raise,
lower or suspend a load, apply tension to a rope or apply pressure between two points.
It includes any winch, pulley block, gin wheel, hoist, crane, hydraulic jack, aerial
runway or aerial cableway. It might or might not include a source of power. (See
Section 3, Chapter 5 and 6).
Cranes, Mobile Access Equipment and Suspended Access Equipment are covered
more specifically by other Chapters.
4.2. HAZARDS
When using lilting equipment, the hazards are:
(1) Failure of the equipment under load.
(2) Failure of the fixed plant caused by the application of excessive forces from
Lifting appliances.
4.6. INSPECTION
Lifting gear in use must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once
every 6 months.
Items found to be satisfactory must either be marked with the date of the examination
or colour coded to indicate the period during which the examination took place. Colour
coding is to be preferred for small items for which date marking is tedious and less
effective.
A register and examination records for all lifting equipment in use at the site must be
kept by the owner of the equipment. A record of the latest examination should be
readily available for checks at the site.
Defective lifting equipment must be durably labelled 'DEFECTIVE', 'DO NOT USE',
'UNSERVICEABLE' or ‘SCRAP' as appropriate and removed from the working area
without delay for repair or disposal.
Colour Coding
Colour coding entails marking each item with a clearly visible and durable patch of the
appropriate colour and removing or obliterating any colour applied more than six months
previously.
For equipment on a 6 monthly schedule, the colour coding is detailed in the inspection
department’s procedure for the control of lifting gear.
Notices must be prominently displayed around the Site indicating the colour(s) 'in date'
at the time.
Where colour coding is also used for ladders, steps or trestles, the same colours and
system of coding applies.
Notices must be prominently displayed around the Site indicating the colour(s) 'in date'
at the time.
Where colour coding is also used for ladders, steps or trestles, the same colours and
system of coding applies.
(1) There are more than two broken wires in any single leg.
(2) The rope diameter has been reduced to less than 95% of its nominal
value.
(3) The rope is distorted due to kinking or crushing, or from core collapse. (4)
There is any damage or distortion immediately adjacent to the
termination.
(5) There is any damage, apart from superficial surface marking, to the
ferrule on a ferrule- secured eye-terminated sling. .
(6) The thimbles are loose or deformed.
4.8. STORAGE
After use, all lifting equipment must be stored in a dry place free from chemical
contamination.
Prior to being placed in storage, the equipment must be maintained, cleaned and
dried. Ropes should be removed from lifting appliances and stored separately.
Equipment with hydraulic reservoirs should be checked and refilled as necessary.
4.9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE
regulations.
Hand protection should be worn, especially when handling wire ropes.
4.11. REFERENCES
Legislation
Sultanate of Oman MD 19/82 – Occupational Health & Industrial Safety Precautions –
article 11
Health and Safety Executive
PM7: Lifts: Thorough Examination and Testing.
PM-16: Eyebolts.
PM-24: Safety at Rack and Pinion Hoists.
PM-26: Safety at Lift Hoists.
PM-27: Construction Hoists.
PM-46: W edge and Socket Anchorages for W ire Ropes.
PM.54: Lifting Gear
PM.63: Inclined Hoists used in Building and Construction W ork.
British Standards
BS.302: Specification of wire ropes for cranes, excavators and general engineering
purposes.
BS-330: Specification for standard wire ropes for haulage.
BS.1290: Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs for general lifting purposes.
BS.1663: Specification for high tensile steel chain grade 40 (short link and pitched or
calibrated) for lifting purposes.
BS.2052: Specification for ropes made from manila, sisal, hemp, cotton and coir.
BS.2902: Higher tensile steel chain slings.
BS.2903: Specification for high tensile steel hooks for chains, slings, blocks and
general engineering.
BS-3243: Specification for hand operated chain pulley blocks.
BS.3367: Specification for fire brigade and industrial ropes and rescue lines.
BS.3481: Specification for flat lifting slings.
5.2. HAZARDS
When using cartridge-operated tools, the particular hazards are:
(1) Accidental firing of a pin in the open.
(2) Ricochet or turning back of a pin against the working surface.
(3) Total penetration of the working surface by a pin, resulting in onward free flight.
(4) Shattering of the working surface by a pin.
(5) Explosion resulting from misuse of cartridges.
(6) Explosion or fire from use of a cartridge-operated tool in a flammable
atmosphere.
(7) Forceful ejection of the empty cartridge during removal procedures.
(8) In the case of cable spiking, explosive ejection of the tool on spiking a 'Live'
cable.
(9) Noise from the equipment affecting hearing.
(10) Loss of process material results from damage to plant.
Hammer-operated tools are all of low power. Spring-operated tools may be of high or
low power.
All direct-acting and high power indirect-acting tools must be fitted with splinter
guards, normally at least 100mm in diameter. Special provisions by the manufacturer
are necessary where the working surface is not flat over the whole of the area covered
by the splinter guard.
All direct-acting tools and high power indirect-acting tools must be constructed in such
a way that they can be fired only if:
(1) They are pressed forcefully against the working surface.
(2) They are held within seven degrees of the perpendicular to the working surface
(to reduce the likelihood of ricochets).
(3) The splinter guard is in position.
They should not fire when dropped a distance of three metres on to a hard surface. Low
Cartridges
Only the cartridges recommended by the tool manufacturer may be used with
the tool.
A range of cartridge strengths is normally available for each tool.
Each cartridge must be marked with a type number and a distinctive colour.
The cartridge strength must be marked on each cartridge package.
Special care is necessary over the interpretation of the colours because the
colour Coding system recommended by BS-4078 is not followed by all
manufacturers.
All cartridges must be securely stored on site. A daily record of cartridges
consumed must be kept by the contractor concerned.
Pins
Only pins meeting the tool manufacturer's specifications may be used. They
must always be kept in the box marked with their characteristics.
Erection of Shields
A competent person with experience of the particular tool and pins which are
to be used, should see that:
(1) Appropriate shields are erected in the area of the work to minimise the
risk of harm to personnel from possible ricochets.
(2) An area of operations is defined from which all but the personnel directly
concerned with the use of the cartridge-operated tool(s) can be
excluded.
For work where pins could conceivably pass right through the working surface
and fly free on the other side, a shield might be necessary to protect the area
behind.
Access
A considerable force has to be applied perpendicular to the working surface
when using cartridge-operated tools and some recoil occurs as the cartridge is
fired. The footing provided for the operator must be suitable to take any side
loading which might result from these forces.
Working direct from ladders should be avoided.
Care is necessary to ensure that all the pins and cartridges used are of the type
specified for the work.
Tools must not be loaded until immediately before they are required for use and, in
the event of any delay, must be unloaded before they are laid down.
All pins should be fired, as near as practicable, perpendicular to the working surface
and in all cases well within seven degrees (7°) angle from the perpendicular.
Before the back of the cartridge-operated tool is opened to remove the spent cartridge,
the barrel pressure might have to be released by partially unscrewing the barrel.
All defects and misfires must be reported to the issuing authority without delay.
Cartridges must not be carried loose in pockets. They must always be kept in the
manufacturer's box.
Tools and cartridges may be left unattended only in places specially secured for the
purpose.
Hearing protection and appropriate eye protection must be worn by the cartridge tool
operator and other personnel in the near vicinity.
Additional training is necessary for the person or persons at the site who will supervise
work with, and take care of stocks of, cartridge-operated tools and equipment.
5.11. REFERENCES
Health and Safety Executive
PM-14: Safety in the use of cartridge-operated tools.
British Standards
BS-4078: Specification for cartridge-operated fixing tools.
OLNG
Personal Protective Equipment procedure.
6. GAS CYLINDERS
6.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers safety in the use of cylinders for the supply of the fuel gases, inert
gases and oxygen as variously required for welding, flame cutting, burning, space
heating and other industrial purposes. It does not cover the cylinders used for
breathing apparatus, medical purposes or fire fighting.
The cylinders referred to are portable, refillable containers of up to 150 litres water
capacity.
6.2. HAZARDS
The particular hazards arising from the use of cylinders containing pressurised gases
are:
(1) Gas leakage, from fittings and ignition or accumulation in poorly ventilated
places.
(2) Damage to fittings causing gas release.
(3) Damage to the integrity of the cylinder due to impact, fire or corrosion.
(4) Faulty labelling, leading to wrong use of the gas.
(5) Accidental discharge of liquid instead of gas.
(6) Hazards specific to the particular gases concerned.
(7) Physical injury to personnel or damage to equipment from manhandling and falls
of cylinders.
Durable markings on the cylinder or the crate, if the cylinder is always kept in the
crate, must include:
(6) The name of the product contained.
(7) The hazard markings.
Colour coding of cylinders, other than cylinders covered by the medical or the diving
codes should follow the recommendations of BS-349 but this is not a legal
requirement and might not always be enforceable. Arrangements must be made to
draw the attention of users to any cylinders allowed within the site which do not
conform to the recommendations of BS-349.
To prevent misuse of fittings, the valve outlets must be screwed with left-hand thread
for combustible gases and right-hand thread for non-combustible gases.
6.5. STORAGE
All full and empty cylinders, other than those in use and in transit to and from the
points of use, must be kept in designated cylinder storage areas.
Within storage areas, full and empty cylinders must be kept apart with storage area
markers to avoid confusion.
General fuel LPG’s should be stored apart from welding and flame cutting gases,
preferably in separate storage areas.
Gas cylinders which contain liquids must always be stored upright to avoid the
possibility of deposits affecting the valves. Cylinders which contain only permanent
gases, e.g. oxygen, nitrogen, argon, etc., may be stored either upright or horizontal.
Full cylinders should be stored with protective caps fitted to keep the outlet nozzle
clean.
6.6. TRANSPORT
Gas cylinders must always be restrained against falling and violent contact with one
another.
The main cylinder valve must be closed and the key removed before a cylinder is
transported. If a cover is necessary to protect the valve from mechanical damage it
must be in place during transportation.
A cylinder may be moved with hoses and equipment attached only if it is light enough
to be lifted by hand or properly fitted into a properly built manual trolley.
Individual cylinders may be lifted by lifting lugs designed for the purpose.
Cylinders not fitted with handles for lifting by hand or with lifting lugs, should be moved
by purpose built manual trolleys for lifting on platforms or by purpose built cradles.
There must be no attachment of lifting gear to the cylinder valve or any pipework
attachment.
Cylinders carried on vehicles must not project over the sides or end of the vehicle.
Cylinders must not be transported in closed vehicles without special provision for
continuous ventilation.
Cylinder valves must always be operated by hand using the standard valve keys
without extra leverage.
Cylinder valves must be closed throughout all breaks in the work and when the
cylinder is empty.
Cylinders with faulty valves must be kept in the open air, well away from sources of
ignition, and returned to the suppliers as soon as is reasonably practicable.
The pressure regulators fitted must be marked with the name of the gas for which
they are to be used and the control pressure. Once in use for a particular gas, they
should not be used for another gas unless reconditioned by a competent person.
Empty cylinders should be suitably marked and returned without delay to the storage
area. Cylinders may be refilled only by the suppliers or persons authorised by the
suppliers. They must not be used for any other purpose than the supply of the gas for
which they are labelled.
Oxygen Systems
Oxygen systems, including the cylinder valves and regulators, must be safeguarded
against contamination by grease and oil. Personnel handling them must not wear oily
clothes.
Acetylene Systems
Copper and silver alloys must not be used in systems handling acetylene.
6.9. INSPECTION
Before use, gas cylinders and their fittings should be visually inspected by a competent
person for any sign of damage which might affect the gas tightness.
Each gas cylinder should be used and the empty returned to the supplier within the
inspection interval recommended by BS-5430 or BS-6071 as appropriate.
Recommended inspection intervals range from two years to ten years depending upon
the nature of the gas stored.
6.12. REFERENCES
Health and Safety Executive
CS-4: The Keeping of LPG In Cylinders and Similar Containers.
CS-4: The Storage and Use of LPG On Construction Sites.
Booklet No 50: W elding and Flame Cutting Using Compressed Gases.
British Standards
BS-341: Specification for valve fittings for compressed gas cylinders
BS.349: Specification for identification of the contents of industrial gas containers.
BS-2718: Specification for gas cylinder trolleys.
BS-5045: Transportable gas containers.
BS-5120: Rubber hose for gas welding and allied processors.
BS-5355: Specification for filling ratios and developed pressure for liquefiable and
permanent gases.
7.2. HAZARDS
When using portable and mobile electrical equipment, the particular hazards are:
(1) Electric Shock due to personal contact with live pans of the equipment or
damaged cables.
(2) Ignition of flammable vapours caused by electrical sparks or hot surfaces,
occurring either as normal characteristics of the equipment or from faults.
(3) Ignition of flammable vapours caused by mechanical sparks from the use of
power tools.
(4) Damage or personal injury from power tools.
(1) All portable cables and cords must be flexible heavy duty
neoprene rubber.
(2) The cable conductors must be electrically insulated and
sheathed against any mechanical damage foreseeable
considering the circumstances of use.
(3) For light duties in clean dry interiors, tough rubber and
sheathed cables are normally adequate.
(4) For outside use, where cables are vulnerable to abrasion and
mechanical damage, flexible armouring, protective braiding or
other superior form of sheathing is necessary.
(5) The plugs and sockets used must be non-interchangeable
between different voltage circuits.
(1) Portable hand lamps should be rated at not more than 230
volts. They shall be of the double insulated design.
Portable Tools
Considering electric shock protection but not considering the risk of
flammable atmosphere ignition, BS-2769 classifies portable electric
motor-operated tools as indicated in Table.8. I.
TABLE 7.1: CLASSIFICATION OF PORTABLE ELECTRIC MOTOR-
OPERATED TOOLS
Class O Mains-operated tools without earth connections. This class
of tool is safe only in an earth-free environment.
Class I Tools having provision for earthing of all external metallic
pans but having, in some pans, functional insulation only.
Class II Tools operated at mains voltage and:
Class llA having all metallic pans enclosed within a durable and
continuous insulated enclosure
Class llB having functional insulation and additional insulation or
reinforcement as a safety precaution against shock, should
the functional insulation break down.
Class III Tools designed for extra Low Voltage (50V maximum) from
the mains supply through a safety isolating transformer. No
means of earthing is provided.
Unclassified Tools operated by compressed air or by their own
generators or batteries.
Classes O and I tools are not suitable for use in industrial areas.
For work in industrial areas:
7.9. REFERENCES
Health and Safety Executive
PM.32: The safe use of Portable Electrical Hand lamps.
PM-38: Selection and use of Electrical Hand lamps.
GS.37: Flexible leaks, plugs and sockets.
International Standards
IEC 79: Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres.
BS.2769: Portable electric-motor operated tools.
IEC 742: Isolating transformers and safety isolation transformers.
IEC536: Classification of electrical and electronic equipment with regard to protection
against electric shock
BS.4363: Distribution units for construction building sites.
BS.4533: Specification for hand lamps.
Oman LNG
DEP 33.64.10.10-Gen Electrical engineering guidelines
8. IONISING RADIATION
8.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION
This chapter covers safety in work on plant and equipment and with tools which
incorporate sources of ionising radiation. It refers to sealed radioactive sources,
unsealed radioactive sources and X-ray equipment.
8.2. HAZARDS
When working with radioactive sources and X-ray equipment the hazards are:
Oman LNG will establish a Radiation Advisory Committee consisting of the Radiation
Protection Adviser, the Medical Officer and Radiation Protection Supervisors with,
between them, knowledge of all the uses of ionising radiation at the site.
Although the responsibility for the health of the Contractor's employees must rest with
the Contractor, Oman LNG Management must take steps to ensure that the
Contractor fulfils his obligations. If the Contractor fails to do so, he should be advised
in writing of a breach of contract.
Unsealed radioactive sources may be used for plant investigative work only when
there is no reasonably practicable alternative. The handling of such sources should be
carried out only by specially equipped and trained personnel or from an outside
contractor specialising in the type of work.
Designated Areas
An area must be designated as a Controlled Area if doses of ionising radiation within
the area are likely to exceed three tenths of any Dose Limit specified for employees
aged over 18 years or if instantaneous dose rates within the area are likely to exceed
7.5Sv/h (micro-sieverts per hour).
An area, not being a Controlled Area, must be designated as a Supervised Area if
doses of ionising radiation within the area are likely to exceed one tenth of any Dose
Limit specified for employees aged over 18 years or if instantaneous dose rates within
the area are likely to exceed 2.5 psv/h.
X-ray Equipment
X-ray equipment must be provided with a locking device on the main circuit.
X-ray equipment must be inspected by a competent person at least annually for
radiation leakage and proper functioning of all safety devices. In the case of any
irregularity, the Radiation Protection Adviser must be informed immediately.
Radiation Monitors
Radiation monitors and dosimeters used at the Oman LNG must be of types approved
by the Radiation Advisory Committee.
Monitors must be tested and re-calibrated at least every 14 months. A record of all such
tests must be maintained.
Exposure of Sources
An ionising radiation source used for radiography may be exposed only by a Classified
Person (ionising Radiation) under the direction of a Radiation Protection Supervisor and
following the precautions specified by the Radiation Protection Certificate.
Exposure must be discontinued if a person other than a Classified Person enters the
Controlled or Supervised Area.
Fire
In the event of a fire in the vicinity, all sources of ionising radiation should be fully
shielded, locked off and removed from the area as soon as practicable.
Emergency procedures should be pre-arranged to minimise the risk of loss of
containment of any source arising from fire and to ensure that fire-fighters are made
fully aware of the presence of all radioactive sources.
Site Alarm
In the event of a site emergency alarm sounding during work with ionising radiation
sources, the sources must, as far as is reasonably practicable, be made safe and
secure before being left and the control centre must be informed of their whereabouts.
When working with unsealed radioactive sources, gloves and shoes should be
monitored regularly for radioactivity and any contaminated clothing should be sent for
decontamination or disposal as radioactive waste.
Breathing apparatus must be worn for entry into atmospheres which might be
contaminated with radioactive materials.
8.13. REFERENCES
• Sultanate of Oman Regulations for the Control and Management of Radioactive Materials MD
249/97
• REGULATIONS FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(MD 249/97 as amended by MD 281/2003)
• BS.5378: Signs and Symbols.
• Shell HSSE Control Framework, Ionising Radiations section
• QEN-P203 Procedure for Site Radiography