Supervisor's Responsibilities

Every supervisor is responsible for the conduct of work under their control in a safe and environmentally sound manner, by:
· Ensuring that all work, including contractor operations, is carried out in accordance with Company procedures as
regards Health, Safety and Environmental Protection.
· Ensuring that contractors comply with their contract specific HSE plans by regular status reviews and audits.
· Checking that all facilities, tools, and equipment used by subordinates are safe.
· Conducting regular inspections of worksites to eliminate conditions and practices that are a hazard to health, safety or
the environment.
· Advising subordinates and contractors of any potential hazards to health, safety or the environment.
· Checking that subordinates and contractors are competent to carry out work safely, and that they understand the
relevant procedures with regard to Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection.
· Ensuring that subordinates and contractors make correct use of protective clothing and equipment.
· Ensuring that subordinates and contractors observe road traffic safety procedures and that vehicles used are safe and
fully equipped.
· Checking that safety and emergency equipment are in good operating condition and that staff are trained in its use.
· Advising managers promptly of unsafe plant and equipment, of unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, and of
conditions that are a (potential) hazard to the environment, while taking any remedial action required.
· Investigating and reporting promptly all accidents and unsafe acts.
· Holding regular Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection meetings with subordinates, explaining the relevant
measures and procedures in relation to their work, encouraging greater awareness, and responding to their suggestions.
· Seeking advice and assistance when necessary or desired.
 I N T R O D U C T I O N
This manual is for anyone supervising personnel driving, using vehicles, or handling materials.
It contains best practice information and operational procedures to help you supervise these operations so that they are done
safely.
Much of the information needs to be understood and applied by the personnel who are driving, using vehicles, or handling
materials. You, the supervisor, should use the information to advise your personnel in toolbox meetings, training sessions,
and when planning work and journeys.
This manual is a "one-stop" reference, so that most of the time you will not need to refer to other documents.
This short manual cannot contain everything, and for training personnel, you should contact the PDO Transport Functional
Discipline Head for information on books or courses for training personnel.

THE STATUS OF THIS MANUAL

The Safety Case identified hazards of road transport operations, driving and materials handling.
This manual presents that information in an easy-to-use format, describing best practices for the various tasks, indicating
possible hazards and how to remove or reduce the risk.
The manual does not tell anyone "how to do" their business: it provides best practices to identify and control hazards.
These best practices will be the "PDO way", and are based on a mixture of the working experience in Oman of many
personnel, and industry standards.
It is not a procedure manual although it does refer to many safety-related rules and procedures. PDO and contractors will
still need to have procedures and work instructions. It is important that these procedures and work instructions are
compatible with the best practices in this manual.

OTHER TRANSPORT MANUALS

Your managers will be using the book "Managing Transport" which addresses the HSE management of transport at a higher
level. The "Transport Standards Manual" held by your managers provides more detailed information on vehicle equipment,
personnel and operating standards. It is available for your reference.

GUIDE TO THIS MANUAL

Use the diagram below to refer to the different sections in this manual. There is also an index, and for more help and
advice, there is a list of advisors.
Pages Pages
Planning 2-5 Handling 43-57
Selection Lifting 58-72
- Equipment 6-7
- Personnel
Control 8-9 Operations 73-84
Equipment Index 85-90
- Requirements 10-16
- Inspections
Driving 21-42 Advisors 91

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 P L A N N I N G
INTRODUCTION TO PLANNING TRANSPORT
Always plan driving and transport. Ask yourself...is this journey necessary?
When you plan projects or operations, ask...how can I reduce the amount of driving or transport?
Make sure all plans are compatible with the HSE plans of your company, department, and business unit.
Make sure that other people involved in or affected by your operations know what you are doing, by holding joint HSE
meetings to identify and solve any problems.

Plans must include:

People
Are the supervisors, foremen and personnel able to do the job safely?
Check the experience, training, qualifications, and licences needed.
Does everyone know what to do and what not to do? When to do it? Where to do it?

Equipment
Are the vehicle and equipment suitable for the job? Think about the roads, and loads.
Are they fit to be used now?
Think of all the equipment needed, including personal protective equipment, tyres, lifting gear, winches, fire
extinguishers, first-aid kits, maps, radios, and so on.
Are the vehicle and equipment properly inspected and maintained, using a maintenance schedule?

Procedures and Information

Does everyone know how to do the job?
Does everyone know the special procedures that might apply to the work today….permits-to-work, journey management
plans, daily checks, what to do after an accident or breakdown and so on.

Hazards and Effects

Are all workplace and driving hazards identified and controlled by using equipment or procedures?
Will work be done close to moving vehicles or equipment?

Emergency Response
Does everyone know what to do if there is an accident or emergency?
What people and equipment will be needed? Is it available?
What procedures will be used?
What communications will be necessary (radio, telephone)?
Each of the Task Sheets in this manual contains a section called planning, which provides more detailed information on
planning these individual tasks.

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 P L A N N I N G
PLANNING A JOURNEY
It is best to use a checklist to make sure that you remember all the following points, and to check that drivers do all their
checks and know the journey plan.

Select the Right Equipment for the Task

Information is contained in the next section "Selection: Selecting the Right Equipment for the Task"

Select the Right Personnel for the Task

Information is contained in the next section "Selection: Selecting the Right Person for the Task"

Select the Route

Plan the route carefully so that unsuitable roads are not used.
Planning the route is essential for all long journeys, for journeys off-road, for journeys to and in the interior, and for
personnel who do not know the area well.
Planning the route is also essential for the safe operation of medium and heavy vehicles. Light vehicles can operate safely
on most roads, but many roads are unsuitable for trucks, buses or cranes.

Make a Schedule
After selecting the vehicle or equipment, the driver and the route, make a schedule.
But, before making the schedule, check the selected driver's recent hours of work. Those rules are shown on the next page.
The schedule must include the departure time and estimated arrival time.
The formal Journey Management procedures, which are there to make driving safer, require a formal Journey Management
plan for certain journeys. It is good practice to follow these procedures for all journeys. (The Journey Management
Procedures are shown on the next page)

Brief the Driver

Discuss the plan with the driver and his assistant. Remind him of the speed limits, and that he must comply with the plan.
Make sure he knows his responsibilities and what he must do and must not do during the journey.
Make sure he knows the following:
Departure time, estimated arrival time, precise route, the load to be carried, and method of securing it, how often he must
stop for rests and to check the load, how often to contact the office, and who to report to on arrival.
If hazardous goods are being carried, make sure that the driver and assistant know what to do in an emergency. The driver
must be given the relevant TREMcard which provides information on how to deal with emergencies. (There is a special
Task Sheet for the transport of hazardous materials).
Discuss "what ifs" with the driver... "what if the vehicle breaks down", "what if this road is closed", "what if the load
leaks", "what if...", "what if...".
Listen to the driver and his assistant, and ask them questions. They may identify problems or have ideas which you have
not considered!
Give a written copy of the journey plan to the driver. Even if he cannot read, he can show the plan to someone else if he is
lost or needs help.

Have a Think
Sit back and think. Does something worry you about this journey? Is there something unusual about it?
Are there any signs that this journey may not be normal?
Take special care with new drivers, unusual loads, unusual routes, drivers who are angry or upset, and drivers who do not
seem to listen to the plan.
The plan is how you supervise your men while they are driving or working. If it is a good plan, you are supervising well...
but if it is not a good plan (or there is no plan), then you are not supervising that journey.

Check the Plan

Often plans need to be changed, because one thing or another changes.

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 P L A N N I N G
If something has changed, such as the load or the driver, always reconfirm the plan. Check each of the above points again.
Is the plan still valid?
It is always good practice to go through the whole plan twice.
Do not let the journey start until you have done your final check.

JOURNEY MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Formal Journey Management Plans are required for all journeys except ‘in-field’ journeys and journeys within the Capital
area. Formal Journey Management Plans are required for all night-time journeys.

A Journey Management Plan must show the reason for the journey, the names of personnel travelling, details of vehicle,
time of departure, planned rest-stops, and estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Each journey must be authorised by the supervisor and the plan put on your journey management noticeboard until the
journey is finished.
Send the plan by fax or electronic mail to the supervisor or traffic controller at the destination before the vehicle departs.
The supervisor at the destination is responsible for starting the man-lost procedures if a driver is overdue. Check that you
have the correct man-lost procedures and know how to use them.

Plan journeys to arrive before sunset, and when that is not possible on long journeys, arrange an overnight stop with food
and proper rest facilities.
Always consider the previous work and rest periods of drivers when you are planning.

The driver must understand the Journey Management Plan, and take a copy.
He must report to the correct supervisor at the destination, and report back to base upon arrival.

Check that drivers are keeping to Journey Management Plans, especially that they are taking adequate rests, stopping
overnight, and reporting their arrival.
Check regularly that all journeys are being planned properly.

DRIVERS' HOURS OF WORK

No driver shall work more than a 12 hour shift period.
The shift period includes loading, unloading, work, waiting and driving time.
A maximum 10 hours driving time is allowed during a 12 hour shift.

Light and medium vehicle drivers shall take a minimum of 15 minutes rest after 2 hours continuous driving.
Heavy goods vehicle drivers shall take a minimum of 1 hour rest after 4 hours of continuous driving.
Any driver who feels tired while driving shall stop for a minimum of 15 minutes.

A minimum of 8 hours uninterrupted off-duty rest shall be taken between shifts.

Off-duty rest must not be taken in the cab of a vehicle, unless that vehicle is purpose designed with a cab bunk.

No person employed as a driver shall undertake any other major task before, during, or after their driving period except
assisting with loading or unloading of the vehicle, or during their breaks except for vehicle and load checks.

FOOD, WATER, AND SLEEP

Everyone needs good food, adequate drinking water, and enough sleep at night.
Drivers and personnel doing a lot of manual work need to rest for short periods during the day.
Are your drivers getting good food during their journey?
Are your drivers getting enough sleep in a quiet place at night, in a proper bed?
Are your drivers getting enough drinking water?
Sleeping in the desert or in the back of a truck or car does not provide a good night's rest! Make sure that sleeping
accommodation is available, and at a place where the vehicle and load are secure.

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 P L A N N I N G
SUBCONTRACTED TRANSPORT AND DELIVERIES
All transport must be planned, including transport that is subcontracted, and deliveries to locations. Most big companies
know and understand planning and journey management, but many smaller companies and subcontractors do not.
Make sure that subcontracted transport and deliveries are also properly planned. This might mean doing the journey
planning yourself, if they are not able to do it.
When any request is made for transport or for a delivery, first check how they do their planning and journey management.
If you are not satisfied, make the necessary arrangements!

OPERATING PRACTICE
Restrictions on Vehicle Use
Driving in the MAF Upper Tank Farm:
2-wheel drive vehicles are not allowed on the Upper Tank Farm access road.
Driving on Graded Roads:
2-wheel drive vehicles are limited to 50kph on any road which is not blacktopped in the Muscat Municipal Area. Outside
Muscat, 2-wheel drive vehicles can only be used on graded roads and tracks with special permission from PDO. Your
manager will let you know if you or your company have this permission, and of any special rules.
Driving Off-Road:
2-wheel drive vehicles are not allowed off-road. There is a separate Task Sheet "Driving Off-Road".
Visitors and Infrequent Drivers:
Make sure all your personnel and visitors know that they must be authorised to drive.

Planning the Transport of Heavy Loads

Be very careful when loading heavy equipment. The truck and trailer must be suitable for the load. When heavy loads are
being moved, consider the centre of gravity carefully. If the centre of gravity is high, take extra care when choosing the
route (think about road condition, slopes, tight bends and comers, high winds, etc.) and consider extra precautions like
setting a lower speed limit than usual. If practical, use a proper low-bed trailer for moving heavy loads.

Physical and Mental Condition of Personnel

Do not allow personnel to drive or operate equipment if they are tired, emotional, confused, or ill.
Do not forget that people make mistakes if they are bored, hungry, thirsty, or uncomfortable.
The extreme heat and humidity in the Sultanate of Oman can be dangerous for personnel unless they have adequate rest and
water, and protection from the sun.
Make regular checks on the welfare of your personnel, and explain to foremen that protection from the heat and humidity is
very important.

If it's not planned, it's not safe.

If it's not safe, don't do it!

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 S E L E C T I O N
SELECTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR THE TASK
What is "equipment"?
Vehicles, cranes, forklifts, skids, containers, baskets and:
Vehicle safety equipment, which includes fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, owner's manual, road speed limiter,
tachograph, spare wheels, emergency repair kits, Desert Survival Kits, emergency spares, and drinking water flasks.
Vehicle accessories, which includes portable lights, satellite/global positioning equipment, and roofracks.
Load securing equipment, which includes ropes, straps, chains, binders, nets, and covers.
Lifting and winching gear, which includes shackles, slings, hooks, winchlines, spreader beams, and forklift attachments.

What vehicles and equipment are available?

Vehicle/Equipment Master List
Every supervisor should keep a Vehicle/Equipment Master List so that everyone knows what can be used. The list must be
easily available to foremen and personnel.
The master list, which can be kept on a noticeboard or whiteboard, shall include:
· Vehicle/Equipment Type
· Reference or Fleet Number
· Next Inspection Date
· Present Location
· Present Status (for example...OK, In Service, Do Not Use, Broken, and so on)
Vehicle/ Equipment Register
Every supervisor or department should keep a Vehicle/Equipment Register with full information about the vehicles and
equipment:
· Make, model, and manufacturer.
· Operating instructions and training information.
· Date and result of last inspection, including inspection report, and action needed.
· Next Inspection Date and service schedule.
· Inspection Certificates (for lifting equipment and lifting gear)
· Distance travelled or engine hours (as relevant)
· Faults and problems, and remedial action proposed or completed.
· Notes on how equipment can and cannot be used.

What work will be done by the vehicle/equipment, where, and how?

What luggage or cargo will be carried?
Consider the vehicle or equipment capacity. Consider the weight of loads for selecting the right crane or forklift, the
number of passengers for a car or bus, and the payload for a truck. Always consider whether you can improve performance
by combining journeys to use only one vehicle instead of two. Remember to think about equipment like load securing
equipment and lifting gear as well.

What roads will be used?

Will the vehicle be suitable for these roads. Think about any graded roads or off-road parts, any steep gradients, any height
or width restrictions.
The individual Task Sheets will help to understand any restrictions or rules for certain road conditions (graded roads, off-
road), night driving, and certain equipment types (trucks, cranes, forklifts, etc.)

Is the vehicle fit to be used?

Each vehicle and piece of equipment must be fit to be used. Never use a vehicle which is not roadworthy. Never use any
equipment which is worn or damaged. A valid inspection sticker from PDO will show that a vehicle has passed an
inspection.
More information is available in the section "EQUIPMENT"

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 S E L E C T I O N
SELECTING THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE TASK
Which personnel are available?
Personnel Master List
Every supervisor should keep a Personnel Master List so that everyone knows who can do which jobs. The list must be
easily available to foremen and personnel.
The master list, which can be kept on a noticeboard or whiteboard, shall include:
· Person's name, job title, and work location.
· Current status (For example... Working, Leave Days, Annual Leave, Ill)

Personnel Register
Every supervisor or department should keep a Personnel Register with full information about each person:
· Person's name, job title, and work location.
· Current status (For example... Working, Leave Days, Annual Leave, Ill)
· Date, type, and result of last medical examination (pre-employment, regular check-up, NOC/Visa medical)
· Any medical problems or conditions relevant to work (Any work restrictions? Prescribed drugs? Eyesight, hearing,
fear of heights, heart conditions, epilepsy, back problems, etc.)
· Language and literacy (Arabic? English? Reading and writing skills. Understands written instructions? Can fill in
forms?)
· Training course record (Names of courses, passed/failed, qualifications and certificates, next date for course, etc. and
include on-the-job training notes)
· Job experience (Previous jobs, years in current job)
· Present job notes (Safety performance? Reports problems and faults? Responsible? Calm in crisis? Needs direct
supervision? Quality of work?)
· Notes on what person can and cannot do.
· List of equipment for which he is certified.

Is the driver or equipment operator qualified to drive or operate the equipment safely for this job?
Requirements to Drive in Oman:
A valid Omani driving licence for the vehicle type being driven: a national licence for GCC nationals or an ROP licence
for non-GCC nationals. A national driving licence may be used by people with a temporary or business visa for up to 3
months from arrival.
New arrivals and their families, with a resident's visa, may also use their national driving licence for up to 3 months
(Restrictions: for vistors and new arrivals, the national driving licence must have been issued at least 12 months prior to
arrival in Oman, and the national driving licence must be. issued by a country on the ROP approved list. An up to date
list is held by TSC/112).

Requirements to Drive PDO Vehicles:

Before driving a PDO owned or leased vehicle, personnel must attend a PDO Safety Induction Course and obtain a PDO
Driving Permit, issued by TSC/112.
New arrivals (for a period of 10 days) and visitors to PDO on company business may also be allowed to use PDO light
vehicles on the Coast only.
Visitors on Company business must have the prior approval from the relevant line manager.

Requirements to Drive Contractor Vehicles:

Before driving for a Contractor, contractor personnel must attend a PDO approved Safety Induction Course.
Company requirements for driving in the interior are in the Task Sheet “Driving on Graded Roads”.

Is the driver or operator familiar with the chosen vehicle or equipment?

A driver must be familiar with the type of vehicle or equipment being used.
If not, arrange familiarisation training in a quiet place, under the supervision of someone who is familiar with it.

More information is available in the section "CONTROL"

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 C O N T R O L
THE LAW IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN
All driving and transport is governed by the Traffic Ordinance, published by the Royal Oman Police.
Make sure that you know the current regulations in that book.

COMMUNICATION AND PERFORMANCE

There is one main rule, which must be understood and applied by every person, no matter how junior.

Only start work if you are sure it is safe!

Only continue work if you are sure it is safe!
Stop anyone working unsafely, always!

Good communication is essential for safe work. Communication must be two-way, with feedback coming from the
personnel. All personnel must have the opportunity to discuss their work.
The supervisor must encourage personnel to speak up.

Supervisors can use the information in this manual to advise and inform personnel, but always allow them to discuss it.
Putting posters and Safety Alerts up on noticeboards is not enough.
Make sure that you talk to your personnel about the procedures, the rules, the problems, and the hazards of their job.
Poor communication is a cause of many accidents.

The information in this manual needs to be passed on to the personnel doing the driving, transport, and materials handling
tasks. You, the supervisor, should use the information in toolbox meetings, training sessions, and during Task Audits, to
reinforce the knowledge and understanding of your personnel.

Many personnel are illiterate but literacy is not usually a problem:

Supervisors must make sure messages and communication are verbal, and must take extra care where forms need to be
completed or information read.
Care should be taken when arranging tasks such as daily vehicle checks, using load charts on forklift trucks, cranes, and
vehicle-mounted cranes, and handling hazardous materials.

Set targets for all personnel, so that everyone feels part of the challenge to improve the business and HSE performance.
Imagination will be needed to prevent targets becoming meaningless or remote from the daily work of individuals.

PERMIT- TO- WORK SYSTEM

The Permit-to-Work system is applied throughout the oil industry as an essential control on work that is potentially
dangerous.
Key objectives of the Permit-to-Work system are information, work coordination, and communication of hazards and
necessary precautions.
Permits-to-Work are only issued by competent persons authorised to do so.
When planning any work, and before starting any work, supervisors must be familiar with and comply with the PDO
Permit-to-Work requirements, as detailed in the HSE Manual and the Operations Standards SI No. 01.

CHECKING WORK
Supervision will not be successful if it is done from a desk away from the work-site.
Check what is being done, and how it is being done.
Use unsafe act auditing, site inspections, and work reviews to improve performance.
Discuss the reasons for these checks so that personnel can understand their value. Encourage personnel to report unsafe acts
and near misses.

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 C O N T R O L
TRAINING INFORMATION
The following books and publications are very useful, either when applied as a Code of Practice, or when used as training
material. They can be ordered through a good bookshop, or from the publisher.

“A Guide to Family Safety and the Environment”, PDO.

“A Guide for Drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles” (Right-hand drive version), Transport Research Laboratory, UK (HMSO)
“Driving Skills: Your Large Goods Vehicle Driving Test”, Driving Standards Agency, UK
“Driving Skills: The Driving Manual”, Driving Standards Agency, UK
“Driving Skills: Your Driving Test”, Driving Standards Agency, UK
“Driving Skills: Your Passenger Carrying Vehicle Driving Test”, Driving Standards Agency, UK
“Code of Practice -Safety of Loads on Vehicles”, UK Department of Transport
“BS CP7121: Part I -Safe Use of Cranes”, British Standards Institute, UK
“Operator's Safety Code for Powered Industrial Trucks”, BITA, UK
“Operator's Safety Code for Rough Terrain Lift Trucks”, BITA, UK

EMERGENCY RESPONSE
When planning work, you will have identified potential hazards, and taken action to prevent them from happening. If a
hazard does result in an accident, you must have the people and equipment to prevent the incident from getting worse and
to protect lives, minimise damage, and prevent pollution.
Check. Ask yourself...do we have the facilities to cope with accidents?

Man Lost Procedure

PDO has Man Lost procedures at each location, and for each region. All supervisors must have a copy of these procedures,
and any contractor procedures must be fully compatible with the PDO procedures in the area. In all cases, you notify a man
lost by calling the emergency number (see below), and inform the operator of a man lost situation. After doing this, keep
your phone manned. You will need to provide information about the personnel lost and their journey management plan -
have this ready.
Fire and Emergency Information
For PDO locations except Rima and Nimr: telephone 5555.
At Rima and Nimr: telephone 0-5555.
By radio: call radio room and ask to be connected to 5555.
Outside PDO: telephone 999.
When connected, give the following information:
Your name, your telephone number, the precise location of the fire or
emergency, describe the emergency (fire, crash, injury, etc.), whether an
ambulance or fire engine is needed.
Do all personnel know what to do in the event of a fire or an emergency?
Do personnel have adequate first-aid facilities and training?

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 E Q U I P M E N T
Every time a vehicle or equipment is used. it must meet the minimum safety standards and be fit for use.
Minimum safety standards are contained in PDO vehicle specifications and in contracts.

All vehicles and equipment suffer from wear and require regular servicing to adjust settings and replace oil and fluids. Our
private cars get inspected whenever they go in for a service at the garage. Vehicles used at work usually get used more
heavily and by a variety of drivers. so they wear much quicker. Also. the company specifies extra equipment for business
and safety reasons. This equipment also needs to be inspected.

Vehicles and equipment are inspected regularly to make them safe for your use.

The Task Sheet attached to this section is for use by supervisors who have professional vehicle or equipment inspectors. It
is not practical to use it for supervising daily checks.

REQUIREMENTS
Know what should be in the vehicle and check that they are OK:
Fire extinguisher: Inspected? Suitable for the load?
First-aid kit: Needed? Contents OK?
Tyre-Changing Equipment: Inspected? Suitable?
Emergency Repair Kit: Contents OK?
Reflective Warning Triangle
Owners Manual and Operating Instructions
Tyre Pressure Gauge: Is the scale the same as in the Owners Manual?
Tachograph/ln-Vehicle Monitoring System: Working OK?
Road Speed Limiter: Working OK?

INSPECTIONS
Keep to the inspection and servicing schedule planned by the people responsible for inspecting your vehicles.
As well as the servicing of company vehicles, PDO inspection teams inspect contractors vehicles to make sure they meet
company standards. After passing an inspection. a PDO inspection sticker will be attached to the vehicle so that supervisors
can see at a glance when the vehicle or equipment was last inspected. the next date for inspection, and the name of the
inspector.

Only use vehicles which have a valid PDO inspection sticker, but remember that the sticker can only show that a vehicle
passed an inspection on a certain day. It does not guarantee that a vehicle will remain exactly the same until the next
inspection!
Your vehicle maintenance personnel will be able to provide you with the correct checklist for the daily checks.

Make sure your vehicles and equipment are:

· being checked daily/before use.
· being checked using the right checklist.
· being inspected regularly by trained vehicle/equipment inspectors.
· regularly serviced and maintained

Make sure that faults, problems. and damage are reported immediately. Keep records so that you always know the status of
the vehicle.

Take extra care that daily checks are done:

· by your drivers when they are working away from base.
· by drivers visiting your base
· on any special equipment fitted to vehicles

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 E Q U I P M E N T
DAILY CHECKS
In principle, all vehicles and equipment should be thoroughly checked and visually examined before any work starts. In
practice, they should be checked every day and before starting long journeys.

The driver or operator is responsible for the vehicle and equipment he is using.

Faults and problems must be identified before work starts, so a checklist should be used so that the driver remembers to
check everything.
When a driver cannot read or write, provide someone who can, but make sure that the driver is still responsible for doing
the checks.

Operating Practice for Daily Checks:

Check your vehicle and any vehicle accessories every day. Check all equipment before use, including load securing
equipment, lifting, and winching gear.
Use the correct checklist for the vehicle or equipment.
Report any faults or problems with the vehicle or equipment when you find them.
Do not drive any vehicle, or operate or use any equipment unless you know it has been checked first. If you are not
sure, check it yourself!
When checking a vehicle, park it off the road and away from other traffic.
Do not check engines while they are running.
Do not adjust electrical or pressurised equipment unless you are trained to do it.
Do not go under a vehicle unless you have the ignition keys with you, and have put a "Do Not Touch" sign over the
steering wheel.
Do not check tyre pressures immediately after driving a vehicle. Let the tyres cool down first.

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
The table below is a quick reference for the inspection requirements for vehicles and equipment.
If you are not sure how often a vehicle or piece of equipment needs to be examined, check in this table.
The column on the right (Reference) shows where you can find the inspection information.
Vehicle/Equipment Inspection Table
Type Inspection Requirements Reference
Crane, ForkLift, Full Testing: (including proof load). Every 4 years, and after Test Certificate
Winch substantial alterations or repair (by competent approved
authority)
Thorough Examination: Every 12 months by competent, Inspection Certificate
approved authority. (Every 6 months for winch)
In Service Inspection: Every 7 days (by trained, responsible Lifting Equipment
Lifting Equipment mechanic/inspector). Register,
Maintenance Records
Slings, Chains, Thorough Examination: Every 6 months (by competent, Inspection Certificate
Shackles, Wire Ropes approved authority) Lifting Equipment
In Service Inspection: Every 7 days (by trained, Lifting Register,
Equipment responsible mechanic/inspector) Maintenance Records
Water Tankers and Thorough Examination: Every 12 months. MAC and Clearance
Tanks (Legal requirement) Certificate.
Vehicles: General Inspection: according to manufacturers handbook, as Inspection Report
recommended for desert/hot climates. Vehicle Registration Card
Annual ROP Inspection: for all vehicles (with 'black' plates).
Vehicles: Contractors PreMobilisation Inspection: before contract starts and when any Inspection Report and
new vehicles introduced to contract Inspection Sticker
Regular Inspection: Every 12 months, or more frequently as Inspection Report and

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 E Q U I P M E N T
required by PDO Contract Holder. Inspection Sticker
Fire Extinguishers Regular Inspection: as shown on metal tag attached to fire- Fire Extinguisher
extinguisher (by competent authority). Maintenance Record (Tag)
Vehicles In addition to normal vehicle inspections: Licencing Rap Hazardous Materials
Transporting Inspection: every 3 months (by ROP). Permit (for the vehicle)
Hazardous Materials,
including explosives
Vehicles In addition to normal vehicle inspections: ROP Hazardous Materials
Transporting Licencing Inspection: every 6 months (by ROP). Permit (for the vehicle)
Radioactive
Materials
Containers, Baskets, Thorough examination: every 12 months (by competent Master equipment list- date
Skids to be inspector). If there are no records of previous inspection, then of last examination.
transported. visual inspection should be done before loading starts.

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 E Q U I P M E N T
VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT FAULT ASSESSMENT TABLE
The table will help to decide what to do when a fault or problem is reported.
Common faults are shown in the left column. To the right, for each fault, there is information on whether the vehicle or
equipment can be used, and any restrictions.
It is important that any fault is fixed quickly.
The information in this table provides practical information, because often faults are discovered in remote areas or during
jobs.
Whenever a vehicle is allowed to travel with a known fault, the driver must be specially briefed about the problem.
No driver must ever be given a vehicle without knowing its current status!
For a number of faults or problems listed in the table, there are two types of action listed:

Normal -this is the action to take when the vehicle is at its normal base or where maintenance facilities and garages are
available (for example, Muscat, operational bases in the interior)
Remote -this is the action to take when the fault is reported when the vehicle is away from those areas (for example, at
small bases, rigs or production stations, restpoints, travelling off-road).
Fault or Problem Action To Take
TYRES
Worn tyre (wear indicators seen, or tread less than Normal: Replace immediately.
permitted)
Remote: Replace as soon as practical. Do not start or continue
long journeys. Vehicle may not carry cargo or passengers.
Damage to tyre (deep crack, sidewall damage, Replace immediately. Do not drive vehicle.
distorted shape)
STEERING
Any failure or damage Repair/replace immediately. Do not use vehicle.
BRAKES
Any problem with brakes (sticking, rubbing) Repair/replace immediately. Do not use vehicle. If hand or
parking brake is faulty, place stones or wood behind all wheels
and leave vehicle parked in gear.
ELECTRICAL Damage to drive belt Replace as soon as possible with correct
manufacturers spare part. Do not use vehicle if fitted with power
steering. Do not start or continue long journeys.
LIGHTS
Headlight or taillight not working Normal: Repair/replace immediately. Do not use vehicle.
Remote: Repair/replace immediately. Go to nearest village or
camp to wait for replacement. If it is dark do not continue
journey.
Indicator or other light not working Repair/replace as soon as practical.
WINDSCREEN
Small crack (less than 125mm) or chip or dent Normal: Replace windscreen at next service, or use proprietary
glass repair kit.
Large crack or shattered windscreen, or small crack Normal: Replace immediately. Do not use vehicle.
in the driver's line of vision forwards
Remote: Replace as soon as possible. Qrive slowly (40kph) to
nearest camp.
Windscreen wiper broken, windscreen washer Repair/replace as soon as practical. Vehicle can be used, unless
rain is seen or predicted. In the interior, make extra stops to clear
dust from windscreen.

13
 E Q U I P M E N T

Fault or Problem Action To Take

GEARS/TRANSMISSION
Any problem with clutch
SEATBELTS
Seatbelt worn or damaged (frayed, cut)
Seatbelt jammed or broken (inertia reel not working)
SEAT
Seat broken or slide mechanism faulty
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Low pressure, or any fault
CRANE, HYDRAULIC LIFT, VEHICLE.MOUNTED CRANE, AND FORKLIFT
Any problem with lifting equipment, automatic safe
load indicator, instrument panels/controls, stabilisers, lifting.
unusual noises, leaks, or damaged rope
VACUUM TANKER
Hose or hose coupling damaged or faulty
Any problem with tank, pump, safety pot, air pot,
level gauge, locking devices
WATER TANK OR TANKER
Any problem with tank, pump, vents, hoses, damage
to tank, couplings, valves, or hoses
TRUCK/SEMI- TRAILER/FLOA T EQUIPMENT
Any damage or distortion to the fifth-wheel, king-
pin, or landing gear
Any problem with winch mechanism
CARGO AREA OF TRUCK
Holes in planking or walls
OTHERS
Radiator faulty (leaking, high temperature)
Doors or windows jammed open or shut
Speedlimiter not working correctly
Air-conditioning not working
Radio/cassette not working
Repair/replace immediately. Do not use vehicle.
Normal: Race immediately. Do not use that seat.
Remote: Replace as soon as practical. Seat can be used to return
to camp only (if no other seats available in other vehicles), but
maximum speed of 60 kph.
Repair/replace as soon as practical. Do not use that seat. (Seatbelt
itself must be replaced, never repaired)
Replace immediately. Do not use that seat.
Replace immediately. Do not start any journey.
Repair/replace immediately. Do not use crane or forklift for
Repair/replace immediately. Do not use coupling and/or hose.
Repair/replace immediately. Do not use tank.
Repair/replace immediately. Do not use the tank or hose (as
relevant).
Repair/replace immediately. Do not load vehicle. Unload any
vehicle already loaded. Do not use vehicle, except to return to
base at a maximum speed of 60kph.
Repair/replace immediately. Do not use winch.
Repair as soon as practical. Warn all loading/unloading foremen
before work starts.
Repair/replace as soon as possible. Top up extra reservoir as
necessary, and monitor very carefully. Call for help as soon as
possible.
Normal: Repair/replace immediately. Do not use vehicle.
Remote: Repair/replace as soon as practical. Vehicle can return
to camp only.
Repair/replace as soon as practical. Do not start journeys. Vehicle
can return to camp, but no overtaking of any vehicle which is
travelling at more than 60kph.
Repair/replace as soon as practical. Vehicle can be used. Do not
start any long journey.
Repair/replace as soon as practical.

14
 E Q U I P M E N T
OPERATING PRACTICE
Working with Tyres
An inflated tyre is potentially dangerous, especially if it is worn or damaged.
Personnel working with tyres must work to an established code of practice, as provided by a tyre manufacturer or by an
international standards organisation.
Always put a tyre into a tyre-frame before working on it. A tyre frame prevents the tyre hitting the person if it bursts while
inflated.
Tyres should be inspected internally and externally after a vehicle has had an accident.
After a road accident or damage to the tyre, remove the valve core completely to deflate the tyre before removing the
wheel.
Use Personal Protective Equipment: Safety helmet, with chinstrap fastened. Eye protectors.

Check wheels for fractures, dents and wear, and the condition of stud holes and seatings should be checked whenever tyres
are removed. Wheels should be scrapped when such defects are found.
Fractures should never be repaired by welding or brazing.
Rims and flanges should be wire-brushed and cleaned with an emery cloth before a tyre is fitted.
Distorted locking rings should never be fitted, and always clear the gutter in which the locking ring fits.
Flaps that have a permanent set or are cracked should be scrapped.
Only use flaps on the same size of tyre and wheel as the ones first fitted.

Make sure that the tube and cover size match.

Always fit a new valve core in a new tube.
Make sure that the wheel and tyre conform with the manufacturers specification, particularly regarding wheel offset.
Except when already fitted to a vehicle, never inflate a tyre with the loose flange facing you -it could fly off if not seated
correctly!

Never attempt to correct any inaccurate fitting before deflating the tyre completely.
When fitting a tyre cover, always paint the wheel first with an approved bead lubricant.
Always dust a tyre lightly with talc before fitting.
Before removing a tyre from a wheel, remove the valve core and make sure the tyre is fully deflated.
Do not distort loose flanges and locking rings when dismantling tyres. Clean all flanges, locking rings and rim gutters.

Store tyres in a cool, dark, dry place in an upright position and in original manufacturers packaging if possible.

When inflating a tyre, gently inflate to about I bar until satisfied by thorough inspection that the tyre is safe. Never lean
over, sit, or stand over a tyre during inflation. Never overinflate tyres. Calibrate pressure gauges monthly.

15
 E Q U I P M E N T
Working with Batteries -
General
Wear eye protectors and do not smoke. Do not work near sparks, heat or open flames.
Always disconnect ground cables first. Do not drop or tilt batteries. Always (re) connect ground cables first. Store batteries
in a cool dry place. Batteries contain lead and sulphuric acid which are hazardous -use protective gloves, and dispose of
batteries according to environmental management procedures.

Charging Information
Monitor batteries during charging. If there is overflowing (spewing), excessive gas release, or the battery temperature goes
above 125 degrees Fahrenheit, stop charging and test the battery.
Do not charge batteries in series -always parallel charge. Test each battery separately.

Task Sheet:
Inspecting Vehicles and Equipment

16
 INSPECTING VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
All vehicles must be roadworthy when they are used.
Regular inspection by experienced mechanics is vital. After
inspection, a report must be made to the owner or operator
of the vehicle or equipment.

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

For each vehicle or equipment, arrange for the following to

be put in a vehicle inspection file:
1) Daily checklist used by the driver or operator,
2) Manufacturers maintenance manual.
3) Inspection checklists
4) PDO minimum safety standards
5) Any relevant company specifications
6) Copies of relevant international standards
7) Copies of relevant safety alerts or information.
This vehicle inspection file is the main reference for
inspecting any vehicle.
Keep all inspection equipment in a specific place, and keep
it all clean and in good condition.
Calibrate all gauges and testing equipment according to the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Always use ramps in preference to inspection pits, where
practical.
Keep ramps and inspection pits clean. They must have good
flameproof lighting, and be drained regularly. Inspection
pits must have access at both ends.
Only use flameproof handlamps.

Personnel will probably need to drive or operate vehicles or Fence off rolling road equipment and any other equipment
equipment during inspection. This should be done in a with moving mechanical parts, to avoid personnel falling
special area reserved for the testing of vehicles only. This against them.
area must not be used for any other purpose, including the
parking of cars waiting for inspection or maintenance.
If testing is done on a main road, arrange for a quiet road to
be used.
A vehicle and equipment inspection and maintenance
schedule should be prepared for at least the next 6 months
to show inspection periods for each vehicle or equipment.

It is a PDO requirement that auditable inspection and

maintenance records are kept by the owner of the vehicle.

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL

Inspectors must work carefully and to a system. Personnel

doing the inspections are the quality inspectors for vehicles,
so they must be thorough, investigating all faults properly.
Arrange a vehicle inspection file so that information is
always available in one place.
Inspection personnel must be able to decide whether a
vehicle can be used, or if there should be any restrictions on
using any vehicle until faults are repaired.
Some vehicle inspectors are not literate or cannot read or
write English, so make sure that personnel who can read
and write English are always available, so that the
information about the vehicle can be used to inspect the
vehicle properly and the right maintenance can be done.
The supervisor should check new personnel to see if they
have a fear of heights. Any person with such fear must not
be allowed to work on ladders or high equipment.
A fear of heights is often made worse by high temperatures.
Inspection Report
The results of any inspection must be clear, and any work
needed must also be clearly stated in writing. The date and
result of the inspection must be known by the vehicle user.
Spillages and Leaks
All spills and leaks of any hazardous materials, including
engine oils must be reported immediately.

17
 INSPECTING VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
Use PDO Operations Standard SI 17 "Spillage Reporting"
and its forms.

18
 INSPECTING VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
WORKING PRACTICE
Inspecting Vehicles and Equipment
Follow a routine, and follow the checklist.
If faults have been reported by the user, check for these
faults.
When working under a car or in the engine compartment,
keep the keys, and place a "Do Not Touch" sign over the
steering wheel.
If you have to leave an inspection for any reason and the
vehicle is in a dangerous state (pieces removed or not
working), tell the foreman, and warn other people working
nearby. Do not leave the keys in the ignition.
Always use the manufacturer's maintenance manual.
When faults are discovered or confirmed, they must be
written down in full, so that maintenance personnel can
order the right spare part or fix the fault properly.
The lives of other people depend upon your work.
When driving or operating vehicles or equipment during
inspection, there must always be two people present -the
driver of the vehicle must drive and concentrate on driving,
the other can listen or check for faults.
Recording PDO Vehicle Inspections
When PDO inspections are done and the vehicle passes the
inspection, the inspector should attach the special PDO
inspection sticker inside the vehicle after writing the date,
inspector's name, and inspection reference number on it.
This is used by transport supervisors to check that vehicles
have been inspected.
Providing Daily Checklists
Inspection sections will need to approve or sometimes
prepare Daily Checklists for vehicles and equipment. These
daily checklists are used by drivers and operators.
This checklist must include all items required by the
manufacturer.
Exposure to Waste Gases and Substances
Rubbish and waste materials may be toxic.
Waste disposal must be planned to avoid a build up of toxic
materials.
Any disposal of hazardous material must be authorised by
APF/61 (for DPU-A) or BPC/l (for DPU-B), and registered
by the disposal site custodians (AON/lF for DPU-A, BOR/4
for DPU-B).
19
For full disposal information, see PDO Operations Standard
SI 16 "Disposal of Chemical Waste".
All personnel must know that there is a specific procedure
for disposing of all hazardous wastes, including batteries,
and motor and lubricating oils.
Do not run vehicle engines in confined spaces -be aware of
the dangers of exhaust gases.
Battery charging should be done in well ventilated areas,
and no smoking allowed nearby.
Getting Up and Down on a Vehicle or Equipment
Wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened.
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!)
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
Use proper access platforms for working at heights.
Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lift objects safely, and share lifting of heavy objects.
Wiring, Batteries, and Power Sources
Untrained personnel must never repair or fit batteries, or
mend wiring.
If batteries or generators are being used to run equipment,
use the instructions.
Inspecting Water Tankers
Water tankers used in Oman must be painted specific
colours:
Blue for potable water, Green for brackish water, and
Yellow for sewage. The colour must exactly match the
colours specified by the Ministry of Health.
Water tankers require a health and hygiene clearance
certificate. For PDO vehicles, the Ministry of Health
permits the PDO Medical Department to examine the tanks.
It is important to plan in advance, because water tankers are
not allowed to operate without the clearance certificate.
Before the licence is due for renewal, TSC/42 sends the
following to the Directorate of Bausher Municipality: report
 INSPECTING VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
of the hygienic condition of the tank, results of the drivers
medical examinations, five photographs of the tanker (two
photos of the doors, two of the side of the vehicle, and one
of the rear of the tank.), inspection report, copy of the
vehicle logbook, copy of PDO's commercial licence from
the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a copy of the
Chamber of Commerce certificate, and a form requesting
the issue of a Municipality Approval Certificate (MAC).

MCO receives the following from Bausher Municipality:

the MAC, and a letter to the Institute of Medical Sciences
conforming that the tank is cleared to carry potable water
(health and hygiene clearance certificate).
MCQ sends a copy of the MAC to the Malaria Control
Division Director, and sends the original to TSC/42.

For contractor water tankers, water tankers will need to be

approved by the relevant municipality, using the same
documents, forms, and certificates.

20
 D R I V I N G
DRIVING INFORMATION
Chapters 3 & 4 of the PDO book “A Guide to Family Safety and the Environment” contain a lot of useful information on
driving and road safety. It is available from TSEM department.

Documents
Always carry the following documents:
· Driving Licence, valid for the vehicle you are driving.
· Insurance Certificate, provided by the company.
· Vehicle Registration Documents
· Manifest, showing what is being carried
· Inspection Certificates for cranes and forklifts.
· Special documents for hazardous materials (Materials Safety Data Sheets, TREM Cards)

Health and Vision

Only drive if you are fit to drive. Never drive if you have had any alcohol.
If you are taking any medicine, ask your doctor if it is safe to drive.
Do not drive if you are tired or cannot concentrate for any reason. Stop and rest.
Use sunglasses, but never at night.
Eat carefully before driving. A big meal can make you feel tired. Eating nothing also makes you tired.
If you have permission to drive at night, take extra care and stop more frequently for a rest.

Routes
Follow the route on the Journey Management Plan.
Obey all speed limits and all warning signs.
Follow any diversion signs carefully, and do not take shortcuts.

Equipment
Do not use equipment unless you know how to use it.
Check equipment before you start your journey.
Check the condition of your vehicle and load regularly during your journey, including tyre pressures, wheel nuts, and oil
and water levels.
Do not adjust any electrical or pressurised equipment unless you have been trained.
Do not use any equipment if safety valves or cut-off switches are not working. Never manually override any safety devices.
Parts of vehicles and equipment can get very hot, and parts of other equipment can get very cold (refrigeration equipment,
fire extinguishers in use). Do not touch this equipment.
Do not pour cold water into a hot radiator.
Be very careful when near any equipment that can cause dangerous or poisonous gas or material, such as exhaust pipes.
Do not pour waste oils into drains. Do not let any oils or lubricants get on your skin or in your eyes. Use proper gloves and
wear eye protectors. Dispose of waste batteries, oils, and material carefully in the right place.

During the Journey

There is a maximum speed limit of 80kph on all graded roads and PDO blacktop roads.
Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
Only carry passengers in the passenger compartment or cab.
Do not carry more passengers than is allowed on the Vehicle Registration Document.
Wear proper shoes to drive -not flip-flops or open sandals.
Do not wear national dress when driving medium or heavy vehicles or when operating equipment, or when you need to
climb up or down vehicles.
Never drive forward or reverse towards anyone in case the brakes fail.
Stop if you are unwell, tired, or sick. Stop regularly to rest.
Remove the ignition key and lock the doors when leaving the vehicle.

21
 D R I V I N G
Drive carefully and defensively at a speed appropriate to the road conditions.
Always look for possible hazards.
Use your mirrors and signal well in advance if you are going to change lane or turn.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
Use dipped headlights and slow down in poor visibility.
Stop and remove obstructions (rocks, fallen objects) from the road, but only if it is safe to do so.
If you see obstructions on motorways, do not stop, but inform the police as soon as possible.

22
 D R I V I N G
Wadis and Flooded Areas
Do not drive in or cross wadis after rain. When crossing any wadi which has water, stop first and check the depth. Do not
cross a wadi if there is rubbish or wood being carried in the water.

The Dust Code and Poor Light

It is always important to see and be seen in poor light. Use dipped headlights on graded roads even during the day, and
whenever the light is poor.
Dustcloud caused by vehicle in front: Slow down. Keep a safe distance behind the dustcloud, so that you have enough time
to stop within the distance that you can see clearly. If it is not possible to pass the vehicle safely, pull off the road, stop, and
take a rest for 10 minutes.
Dustcloud caused by vehicle coming towards you: Slow down. Leave the road in plenty of time. Keep moving slowly along
the edge of the windrow until you can see clearly in both directions. When it is safe, move back onto the road and continue
the journey. If it is not possible to leave the road, keep as far to the right as possible and slow to a crawling speed. If you
lose your sense of direction in the dustcloud, stop immediately.
During fog or heavy rainfall, or when there is spray from other vehicles: Slow down, and use dipped headlights. Drive at a
speed so that you can stop within the distance that you can see clearly.

Hazardous Areas
If you have to go to rig sites or other worksites, check first to see if they are Hazardous Areas.
Only special vehicles are allowed in some areas.
Also check whether you and your passengers will need H2S permits.
If you are driving into a Hazardous Area, even with a Permit-to-Work, always report to the senior site representative or
agent immediately, and before starting any work.

Refuelling
When refuelling, switch off the engine and do not smoke or use any matches or lighters.
If you are using a jerrycan to refuel, place the jerrycan on the ground alongside the vehicle first before pouring the fuel
slowly to reduce the possibility of a spark from static electricity.

Accident Procedure
If you have an accident and there is any injury or damage, do not move the vehicle until the police tell you. After an
accident, the driver must warn other traffic.
Put the reflective warning triangle at least 200 metres behind the vehicle.
Switch off the engine, and do not allow anyone to smoke near an accident.
Contact the nearest PDO Central Control Room to get help (police, fire engine, ambulance).
If you need to use the damaged vehicle to get help, take photographs or drawings of the scene of the accident first, if
possible.
There are special procedures for accidents involving a vehicle in a convoy or on graded roads. See the relevant Task
Sheets.

Driving a Bus or Minibus

One minibus can replace two cars, and one bus can replace many cars. There are less drivers and vehicles to manage, and
costs will be lower.
Can you share minibuses or buses with other contractors or PDO sections, to reduce the number of journeys?
Driving and Operating Practice for Buses and Minibuses
Do not drive with any door open, or while passengers are standing.
Do not carry unauthorised passengers.
Do not be distracted by passengers.
All luggage must be put in the luggage compartment.
The luggage compartment cover in the bus must be closed and secured.

23
D R I V I N G
Never carry toxic or hazardous substances, fuel in containers, radioactive material, or explosives in buses or
minibuses. Drivers should check that passengers are not carrying such items as luggage.

24
 D R I V I N G
Using a Roofrack
Only use a roofrack if no other alternative is possible, such as a larger vehicle.
Know in advance, exactly what will be carried on the roofrack.
A roofrack should be used only with specific vehicles to avoid overloading the roof of a vehicle for which the roofrack was
not designed.

Know which roofrack can be used with which vehicles. If the roofrack is used for carrying fuel in jerrycans, special
brackets must be welded to the structure.
If the roofrack is always or frequently being used for the same loads, adapt the roofrack to carry these items, so reducing
the possibility of them being tied down wrong by the driver.
When a roofrack is being fitted, a ladder or steps must be fitted to the rear of the vehicle.

Operating Practice for Using Roofracks.

Always use the steps. Never climb up to a roofrack holding anything in your hands (or teeth).
Get someone else to hand up items.
Be very careful how you walk on roofracks -take care not to trip. Know the roofrack maximum load.
Spread weight evenly across the roofrack.
Use ropes to lift and lower items.
Tie everything down securely with straps going across the vehicle and from front to back.
Use nylon straps with a clasp to secure all loads.
Never move the vehicle with anyone on the roofrack or the steps!

Towing and Using Trailers

Note: The information here on towing and using trailers does not apply to the use of semi-trailers with appropriate prime-
movers or tractor units.
Towing is only allowed by vehicles fitted with manufacturer-approved towing fittings, and only 'in field'. The use of 'D'
shackles to tow is forbidden.
The maximum speed when towing is 50kph.
The weight of the towed equipment must not be greater than the weight of the towing vehicle.
Any towed equipment which is wider than the towing vehicle must have indicators and brake lights linked to those of the
towing vehicle.
Only use a trailer if no other alternative is possible, such as a larger vehicle.
A trailer cannot be used for carrying extra cargo or luggage -a bigger vehicle must be used.
In principle, trailers may be used only for carrying special equipment which is permanently fitted to the trailer.
Unbraked trailers are not allowed.
Do not use a trailer unless the towing jaw or hook and drawbar mechanism comply with the relevant British (BS), German
(DIN), or American (SAE) standard. Suitable extension wing mirrors should be used so that .the driver can see.

Make sure that drivers are familiar with a vehicle-trailer combination, and provide adequate familiarisation training. If
drivers are required to couple or uncouple a trailer, arrange training to make sure they can do it safely without injuring
themselves. Drivers must know how to connect and disconnect electrical and brake connections.

Operating Practice for Using Trailers:

When reversing a trailer, always have help from someone who can see behind the trailer.
Make sure you can always see the person helping you to reverse.
Never allow anyone to travel in or on a trailer.
Before setting off, make sure that the trailer is properly attached, that brakes and lights are working, and that the trailer
is secure with any doors closed.
Know and do not exceed the maximum speed allowed with the trailer.
Take extra care in high winds -it is more difficult to control a vehicle with a trailer.

25
D R I V I N G

Task Sheet: Driving at Night

Task Sheet: Driving on Graded Roads

Task Sheet: Driving Off Road

Task Sheet: Using a Truck

26
 DRIVING AT NIGHT
Driving at night is usually more hazardous than driving
during the day, because you cannot see as well and are
usually more tired. The company policy on Night Driving is
contained in Section 4.5 of the HSE Manual. Guidance for
applying the policy is in the "Night Driving Policy -
Guidelines for Implementation" (SRD/G/07).

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

Night Driving Policy Drivers working at night should have a torch with spare
PDO or contractor personnel are not permitted to drive on batteries in their vehicle.
graded roads during the hours of darkness, with the It is especially important that the windscreen and windows
following exceptions: are clean.
- In response to an emergency.
- For operational purposes, if prior approval has been Personnel who have to work by the side of a road at night,
obtained from the Company representative or PDO including drivers loading and unloading vehicles should
department head. wear clothing which contains reflective or fluorescent
- Between PDO and contractor camps in the same locality. stripes or patches.
- Between worksite and camp if these are not more than
5km apart.
A maximum speed of 60kph shall be adhered to when
driving on graded roads during darkness.
Any journey during partial or total darkness shall be
covered by the applicable journey management procedures,
which are shown in the section on Planning on page 4 of his
manual.

Driving off-road or on pipeline rights of way during

darkness is not permitted.

Full information on getting permission for driving on

graded roads at night is in the section Working Practice on
the next page.

Note:
When night driving on graded roads is required for
operational purposes, the following criteria will be used by
the authorising manager:
Will the trip avert the deferral of more than 150 cubic
metres of oil, or, will it avoid additional expense of more
than USD 15,000?

27
 DRIVING AT NIGHT

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL

Discourage night driving as it is potentially more hazardous Duty drivers may be used for supporting possible
than driving during the day. emergencies, in support of specific operations, and also for
taking people to or from Seeb airport.
Driving on graded roads at night requires authorisation by
the relevant manager (see list in Working Practice on the A duty driver must be fit to drive, and it is especially
following page). important that he does not exceed the permitted hours of
work.
When driving at night is permitted, and for any driving on He must have adequate rest before starting a night shift.
blacktop roads at night, a formal Journey Management Plan
is required (as detailed in the Planning section on page 4 of
this manual), unless the driver is a duty driver controlled by
an office which is manned while he is driving or the driver
is permitted to drive because he is on call or on standby.

28
 DRIVING AT NIGHT
WORKING PRACTICE
Driving Vehicles at Night
Drive more slowly than in the day.
Keep your windscreen, windows, mirrors, and lights clean.
Always use your headlights as soon as it starts to get dark,
so that you can see and be seen by others.
Do not drive with only sidelights or parking lights.
Use full beam lights but only if they will not dazzle other
people.
Do not drive behind another vehicle with your lights on full
beam because they will reflect in his mirrors and dazzle
him.
Change from full beam to dipped headlights as soon as you
can see a vehicle coming the other way or when you can see
a vehicle in front.
If you are dazzled by another driver, do not flash your lights
at him -a third driver might not understand you and think
that you are signalling for him to pullout in front of you.
Other people sometimes do not use headlights, especially in
the interior.
Pedestrians and animals might cross the road, and are
difficult to see at night. Slow down.
29
Getting Permission to Drive at Night on Graded Roads
Supervisors are not permitted to authorise night-driving on
graded roads. Submit a request on the Approval for Night
Driving Form.
When night driving on graded roads is needed in response
to declared emergency situations contact the Local
Emergency Base Controller (LEBC), Regional Emergency
Base Controller (REBC), or National Emergency Base
Controller (NEBC) as appropriate to the emergency.
When night driving is required for non-operational
purposes contact the Regional Superintendent.
When night driving is required for operational purposes, the
intention of the policy is to restrict and minimise the need
for night driving on graded roads even where the approved
activity itself takes place during the hours of darkness.
Managers permitted to authorise night driving will consider
the potential financial loss (using guideline SRD/G/O7)
before giving permission. The line managers able to
authorise night driving are listed below.
The Approval for Night Driving Form must be signed by
the relevant person:
Production Operations:
Response to oil deferment -AON/I, BON/I
Response to other outage cost -AON, BON
24-hour commissioning -AOR/I, BOR/I
Well Pulling Hoist convoy moves (in-field only) -BON/2
Unplanned/unavoidable -Line Section Head
Drilling Operations:
Response to outage cost -TDM/91
Unplanned/unavoidable -Line Section Head
Engineering Construction:
24-hour commissioning or support of approved 24-hour
construction/pre-fab work -AEF/3, AEY/3, AEY/4, AEQ/3,
BEN/26, BEB/26, BEZ/26.
Radiography and any unplanned/unavoidable -Line Section
Head
Pipeline Construction:
24 hour commissioning -AEF/6.
Exploration/Seismic:
 DRIVING AT NIGHT
Between seismic camp and blacktop road at end of shift, or
survey crew, between camp and survey area up to 30 min
before sunrise -XPM/I
Unplanned/unavoidable -Line Section Head

Support and Other:

Authorised in activities listed above, or
unplanned/unavoidable
- Line Section Head.

30
 DRIVING ON GRADED ROADS
Graded roads vary in quality. Speed and graded roads are
factors in many road accidents in Oman.
In general, the problem with graded roads is that the road
surface is loose and has more dust than on blacktop roads.
A graded road surface only gives about a quarter of the grip
of a blacktop road.
PLANNING INFORMATION
Use the Planning section of this manual to help plan
journeys.
Requirements to Drive Vehicles in the Interior
See the general driving requirements in the section
Selection on page 7 of this manual, and:
For PDO personnel:
Complete a minimum of 20 hours driving on interior
roads under the supervision of a person who is in
possession of a PDO Interior Driving Permit, to
familiarise with the type of vehicle, driving conditions
and customs in the interior. This familiarisation must be
conducted before applying to take the PDO interior
driving test.
Pass the PDO interior driving test in the area where the
person will be operating, and get a temporary PDO
interior driving permit. This will be valid for 3 months.
Attend the PDO Driving Skills Course before the
temporary PDO interior driving permit expires. A PDO
interior driving permit will be issued, which is valid for
3 years.
For contractor personnel:
Complete 20 hours driving on interior roads under the
supervision of an experienced driver to familiarise with
the type of vehicles, driving conditions and customs in
the interior.
Attend a PDO approved Driver Skills Course.
Contractors should issue their own interior driving
permits, with a 3 year validity.
Personnel required to drive on graded roads in other areas
should also have familiarisation training, pass an interior
driving test, and attend a Driver Skills Course.
Do not allow personnel to drive on construction roads or
pipeline rights of way unless you have got permission from
the asset-holder.
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
For driving in the interior and on graded roads, know which
personnel can drive there and which vehicles can be used.
31
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
The vehicle must be suitable for driving on graded roads.
Vehicles should have 4-wheel drive (but see below).
Only use light vehicles and buses which have high-intensity
rear red lights. Light vehicles must also have a Revision 3
specification rollbar. All vehicles used in the interior must
carry two complete spare wheel assemblies, and 5 litres of
fresh drinking water for each person.
Light vehicles based in the interior must have an approved
road speed limiter fitted with a maximum road speed set at
80kph. However, a limited number of vehicles used mainly
on government blacktop roads may have the maximum
speed limit set to 120kph with the written approval of the
PDO Unit Director, and with further endorsement from the
PDO Oil and Gas Director.
Two Wheel-Drive Vehicles on Graded Roads
2-wheel drive vehicles must not exceed 50 kph on any road
which is not blacktopped in the Muscat Municipal Area.
Outside Muscat, 2-wheel drive vehicles can only be used on
graded roads and tracks with special permission from the
department head (PDO vehicles) or the Contract Holder
(contractor vehicles). Permission must be gained for
individual journeys or for a specific time or operation, and
only if the vehicle has high-intensity rear red lights and
appropriate rollover protection. Further advice for
department heads and Contract Holders is available from
TSC/II. 2-wheel drive vehicles are not allowed off-road.
There is a separate Task Sheet Driving Off-Road
Add this information to your personnel and equipment
records.
 DRIVING ON GRADED ROADS
Make sure drivers are aware of the dangers of driving on
graded roads, follow the Dust Code, and know what to do if
they break down or have an accident.

32
 DRIVING ON GRADED ROADS
WORKING PRACTICE
Driving On Graded Roads
The maximum speed for PDO and contractors vehicles is
80kph on graded roads, or the speed limit shown on sign
posts by the side of the road on all other roads.
Stay on the agreed route.
Four-wheel drive should be used if the vehicle has it.
Switch on the rear high-intensity lights if fitted.
Use dipped headlights on graded roads at all times.
Do not drive on pipeline rights of way unless involved in
their maintenance or inspection, or you have the permission
of your supervisor.
After bad weather, check the condition of the route with
other road users before starting a journey.
If you get lost, stay with the vehicle
Always follow the Dust Code, shown below:
The Dust Code
Dustcloud cause by vehicle in front:
Slow down. Keep a safe distance behind the dustcloud,
so that you have enough time to stop within the distance
you can see clearly.
If it is not possible to pass the vehicle safely in the next
few kilometres, pull off the road and take a rest for 10
minutes.
Dustcloud caused by oncoming vehicle:
Slow down. Leave the road in plenty of time.
Keep moving slowly along the edge of the windrow, until
you can see clearly in both directions.
When it is safe, return to the road and continue your
journey.
If it is not possible to leave the road, keep as far to the right
as possible and slow to a crawling speed.
If you lose your sense of direction in the dustcloud, stop
immediately!
Carrying Extra Fuel
Use a vehicle with a second fuel tank, if possible.
Fuel containers must be metallic, painted the correct colour-
code (Petrol-Red. Diesel-Yellow. Oils-Green) and always
securely mounted outside the vehicle.
Never carry fuel inside a vehicle.
Always use a proper fuel container.
Before filling or refuelling, place the fuel container on the
same surface as the pump (before filling the container) or
the vehicle (before refuelling from. a container) to prevent
sparks from static electricity.
33
Always use a nozzle with a fuel container to avoid
splashing.
Switch off the engine and do not smoke while filling a fuel
container or refuelling.
Pour fuel slowly.
Overheated Engine
1) Do not remove the radiator cap immediately.
2) Turn the vehicle into the wind if practical, raise the
bonnet and switch off the air-conditioning. Leave the
engine idling for 5 minutes to help cool the water. If the
vehicle has a heater, switch it on as this will help cool
the water.
3) After the engine has cooled, check the fan belt has not
broken and look for leaks in the cooling system.
4) Switch off the engine, and wait 15 minutes before
continuing your journey.
5) If you need to top up the radiator, pour into the reserve
water container connected to the radiator. Never pour
cold water into a hot radiator! You should not need to
remove the radiator cap.
6) If you do need to remove the radiator cap, turn the cap
anti-clockwise with the cap covered by a large cloth or
using gloves.
7) Let the steam escape before pressing down on the cap to
release it. The engine should be idling while you top up
the radiator.
8) Replace the radiator cap properly afterwards.
After an Accident on a Graded Road
If you have an accident and there is any injury or damage,
do not move the vehicle until the police tell you, unless it is
necessary to use the vehicle to get help. Only do this if it is
safe to drive it!
Get everyone out of the vehicle and keep them well away
from the road.
Switch off the engine, and do not allow anyone to smoke
near the site of the accident.
The driver must warn other traffic, but on graded roads this
can be dangerous because of dustclouds -take care!
Put the warning triangle at least 200 metres behind the
vehicle, but stay away from the road if there are other
vehicles passing.
Alert the nearest POO Central Control Room to get help
(police, fire engine, ambulance).
If you need to use the vehicle to get help, take photographs
or drawings of the scene of an accident first, if possible.
 DRIVING ON GRADED ROADS
There are special accident procedures for accidents to
convoys in the relevant Task Sheet.

After a Breakdown on a Graded Road

For light vehicles drive the car off the road before stopping.
If this is not possible, and for medium and heavy vehicles,
stop at the edge of the road.
The driver must warn other traffic if the vehicle is still on
the road, but on graded roads this can be dangerous because
of dustclouds -take care!
Put the warning triangle at least 200 metres behind the
vehicle, but stay away from the road if there are other
vehicles passing.
The driver should decide whether to leave the vehicle and
get a lift to a base or a town.
There are special accident procedures for breakdowns to
convoy vehicles in the Task Sheet: "Running a Convoy of
Heavy Vehicles" in the section Operations. later in this
manual.

34
 DRIVING OFF ROAD
Driving off road is uncomfortable and tiring. Driving off
road increases vehicle wear and the risk of damage.
Drivers driving off-road need to be experienced and well
trained, and able to do minor emergency vehicle repairs.
Pipeline rights of way, construction roads and tracks are
classified as "off road"
PLANNING INFORMATION
Use a Journey Management Plan.
If personnel are staying in remote areas, arrange radio
contact at certain times of the day.
Plan places where the driver can refill water containers with
clean water.
Arrange a guide if the route is not known.
Do not allow personnel to drive on construction roads or
pipeline rights of way unless you have got permission from
the asset-holder.
Driver Training and Experience
See also the Task Sheet: "Driving on Graded Roads", for
training requirements. Drivers working off-road must be
experienced, and be able to apply the information contained
in this Task Sheet.
Driving at Night
No vehicle is allowed to drive off-road at night under any
circumstances.
Minibuses
4WD buses are permitted to drive off-road, as long as they
meet the PDO off-road minimum safety standards for
rollbars, rear lights ground clearance, and protection of the
underside of the vehicle.
Trucks
Trucks which have multi-axle drive (For example, 6X4 and
6x6) can be used off-road, with extreme caution. A senior
transport supervisor must check the load and assess the
suitability of the vehicle/trailer for the road. Low-bed
trailers must be used to transport loads over 10 tonnes if
there are any high bends or comers, or if the surface is poor.
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
Select the correct vehicle.
35
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Off Road Kit
The following should always be taken with a vehicle
working off road:
Tow-rope (breaking strain of twice the vehicle weight) with
shackles, second spare wheel, shovel, short wooden plank
for using with tyre jack in sand, spare fanbelt, fuses and
bulbs, tyre pressure gauge, battery-operated tyre inflator,
appropriate communications (radio or mobile telephone),
minimum of 10 litres fresh drinking water per person in the
vehicle, 2 days emergency supply of dried or tinned foods
(and a tin-opener) in case of breakdown, salt tablets,
radiator coolant, battery fluid, first aid kit, and vehicle
owner's manual. The driver must have good quality
sunglasses and use them while driving in the daytime.
Desert Survival Kit
In addition, a Desert Survival Kit must be taken with any
vehicle travelling more than 10km from a graded road in
the interior. This must contain the above, plus:
a portable radio beacon, 30 litres of drinking water per
person, 4 distress signals, 2 boxes of storm matches, I three-
cell hand torch, 6 spare batteries for the torch, a 'space
blanket', 2 packets of firelighters or solid fuel packs, first
aid kit, a tube of sunburn cream, 50 salt tablets, prismatic
liquid-filled compass, set of maps of Oman, muti-purpose
penknife, 2 rolls of masking tape, a large metal drinking
cup, tin-opener, roll of string, pair of eye-protectors, roll of
heavy-duty aluminium kitchen foil, 2 rolls of lavatory
paper, I pack of dry ration food, spare ignition key, and a
mirror with a small hole drilled in it.
The Desert Survival Kit should be in a strong box or case,
sealed from dust. Instructions for using the Desert Survival
Kit, in Arabic and English must be included in the box.
All equipment and luggage must be carefully packed so that
they will not cause injury in the event of an accident or on
bumpy roads.
The vehicle must have four-wheel drive and limited slip
differential or rear differential lock.
 DRIVING OFF ROAD
Always know the location and status of all vehicles and
personnel working off-road.
Arrange for vehicles to travel in pairs if possible.

Regularly discuss off-road driving with drivers.

Test their competence, and arrange training or provide
information if they have forgotten anything!
Remember to test drivers' competence with emergency
equipment and other equipment like GPS, winches, etc.

They must understand what to do if they get stuck or have

an accident off-road.
They must be able to do emergency repairs.
They must be able to use the Desert Survival Kit.
Personnel must know never to use it except in an
emergency.

Check the contents of the Off Road and Desert Survival

Kits every 6 months, and test each non-food item. (Only
test the distress signals in the presence of the local PDO
Safety Advisor).
Replace any item which has deteriorated and any food
items before the marked "Sell by" date.

Most of the information in the Task Sheet: "Driving on

Graded Roads" is also relevant to Driving Off Road. It is
recommended that both Task Sheets are used when
supervising drivers working off-road.

36
 DRIVING OFF ROAD
WORKING PRACTICE
Driving Off-Road
Use dipped headlights at all times off-road.
Stay on the agreed route.
Always use four-wheel drive.
Switch on the rear high-intensity lights if fitted.
Do not drive on pipeline rights of way unless involved in
their maintenance or inspection, or with the permission of
your supervisor.
After bad weather, check the condition of the route with
other people before starting a journey.
1) Never start or continue a journey unless you know the
way.
2) Allow enough time to do the journey safely -never rush.
3) Do your daily vehicle checks.
4) Check the equipment in the Off Road Kit and Desert
Survival Kit, as relevant.
5) Check other items -loose clothing, warm clothing
(needed at night).
6) Use the Journey Management Plan. Report by radio as
required.
7) Follow known routes.
8) A void travelling between II am and 2pm as sand is
softer and also it is harder to see bumps and holes.
9) Always follow the route on the Journey Management
Plan -never take unplanned shortcuts or detours.
10)Avoid the slip-faces of dunes if possible.
11)If driving on Sabka cannot be avoided, follow the tracks
of other vehicles if you can see the vehicle that has
made the tracks. Other wise, avoid driving in old tracks
across Sabka.
12)If you get stuck, never ever leave your vehicle.
Desert Driving Techniques
1) On sand, deflate tyres to about 15psi
2) If the vehicle starts to slow and begins to sink, try to
keep moving by using the accelerator gently. Do not
spin the wheels. Changing down a gear may help, but do
not leave it until too late.
3) If you get stuck, try reversing out gently first. Avoid
spinning the wheels and make sure the front wheels are
straight.
4) Only use low 4WD in an emergency and use the
accelerator very gently.
5) If you find someone stuck in soft sand, stop your vehicle
on firm ground before walking to him to help.
Do not follow another vehicle too closely or you could both
become stuck.
37
Using a Winch
If vehicles are fitted with a small winch, make sure that
drivers are able to use it safely.
Use the operating instructions.
Keep people away.
Do not exceed the breaking strain.
Carrying Extra Fuel, The Dust Code, and Overheated
Engine - see Task Sheet: "Driving on Graded Roads"
earlier in this section.
After Getting Stuck in Sand
1) Do not keep spinning the wheels in low gear.
2) Get out and assess the situation.
3) Dig the sand from around each wheel and from
underneath the axles. Do not rush! You can get
heatstroke in 20 minutes of digging.
4) When each wheel becomes clear, make a gentle ramp
behind it and put a sand mat, grass, or scrub on the ramp
and a few inches under the tyre.
5) Lower the tyre pressure to about 10psi using a tyre
pressure gauge. In very soft sand, you can lower the
pressure to 7psi but never lower. Be very careful when
measuring tyre pressures in the heat because the tyre
pressure may show as much as 15psi over inflation!
6) Use 4WD gently with the front wheels straight.
7) Before moving, plan your route out to firm ground.
8) Reverse out slowly with the front wheels straight.
The rocking technique:
If the above does not work, rock the car backwards and
forwards gently, using forward and reverse gears.
Gradually increase the speed until the momentum lifts the
vehicle out of the hole.
Note -this does not always work and can dig you in further.
Use it as a last resort!
Getting Out of a Blow-Hole
1) Large blow-holes: Drive in a circle around the blowhole,
gradually spiralling upwards until you reach the top.
2) Small blow-holes: Select the slope which has the firmest
sand. Move the vehicle backwards and forwards across
the blow-hole facing that slope, until you have enough
momentum to reach the top.
If You Get Stuck and Cannot Get Out
1) Never ever leave the vehicle, even if you can hear
vehicles in the distance (Sound travels a long way in the
desert.)
 DRIVING OFF ROAD
2) Set up the 'space blankets' as a sunshade. Stay in the
shade.
3) Have the Desert Survival Kit next to you, and read the
instructions inside it.
4) Use your radio or mobile telephone to contact a base or
rig.
5) Drink a cup of water every hour. Do not save water for
use later.
6) Switch on the Portable Radio Beacon if you cannot
make any contact with other people on the radio.
7) Rest as much as possible, and do not walk about.
8) If you hear or see a vehicle or an aircraft, use a distress
signal. Do not rush, and make sure the distress signal is
pointing away from you.
9) Keep calm.
10)If you are not found within 48 hours, place a tyre 100
metres from the vehicle, set fire to it an hour after
daylight (after any mist or fog lifts).

You will be found soon, no matter who you are or who you
work for.

38
 USING A TRUCK
A truck is longer, heavier, and wider than other vehicles.
Trucks drive more slowly, especially on hills, and trucks
require more skill to drive safely.

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

Plan the use of a truck in advance, considering:
1) Driver familiarisation with the vehicle.
2) The cargo.
3) Drivers hours and rest periods.
4) The routes to be used (Are there any graded roads or
off-road driving? Steep slopes? Tight bends or comers?)
The power of the vehicle and the brakes must allow the
vehicle to stop and restart on the steepest slope on the
route planned.
5) Inspection and maintenance schedules.
Vehicle Size Limits
Maximum Width -3.50m
Maximum Height -4.10m.
Maximum Length -12m (single truck), 11m (truck with
semi-trailer), 20m (other combinations).
Wider loads need a police escort, but not always for in-field
journeys. Contact the local PDO Senior Transport
Supervisor for information about specific loads.
Any load which extends beyond the rear of the vehicle must
be marked with red flags during the day and red lights at
night.
Every time a vehicle is used it must meet the minimum
safety standards and be roadworthy. It must be suitable for
the job being done.
Chains, slings, binders, and ropes must be in good condition
and must be suitable for the load and road conditions.
The fifth-wheel on prime-movers must only oscillate
longitudinally. However, some special loads do require the
fifth wheel to be fully oscillating, depending upon load
weight and height and the type of trailer. Use the vehicle
operators manual and fifth-wheel manufacturer's
instructions to correctly adjust the fifth wheel.
Make sure that hazardous cargo labels and fire
extinguishers, are suitable for the load.
Vehicle Brakes on Articulated Vehicles
Make sure that if a prime-mover has automatic sealing
valves in the airlines, that the selected trailer is able to
actuate them.
With some spring-brake systems the brakes systems will be
applied to the trailer when the emergency line is released.
On others, the brakes will come off as air seeps away.

If the size of the vehicle means that it cannot travel around

bends on the right side of the road, an escort vehicle must
travel in front of the truck and be used to warn or block
other traffic as necessary.
The truck must travel very slowly while on the wrong side
of the road, and a second escort vehicle used to prevent
traffic passing it while it is on the wrong side.
If a second escort vehicle is impractical, the driver's
assistant should walk behind the truck with a red flag while
it is on the wrong side of the road.

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
Information on driving licences is included in the Selection
section on page 1 of this manual. Make sure that drivers
have the correct licence for their vehicle, and are trained to
use the vehicle and its equipment.
Drivers must know what they can and cannot do.
Can the driver safely use the equipment he might need,
including tyre changing and emergency repair kit? Can the
driver use the load securing equipment?
It is not safe for one man to change the tyre of a truck. Tyre
changing means lifting a very heavy object (the tyre). Has

39
 USING A TRUCK
the driver and any assistant been shown how to do this
safely? Will they need help to do it? How do they get help?
Drivers must be aware of their responsibilities to other road
users, including pedestrians.

Personnel should be checked for any fear of heights, and

anyone with such fear must not work on ladders or high
loads. Fear of heights is often made worse in high
temperatures.

Inspection and Measurement of Large Loads

A large load must be inspected by a competent transport
supervisor who checks that adequate warning devices (red
flags or banners during the day, red lights at night, and
reflective discs if the load will remain on the vehicle
overnight) are placed at the outermost points of the load. If
in any doubt, measure the load to check if a permit or police
escort is needed.

Information on loading/unloading and securing loads is

included in the Task Sheet: "Loading and Unloading".
There are also Task Sheets for working with tankers,
vacuum tankers, and for winching operations and running
convoys.

40
 USING A TRUCK
WORKING PRACTICE
Driving Trucks
Driving defensively includes thinking of the needs of other
drivers. For example, if a truck causes a long queue of
traffic behind, some of the following drivers might try to
overtake in dangerous situations. Help other drivers.
Know the weights, length, and height of the vehicle, and
look for warning signs for restrictions.
Trucks weighing over 3.5 tonnes are not allowed on
flyovers, or some roads in towns. Trucks are not allowed on
some routes at certain times.
Brake carefully, smoothly, and in a straight line.
If the wheels lock as you brake, decrease the pressure on
the brake pedal to allow the wheels time to unlock, before
braking again.
Do not drive off blacktop or graded roads or drive onto hard
shoulders unless you know that the ground is strong
enough.
Never drive a truck off-road or on pipeline rights-of-way
unless you have permission to do so. If you have
permission, drive very carefully.
Take care when it is windy or when it is raining -especially
when carrying high, wide, or long loads.
Positioning the Vehicle and Turning
Always drive your truck so that the rear wheels do not cross
the centre-line or hit the kerb on bends.
If you must cross the centre-line to turn right, wait until the
road is clear, and be aware that following drivers might try
to pass on your right!
If you must keep to the right to turn to the left, be aware
that following drivers might try to pass on the left!
When turning left, make sure that your whole vehicle can
enter the road. Do not stop, leaving the rear of your vehicle
sticking out onto the road.
Be very careful when driving around roundabouts,
especially as following vehicles might overtake if there is
more than one lane on the roundabout.
When turning an articulated vehicle on rough ground or on
slopes, never allow the prime-mover to get to an angle
greater than 90 degrees to the trailer.
If you get to a situation while manoeuvering where the
semi-trailer is leaning over, stop immediately, and get help.
Gradients, Slopes, Hills, and Jebels
Select the right gear before driving up or down steep slopes,
and avoid changing gear until on level ground again.
When stopping the vehicle on a slope, chock the wheels.
41
Take extra care when using lowbed trailers with three axles
on steep gradients. If the approach angle is too steep, the
weight can move onto one axle, overstressing it.
Wide and Long Loads
If the load on your truck is wider than 3.50m you will need
a police escort, unless your supervisor tells you otherwise.
Loads which overhang the back must have red flags
attached during the day, and red lights attached at night.
When Loading or Unloading
Do not move your vehicle, or assist with loading, unloading
or securing unless the foreman asks.
While waiting to drive, stand away from the work, and do
not stay in the cab if loads are being lifted over it.
Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lift objects safely, and share the lifting of heavy objects.
After The Truck is Loaded
Do not drive with an unsecured load.
If a load is tied to your vehicle by someone else, check the
work. Do not drive if the load is not secure or if it is or feels
unstable. The driver is responsible for the safety of load
during the journey.
Only use only proper load securing equipment.
Tie down loose ends of restrainers, slings, and ropes.
Stop after driving I hour to recheck the load, and then every
2 hours after that.
Reversing a Truck
Always get someone to help. The helper must be able to see
behind the vehicle. The driver must be able to see the
person helping! Take extra care when reversing downhill,
and you may need to use both foot and handbrakes.
Getting Up and Down on a Vehicle
Wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened.
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!).
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
 USING A TRUCK
Uncoupling Articulated Vehicles
Before uncoupling, choose a flat, firm place. Check that the
ground is strong enough, and put strong planks or boards
for the trailer legs if the ground is soft.
Stop the vehicle, apply the parking brake and the trailer
brake and stop the engine.
Lower the trailer legs, lock them with the locking pin, turn
off air taps (if fitted), and disconnect the air and electrical
lines, before disconnecting any dogclip or release bars on
the kingpin or fifth wheel coupling. Secure the winding
handle carefully.
Drive the prime-mover forward slowly.
After uncoupling, check the trailer brake is still on.
On drawbar trailers, support the drawbar while driving
forward to uncouple.

Coupling Articulated Vehicles

Before coupling, check that the trailer brake is still on, and
that the trailer height is correct for coupling.
Reverse slowly under the trailer, until the kingpin clunks,
then pull forward slightly to test the coupling.
Check the kingpin is engaged, and apply dogclips and
safety catches.
Connect electrical and air lines, and turn on air taps (if
fitted). Raise trailer legs and remove wheel chocks. Test all
brakes as soon as possible after moving off.

For the hazards of Dangerous Surfaces, Overloaded

Vehicles and Unstable Loads, Using Chainbinders -see the
Task Sheet: "Loading and Unloading" in the Materials
Handling section of this manual.

42
 H A N D L I N G
OPERATING PRACTICE
The information contained in this section provides basic information and reminders for competent materials handling
personnel. When discussing techniques and routines with personnel use diagrams or models to show safe practices.

Hazardous Areas
If your personnel have to go to rig sites or other worksites, check first to see if they are Hazardous Areas.
Only special vehicles are allowed in some areas.
Also check whether drivers and passengers will need H2S permits.
If you are driving into a Hazardous Area, even with a Permit-to-Work, always report to the senior site representative or
agent immediately, and before starting any work.

Rigging and Slinging Practices

When using multi-leg sling assemblies, the angles between the legs will reduce the Safe Working Load of the assembly.
Check a slinging chart or a slinging manual if in doubt.
Do not hook back to the leg of a sling. Do not use just one sling 'hanging' over a hook -this is unstable.
A sling which has been doubled around a shackle or hook has a Safe Working Load equivalent only to that of a single part
of the sling.
Crane hooks must not be loaded up to full Safe Working Load where the angle of the slings is greater than 90 degrees as the
hook will be overstrained.
Do not attach hooks to eyebolts.
Shackles should not be loaded so that the angle of the slings exceed 90 degrees.
Do not drag slings along the ground. Do not bend slings around sharp comers or edges of the load as this will reduce the
Safe Working Load. Protect slings from sharp edges by suitable packing.
When using a halshing sling or reeving sling, do not push the bight (where the rope goes through the loop) down on the
load, as the maximum angle formed by the bight should never be more than 120 degrees.

Loading and Unloading Vehicles and Containers

Always keep records of what is being loaded and unloaded, with a manifest or loading sheet.
Take extra care with hazardous materials, and attach Materials Safety Data Sheets to the manifest.
When personnel from different teams, sections, or companies are working together (For example, a crane operator from one
company with a labour crew from another) make sure that it is clear who will be doing what, and who is controlling the
operation.

Loading and Unloading Tubular Goods (Pipe, Steel sections, etc.)

Only bundle tubulars of the same nominal diameter together, and do not include so many in the bundle that the middle ones
can slip out. Do not bundle lengths of steelwork with tubulars, as they can slip out.
Always use two slings, each of which has a Safe Working Load higher than the total weight of the load.
Place each sling no more than 25% of the length in from the end, and wrap the sling around the load twice.
The live wire of the sling (the one held by the crane hook) should be reeved through the eye at the other end, and have a
bulldog fastened to it above the reeved eye to prevent it from coming loose during transit.
Use a 'tie wrap' around the reeved eye and the live wire to stop the reeved eye from slipping over the bulldog during transit.

Loading and Unloading Industrial Gas Cylinders

Use a proper frame for transporting bottled gases, with protective collars fitted to the cylinder.
Fuel and oxidant cylinders must be separated by at least 7 metres, and must not be transported on the same vehicle.
Gas cylinders must never be rolled or dropped. Do not use magnets or chainslings to lift gas cylinders.
Close the main cylinder valve when the cylinder is stored and in transit.

Working Close to Moving Vehicles or Equipment, or in Confined Spaces

Many accidents are caused by people being hit by vehicles or equipment, or during work in confined spaces.
A confined space is any place where there is little room to move about, and can be indoors or outdoors.

43
 H A N D L I N G
Between two closely parked vehicles, among containers, or on platforms are all confined spaces.
In principle, no person should be less than 2 metres from any moving vehicle or equipment unless there is a suitable
physical barrier or guardrail. Do a Task Audit to help make the operation safe:
Identify the possible hazards, and take action to prevent the hazard from causing injury or damage.
Can the work be moved to a safer location?
Check exactly what equipment will be used, how, and where.
Consider especially:
l what could move and hit somebody (for example, a load being lifted, or a vehicle reversing), and,
l what a moving person could hit (for example, a person banging their head on a bar or tripping)
Does everyone know what to do and how to do it? Never let untrained personnel work alone.

Put up or use physical barriers.

Do not allow personnel to work on roads or in yards where they could be hit -use guards with flags and warning signs.
Get barriers fitted where personnel are regularly working close to vehicles.
Get barriers fitted to the sides of vehicles like refuelling bowsers and vacuum tankers to prevent people falling under the
wheels.
Do not allow personnel to remove guard rails or barriers.
Where any operation interrupts traffic, make arrangements to control it with plastic cones, warning signs, and flags.

When personnel are working close to moving vehicles, the operation must be controlled by someone who can see the whole
operation and who is able to immediately communicate with the driver and the person doing the work.
Make sure there is an established working routine with verbal and hand signals known by all personnel.

Emphasise that personnel must always work carefully -smoothly and methodically.
Do not allow untrained personnel to work on running equipment, and only allow trained personnel to do so when there is
direct supervision or assistance.
Personnel must wear clothing appropriate for the job. For example, national dress, sandals, ties, and loose bracelets or
clothing are not appropriate when climbing up or down or when doing any manual work.

After completing the Task Audit, brief all personnel, and make sure everyone understands what to do.

Task Sheet: Loading and Unloading

Task Sheet: Using a Tanker and

Handling Skid Mounted Tanks

Task Sheet: Using a Vacuum Tanker

Task Sheet: Storing and

Storing Hazardous Materials

44
 LOADING AND UNLOADING
Loading and unloading vehicles and containers includes the
maneuvering of trucks to the loading/unloading point,
which is often in confined spaces.
This Task Sheet is intended for supervising the labour crew,
there are separate Task Sheets for using lifting equipment
such as cranes and forklift trucks.
PLANNING INFORMATION
Load or unload in a controlled manner, carefully, smoothly,
and methodically.
Make sure that a load is placed so the vehicle is not
overloaded or unstable.
Load securing must be able to restrain the total weight of
the load moving forward and half the total load weight
moving sideways or backwards.
All loading and unloading must be controlled by a
competent lifting/loading foreman (banksman or
chargehand).
Securely attach all loads to the vehicle, and cover small or
light items with a net or sheet, or put them in boxes.
Before using any container, make sure it is strong enough
and not damaged.
Only use registered and an inspected lifting equipment and
freight containers.
Know the weight of the load to be lifted.
Know what lifting gear is suitable for the load.
The load must not exceed the permissible load on the
vehicle registration document.
The UK Department of Transport has produced a booklet
called "Code of Practice -Safety of Loads of Vehicles"
which contains information on safely securing all kinds of
loads on vehicles.
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
Task Audit
45
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Visually check load securing equipment, lifting gear, and
containers carefully. They should be in good condition.
When unloading, check chains and restrainers for excessive
tension.
The container check should include all eyebolts, lugs,
doors, and locking devices.
Do not use worn, damaged, or broken equipment, and
destroy lifting gear which is not suitable for repair, so
others do not use it by accident.
Only use lifting gear with one of the two current colour
codes painted on it and with the Safe Working Load of the
gear visible.
If the colour code is not visible, or any of the markings
have completely faded, do not use it and return it to the
rigging store.
This month's correct colour code is shown in the section
Lifting on page 40 of this manual.
Only use endless wire-rope slings when they are purpose-
made for applications needing a very short effective length
or for heavy lifts when a single sling is not available.
Personnel must not keep personal stocks of slings, as they
may miss inspections.
Nets and covers must be big enough to completely cover
the load, and have no tears or rips.
Load securing equipment must be clean, undamaged, and in
good condition.
Chains should only be used to secure heavy loads. Any
extension bars for chain binders must be purpose built and
also in good condition.
Whenever practical, use a sturdy access platform or access
stairs to make it easier and safer to work on loads and to get
up or down.
Before loading/unloading starts, hold a Task Audit with all
personnel, including crane or forklift operators and, if
 LOADING AND UNLOADING
possible, vehicle drivers. Check the site to see where to put
vehicles and lifting equipment, and to identify any hazards.
Discuss the work with everyone:
1) Show the loads to be loaded/unloaded, and where they
are moving to.
2) Show the lifting gear and cranes or forklifts to be used.
3) Explain how lifting gear is to be used.
4) Explain what everyone must do and review hand signals
5) Check everyone understands what to do.
Site Control
One person must have full control of the site. Stand where
you can see the whole operation and communicate with all
personnel. Always use the standard hand signals for guiding
cranes and forklifts. Speak to drivers about what they must
do.
Confirm weights and lifting gear with the crane/forklift
operator.
Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves for handling chains, slings, and ropes. Safety hats,
with the chinstrap fastened, during any lifting operation and
in confined spaces. Safety boots. Eye protectors if there is
any risk of smal1 objects being thrown up in the air.
Records
Every load should have a consignment note, and every
journey should use a manifest which includes the quantity
and weight of al1loads.
Sign the manifest when loading to state that loads have
been placed safely, and note any problems for the unloading
team.
When unloading, the use the manifest to check the loads
and weights, and any problems noted by the loading team.

Personnel securing or tying down loads must be able to use

load securing equipment.
Do not al1ow untrained personnel to secure loads onto
trucks

46
 LOADING AND UNLOADING
WORKING PRACTICE
Loading and Unloading Practice
Use the correct Personal Protective Equipment.
Use ladders or steps to get onto and off vehicles, and never
jump down. Use access platforms or stairs when they are
available.
Remove your hands from slings before a crane takes the
strain.
Never go under a load, and move away if a load is going to
pass over you.
Never ride on any load being moved.
When unloading, unfasten load securing equipment
carefully.
Do not tie heavy loads to rollbars.
Avoid metal-to-metalloading. Always use wood to separate
metal objects.
Chains must always be passed under the chassis, taking care
not to obstruct any air or electrical lines, or any mechanical
equipment. Never attach chains to rope hooks or stakes.
Do not put loose tools and equipment inside passenger
compartments, but put them behind a protective screen or in
a cargo area.
Loading/Unloading Baskets or Containers
Spread the weight evenly in containers, and pack loose
items carefully to avoid damage.
Ropes, wood, and nets can be used to protect and secure
equipment.
If one end of a container is much heavier than this, note this
on the manifest.
Be very careful when opening the doors of containers in
case the load falls out.
Working at Heights
Wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened.
Personnel should be checked for any fear of heights, and
anyone with such fear must not work on ladders or high
loads.
A fear of heights is often made worse by high temperatures.
Getting Up and Down on Loads and Vehicles
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!).
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
47
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lifting objects safely, and share the lifting of heavy objects.
Overloaded Vehicles and Unstable Loads
Badly placed loads can overload a vehicle or make it
difficult to control the vehicle.
When placing loads do not overload one side or one axle of
the vehicle.
Using Chain binders
General
Only trained personnel may use chainbinders. Other
personnel are not allowed to help.
All chain binders and chains must be proof-load tested.
Chainbinders and chains must be regularly inspected.
Chainbinders should be kept in well ventilated storage,
including when they are carried on the vehicle.
Using chainbinders
Visually inspect before use. Use same size of binder and
chain.
Ensure hooks are placed so they cannot slip out of the lugs.
Do not overtighten binder.
Do not use extension pipes longer than 76cm.
Lash the binder handle so it cannot open accidentally.
When opening, remove extension bar before lever snaps
over.
Keep everyone else clear.
Never stand over a chainbinder.
Dangerous Surfaces.
Take care on any surface (including the ground and the
cargo area of trucks) that is not smooth and strong enough,
or if it has holes, or is slippery.
Many trucks have floors made of wooden planks which can
rot or break.
Check the strength and condition of the floor carefully, and
look for holes and edges.
Damage and holes must be reported, and the foreman
should inform the vehicle provider to get it fixed.
Loading/Unloading Dusty Material
(including bulk chemicals and road building gravel and
sand)
 LOADING AND UNLOADING
Use breathing apparatus or face masks as necessary. A Never drive the vehicle unless any container is properly
handkerchief or scarf across the face is not enough to secured. Never use the hydraulic mechanism for any
prevent breathing dust or powder. purposes except for loading and unloading the containers
for which it was designed.
Roll-on/Roll-off Containers and Skip Trucks
Before starting, check that the hydraulic equipment and Securing Loads in a Pickup
container is in good condition (no oil or fluid leaks, no Secure everything before setting off.
warning lights, clean working surface, no damage). Cover small loose items with a suitable net or put them in a
Check the ground to see that it is strong enough to support box or container. Tie down ladders and poles properly.
the container, and that nothing will get caught underneath. Only proper load securing equipment must be used -never
Always place the container or skip onto flat, firm ground. use pieces of string or rope or old slings.
Before unloading check that there are no people standing
too close.
Make sure that no-one stands between the chassis and the
container.
Always watch the container as it is being loaded and
unloaded.

48
 USING A TANKER AND HANDLING SKID-MOUNTED TANKS
Tankers need to be driven carefully because of their size
and weight.
Bulk loading/unloading facilities are hazardous areas
because of gases and the possibility of spills.
PLANNING INFORMATION
Check that there is enough storage at the destination for the
load.
All journeys with hazardous materials, which includes all
tanks and tankers of petrol, diesel, or crude oil must have a
Journey Management Plan (See Planning on page 4 of this
manual).
Plan what equipment will be needed to load and unload,
and for skid-mounted tanks, check what load securing
equipment will be needed (slings, chains, binders).
Drivers of potable water tankers must have an annual
medical examination, and he must be nominated to the
Ministry of Health when the health and hygiene clearance
certificate is being arranged. Drivers of potable water
tankers must be examined by the Ministry of Health
(Disease Prevention Department) and obtain a health card
from them. This must be done each time a water tanker
licence is due for renewal. Three photographs of the driver
must be attached to the health card.
For general information, see the Task Sheet "Using a
Truck".
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
Only allow personnel who have been specially trained to
drive tankers or vehicles carrying loaded skid-mounted
tanks.
Only suitably trained personnel should handle or work with
tankers or skid-mounted tanks.
They must be trained to drive tankers (bulk liquid loads),
trained to use all the loading and unloading equipment, and
trained to use the relevant fire-fighting equipment.
49
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
All vehicles transporting fuel and hazardous materials must
be registered and licenced with the Royal Oman Police
every 6 months.
Only use vehicles that meet the minimum safety standards
set by PDO
Hoses and connections must be clearly marked, with the
purpose of the hose clearly marked so that hoses for
different purposes (sewage, brackish water, fuel, and
drinking water) are never mixed up.
Vehicles carrying skid-mounted tanks must carry additional
fire-extinguishers suitable for the load if the load is
hazardous.
In Oman, by law, drinking water (blue), sewage (yellow),
and brackish water (green) must always be carried in
vehicles painted in those colours and those vehicles must
never be used for any other liquids.
For vehicles carrying fuel or hazardous liquids, the
following should be carried: a full eyewash bottle and a
reserve supply of eyewash liquid, four wheelchocks, two
red reflective warning triangles, two triangular "No
Smoking" signs to place in front and behind the vehicle
when unloading at worksites.
Fit sunshades to tanks carrying LPG. The sunshades must
be sloping and the angle where they meet at the top must
not be greater than 120 degrees.
Personnel should be checked for any fear of heights, and
anyone with such fear must not work on ladders or high
loads.
Fear of heights is often made worse in high temperatures.
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety helmet, with chinstrap fastened.
PVC Safety Gloves.
One piece overalls with elasticated or buttoned cuffs and
zip front.
 USING A TANKER AND HANDLING SKID-MOUNTED TANKS
Safety boots.
The following Personal Protective Equipment should be
carried in the vehicle if it is transporting fuel or hazardous
materials, for use in an emergency:
Eye protectors.
PVC jacket and trousers (or one-piece PVC suit).
Calf length safety boots.

Personnel working with hazardous liquids or chemicals

must wear cotton clothing.

Spillages and Leaks

All spills and leaks of any hazardous materials, must be
reported immediately. Use PDO Operations Standard SI 17
"Spillage Reporting" and its forms.

50
 USING A TANKER AND HANDLING SKID-MOUNTED TANKS
WORKING PRACTICE
Driving Tankers and Vehicles with Skid-Mounted
Tanks
Driving tankers is different from driving other trucks. The
load moves about as the vehicle moves (even with baffles
fitted or with compartments in the tanks).
Take extra care to drive carefully -it takes longer to stop a
tanker, and steering needs to be especially smooth and
controlled.
Always use the tank or tanker pump operating instructions
when working and follow the instructions.
Bulk Loading/Unloading
(A * means that it applies only if the load is flammable or
hazardous).
Park vehicle carefully - do not obstruct equipment, gauges,
or firefighting equipment.
Apply handbrake and trailer brake. Use wheelchocks on a
slope.
* Use the earthing straps to prevent sparks.
* Set up warning signs ("No Smoking", etc.) and other
safety equipment.
* Switch off battery isolating switch.
* No smoking within 30m of any part of the loading/
unloading point.
Take samples as necessary.
Check hose condition and use correct connections.
* Check for any dangerous activities near loading/
unloading point or near tank vent.
Do not leave the tanker while loading or unloading.
Control the operation carefully.
Secure hoses properly if unloading into an open manhole.
Drain hoses correctly, and store earthing straps.
Store hoses on the vehicle and secure them safely.
Smoking is not allowed in the cab of a tanker carrying
hazardous materials, including fuel.
Check the level of the tank(s) before starting. After driving
for 10 minutes, and at each rest stop after that, check for
any overflow. Make sure that any overflow is not going to
affect the control of the truck or other users. If the overflow
is serious, report it as a spill to your supervisor. The excess
must be transferred from the tank. Do not move the vehicle
if the tank is leaking.
Using the Correct Hoses
51
Drivers must only use the appropriate hoses and hose
connections to avoid damaging the load, the hose, or the
couplings.
Check hoses before use for damage or wear. Do not use any
that are damaged or worn.
Using Chain binders
General
Only trained personnel may use chainbinders. Other
personnel, are not allowed to help.
All chain binders and chains must be proof-load tested.
Chains and binders must be regularly inspected.
Chainbinders should be kept in well ventilated storage,
including when "they are carried on the vehicle.
Using chainbinders
Visually inspect before use. Use same size of binder and
chain.
Ensure hooks are placed so they cannot slip out of the lugs.
Do not overtighten binder.
Do not use extension pipes longer than 76cm.
Lash the binder handle so it cannot open accidentally.
When opening, remove extension bar before lever snaps
over.
Keep everyone else clear.
Never stand over a chainbinder.
Getting Up and Down
Wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened.
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!).
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
Working on Top of Tankers or Tanks
In addition to the above, take extra care when working on
top of tanks or tankers.
Use a ladder or an access platform (portable steps) to get
access to the top of the tank, unless steps are fitted.
Be aware of overhead gantries, cables, pipes, and steelwork
while on the top of the tank.
 USING A TANKER AND HANDLING SKID-MOUNTED TANKS
Always wear a safety helmet with the chinstrap fastened
while climbing up and down and while working on top of
the tank.

Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lift objects safely, and share lifting of heavy objects.

Dangerous Surfaces
Take care on any surface (including the ground and the
cargo area of trucks) that is not smooth and strong enough,
or if it has holes, or is slippery.
Many trucks have floors made of wooden planks which can
rot or break.
Check the strength and condition of the floor carefully, and
look for holes and edges.
Damage and holes must be reported, and the foreman
should inform the vehicle provider to get it fixed.

52
 STORING AND TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Vacuum or suction tankers are used to suck up liquids and
sludge for disposal.

Dangers include hoses not being fitted correctly, personnel

being injured by the rear door, injuries from using the hose
wrongly, and explosion.
There is also a health risk from sewage and stagnant water.

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

All operations using vacuum tanks must be carefully Personal Protective Equipment
planned. Safety boots
Many hazards of vacuum tanker operations are related to Eye protectors
the material being carried (often hazardous or a health risk) PVC Safety Gloves.
or the site (often hazardous). He may also need breathing apparatus.

Know the material and the site, and prepare the personal If the material is toxic or hazardous the following should be
protective equipment. used:
One piece overalls with elasticated or buttoned cuffs and
Check whether the work requires a Permit-to-Work or zip front.
special permits with regard to hazardous area or Electrical Eye protectors.
Safety (ESOPs). PVC jacket and trousers (or one-piece PVC suit).
Calf length safety boots.
Using a Vacuum Tanker in Hazardous Areas
On PDO sites there is a Permit-to-Work system. The
operator must understand that he cannot operate in any
hazardous area without a permit.

For general information, see the Task Sheet "Using a

Truck" The Task Sheet "Storing and Transporting
Hazardous Materials" must also be used when relevant.

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL

Only allow experienced, specially trained personnel to Spillages and Leaks

operate vacuum tankers. All spills and leaks of any hazardous materials, must be
Special training is needed if the driver has to use breathing reported immediately. Use PDO Operations Standard SI 17
apparatus. "Spillage Reporting" and its forms.

Check that personnel know the rules, including any rules

regarding the Permit-to-Work system or ESOPs system.

Regular checks should be made to observe the skill of

vacuum tank operators, and especially their knowledge of
the rules about working in hazardous areas.

If vacuum tanks are to be cleaned or personnel must enter

the tank, the task must be done in accordance with PDO
Vessel Entry procedures. Contact the local PDO Senior
Transport Supervisor if you do not have the procedures.

53
 STORING AND TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

WORKING PRACTICE

Driving Vacuum Tankers Getting Up and Down

Driving tankers is different from driving other trucks. The
load moves about as the vehicle moves.
Take extra care to drive carefully -it takes longer to stop a
tanker, and steering needs to be especially smooth and
controlled.
Always use the tank or tanker pump operating instructions
when working and follow the instructions.
Operating Vacuum Tankers
Use gloves if the material is hazardous or unpleasant.
Before starting work, check that the pump and hoses are in
good condition (no oil or fluid leaks, no warning lights,
clean working surface, no damage).
Attach earthing straps to the ground near the source of the
material or to the container being emptied.
Check the air pot and pump safety pot, and make sure the
level gauge is clean.
Check that the multi-way cock is set to the correct position
for the operation about to be performed.
Check that the hose couplings are correctly fastened with
any necessary safety lines attached between the hose and
the coupling if unloading under pressure.
Always watch the pressure gauges while the tank is filling
or discharging.
Stop the machine immediately if there is excessive pressure
and the gauge shows that the safety valve should operate
but has not.
Do not overfill the tank. Remember that there needs to be
space for the contents of the suction hose.
Make sure that the system is not pressurised when fastening
or unfastening couplings!
Wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened.
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!).
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
Working on Top of Tankers or Tanks
In addition to the above, take extra care when working on
tanks or tankers:
Use a ladder or access platform (portable steps) to get
access to the top of the tank, unless steps are fitted.
Be aware of overhead gantries, cables, pipes, and steelwork
while on the top of the tank.
Always wear a safety helmet with the chinstrap fastened
while climbing up and down and while working on top of
the tank.

After discharging open any drain cocks. Close them again

before moving off.
Store hoses on the vehicle, secure them safely, and
disconnect earthing straps.

54
 STORING AND TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The storage or transport of hazardous materials and waste
needs to be done carefully, and using strict rules. These
materials are hazardous to people and the environment.
The storage and transport of explosives can only be done by
registered and licenced companies.
PLANNING INFORMATION
1) Is any of the cargo hazardous? Some cargoes are not
hazardous in small quantities, but are hazardous in
larger quantities (For example, paint, industrial
cleaners).
2) How should the cargo be packed? There are rules on the
packing of many hazardous materials.
3) How should the cargo be transported? What type of
vehicle?
4) Are there any restrictions on hazardous materials that
cannot be transported together?
5) Which personnel can handle and transport hazardous
materials?
6) What labels are needed on the vehicle and containers?
There must be a Journey Management Plan for every
journey with Hazardous Materials, and there must be a
contingency and emergency response plan in place in case
there is an accident.
All journeys with explosives need to be coordinated with
the ROP, and can only be done by companies registered and
licenced by the ROP.
Loading for Eventual Transport by Aircraft, or
Transporting from an Airport
Air transport uses a different set of rules, contained in two
manuals "Dangerous Goods Regulations" (lATA) and
"Technical Instructions for the Transport of Dangerous
Goods by Air" (ICAO). If hazardous materials are being
packed or transported to go to an airport, check the relevant
regulations.
Loading for Eventual Transport by Sea, or
Transporting From A Port
Sea transport uses a different set of rules, contained in the
reference "International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code"
(IMO). If hazardous materials are being packed or
transported to go to a port, or coming from a port, check the
relevant regulations.
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
All loading and unloading operations must start with a Task
55
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials must comply
with ROP and PDO standards.
Only specially licenced vehicles must be used for the
transport of hazardous materials.
Packaging and containers must meet international minimum
safety standards for the transport of hazardous materials.
Storage areas must be secure, clean, and there must be
adequate equipment to deal with fires, spills and first-aid
treatment.
Visually examine the condition of the packaging,
containers, and bags for hazardous materials, to decide if
they are suitable for the journey or storage.
Damage or faults must be reported immediately. Do not use
or transport damaged or worn containers or bags.
Vehicles must be fitted with fire-extinguishers for a fire in
the load, and the vehicle first-aid kit must contain relevant
first-aid equipment.
Each hazardous material must have a Materials Safety Data
Sheet and the driver of the vehicle must carry a
TREMCARD.
These cards provide details for emergency services if there
is an accident.
For handling and transporting radioactive sources, the
Personal Protective Equipment requirements are in the HSE
Manual, Part 4.
Personal Protective Equipment
Depends upon material, see Materials Safety Data Sheet.
Gloves, Coveralls, Eye Protectors, Breathing Apparatus as
relevant.
Audit. (See the Task Sheet: "Loading and Unloading".)
 STORING AND TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
When working with hazardous materials, make sure the
Materials Safety Data Sheet or TREMCARD is at the site.
Use the information on that sheet to make sure that
appropriate firefighting and first aid equipment is on site.
Any tasks involving Hazardous Materials must be
supervised by a trained, experienced foreman or supervisor
who can read the Materials Safety Data Sheet/
TREMCARD.
Drivers of hazardous materials loads must be trained,
experienced drivers who know what to do in an emergency
or after an accident, and who are trained in the use of fire
extinguishers.
56
Any tasks involving Hazardous Materials must be
supervised by a responsible, trained, experienced foreman
or supervisor.
Radioactive Materials
The requirements for working with radioactive sources are
included in the PDO HSE Manual, Part 4, Section 11. You
will need to establish that personnel are trained and
experienced according to those regulations.
Always use the relevant sections of the HSE Manual.
Explosives
For the storage and transport of explosives, full information
is contained in the PDO Supply Department Procedure
C.ll.0l, 03-03-91 "Handling of Explosives".
Spillages and Leaks
All spills and leaks of any hazardous materials, must be
reported immediately. Use PDO Operations Standard SI 17
"Spillage Reporting" and its forms.
 STORING AND TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
WORKING PRACTICE
Handling, Storage and Transport of Hazardous
Materials
Do not mix hazardous materials.
Never put hazardous materials of one kind in the storage
area or boxes or drums of another kind, even if it is only
temporary.
There are several reference documents which must be
consulted by the foreman or supervisor when planning any
storage or transport of hazardous materials.
1) "International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road"
(ADR Regulations), United Nations (updated every 2
years)
2) PDO Toxic Materials Manual
3) PDO HSE Manual, Section 4.
The manual "Croner's Dangerous Substances" provides
regularly updated information and is easy to use. It does not
contain all drilling chemicals.
57
Exposure to Waste Gases and Substances
Rubbish and waste materials may be toxic.
Waste disposal must be planned to avoid a build up of toxic
materials.
Any disposal of hazardous materials must be authorised by
APF/61 (for DPU-A) or BPC/I (for DPU-B), and registered
by the disposal site custodians (AON/IF for DPU-A, BOR/4
for DPU-B).
For full disposal information, see PDO Operations Standard
SI 16 "Disposal of Chemical Waste"
All personnel must know that there is a specific procedure
for disposing of all hazardous wastes, including batteries,
and motor and lubricating oils.
 L I F T I N G
LIFTING PRACTICE
Lifting anything creates a potential hazard because the object being lifted may fall, the lifting equipment may swing against
something, or the object may cause the lifting equipment to fall over.
Lifting tasks must always be planed in advance.
As the use of forklifts, vehicle-mounted cranes, and hydraulic lifts is often unsupervised during a job, it is essential that
personnel are specially trained to use the equipment. This training must include knowing the safe working limits of the
equipment, what not to do, and how to prevent a problem becoming an accident!

Colour Coding
Only use lifting gear which has the correct colour code as shown below in the list.
For example, in May 94 you can use lifting equipment which has an orange or light blue colour code painted on it. In June
94 you can use equipment which has yellow or light blue.

Orange: Dec 93 to May 94. Orange: Dec 95 to May 96

Light Blue: Mar 94 to Aug 94 Light Blue: Mar 96 to Aug 96
Yellow: Jun 94 to Nov 94 Yellow: Jun 96 to Nov 96
Pink: Sep 94 to Feb 95 Pink: Sep 96 to Feb 97
Green: Dec 94 to May 95 Green: Dec 96 to May 97
Dark Blue: Mar 95 to Aug 95 Dark Blue: Mar 97 to Aug 97
Purple: Jun 95 to Nov 95 Purple: Jun 97 to Nov 97
White: Sep 95 to Feb 96 White: Sep 97 to Feb 98

58
L I F T I N G

Task Sheet:
Storing, Issuing and Certifying
Lifting Equipment and Containers

Task Sheet: Using a Forklift

Task Sheet: Using a Crane

Task Sheet:
Using a Vehicle-Mounted Crane

Task Sheet: Using a

Hydraulic Lift or Cherrypickers

59
 STORING, ISSUING & CERTIFYING LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND CONTAINERS

All lifting equipment, lifting gear, containers, including

slings and shackles, must be recorded.

They must be inspected regularly, and stored correctly, with

issues controlled to avoid worn or damaged equipment
being used.

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

Lifting gear includes all slings, ropes, shackles, chains, etc,
used for lifting containers and loads.
All cranes, forklifts, lifting gear and containers must be
recorded in a Lifting Equipment Register, and a responsible
person must be appointed as Lifting Equipment Custodian.
There can be a Lifting Equipment Custodian for different
categories of equipment.
The Lifting Equipment Custodian(s) is responsible for the
storage and issue of lifting gear and containers, for
arranging the inspection and certification of equipment as
necessary, and for keeping the Lifting Equipment Register
up to date. The Lifting Equipment Custodian(s) must be a
supervisor, but the day-to-day work of issuing, storing, and
recording equipment, may be delegated to a more junior
person.
Every supervisor using any lifting equipment must know
only to use registered lifting equipment and who is
responsible for the register.
The Lifting Equipment Register must include for each piece
of lifting equipment:
1) Unique identification number.
2) Safe Working Load (Empty Weight and Maximum
Payload for containers).
3) Description.
4) Manufacturer.
5) All certificates, inspection reports and details of heat
treatment.
6) Details of wear, damage, and repairs.
7) Date of first use.
8) Inspection dates.
The use of Lifting Equipment is controlled by the PDO
Lifting Equipment Code of Practice (PDO-ES-CS-80-01).
The Lifting Equipment Custodian(s) must have a copy of
this Code.
All storage areas for lifting gear should be cool and dry to
prevent corrosion damaging it.
If a wire rope breaks in service, the whole rope must be
discarded.
Repair of lifting equipment shall be by replacement using
certified manufacturers spares where practicable.
Any repairs to structural steel work on mechanical pieces of
lifting equipment will require a new inspection certificate
and proof-load testing.
Any substantial repair and any alteration will require re-
examination and a new Test Certificate before the
equipment can be issued again.
Refer to manufacturer's information about the visual
inspection of wire rope and other lifting gear. The
manufacturer's information and general information on
using and visually inspecting lifting gear must be available
to the Lifting Equipment Custodian(s).

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL

Personnel storing, or issuing lifting gear and containers

should be literate in English, to be able to read the Lifting When an inspector decides that a piece is not safe, he
Equipment Register. should witness its destruction.

Lifting gear which is not safe to use, and which cannot be

repaired, must be destroyed by cutting it into pieces so that
it cannot be used by anyone.

60
 STORING, ISSUING & CERTIFYING LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND CONTAINERS

WORKING PRACTICE

Duties for Lifting Equipment Custodian Freight Containers

(and for any junior personnel delegated day-to-day Must be clearly marked with:
responsibility for issuing and storing equipment) 1) A unique identification/fleet number.
2) Empty and Maximum Payload in kg or metric tonnes.
General 3) Date of last inspection.
Store slings on a rack in a dry place.
Keep slings away from welding and cutting operations. Cranes and Forklifts
Must be clearly marked with:
First Issue/First Use 1) A unique identification fleet number.
All cranes, forklifts, lifting gear, and containers must have a 2) The Safe Working Load (SWL) in kg or metric tonnes.
Test Certificate, specifying the Safe Working Load, from a 3) A load chart permanently attached to the vehicle or
competent (PDO approved) authority and a unique equipment.
identification number before first issue. 4) Date of last inspection.
Cranes and forklifts should be inspected every 12 months,
by an inspector from a (PDO approved) inspection authority
(Every 6 months for lifting gear, every 3 years for
containers but more frequently if regular user inspections
show structural damage or corrosion).
The results of the inspections must be recorded in the
Lifting Equipment Register within l4-days.
A copy must be sent to the PDO Contract Holder at the
same time (if relevant).
Equipment which is not safe shall be withdrawn
immediately and destroyed if repairs are not possible.

Lifting Gear
Must be clearly marked with:
1) A unique identification number.
2) The Safe Working Load (SWL) in kg or metric tonnes.
3) (For permanent multiple leg slings, the SWL marked
shall
4) be that at an included angle of 90 degrees.)
5) A symbol or grade number indicating the material and
heat treatment applied.
6) Current colour code -see in the introduction to the
Lifting section.

61
 USING A FORKLIFT
The potential dangers of a forklift truck operation mean that
all operators should work to an international Code of
Practice, such as the British Industrial Truck Association's
"Operator's Safety Code for Powered Industrial Trucks" or
the "Operator's Safety Code for Rough Terrain Lift
Trucks".

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

The supervisor or foreman should plan the work for a
forklift truck to avoid unnecessary driving.
Know weights of loads and also if the centre of gravity of
any load might cause problems for lifting.
Make sure that the correct fork attachments are used for
lifting the various loads.
Use only forklift trucks that meet the minimum safety
standards set by PDO.
The load must be suitable for lifting. Check that it is.
Pallets & bags can decay if they have been in storage too
long.

Using a Forklift with a Vehicle.Mounted Crane Forklift Trucks

Not permitted unless both the forklift and the crane can
safely do the lift on their own.
This operation is permitted only when working in confined
spaces preventing one or the other from doing he whole job.
This operation must only be done with a Permit-To-Work.
Using two forklifts together to lift one load
Not permitted.
Using a forklift as a small crane
It is impractical for these operations to completely comply
with the information in the Task Sheet "Using a Crane", but
the supervisor of this kind of activity should read, adapt,
and apply relevant parts of that Task Sheet as necessary.
They should be kept clean and free of dust.
Forklift trucks must be inspected every 12 months by a
PDO approved inspection agency, and an inspection
certificate issued.
Fork Attachments
Only use attachments designed to be used with the relevant
forklift truck, and approved by the forklift manufacturer.
The Safe Working Load must be clearly marked.
Fork attachments should be inspected every 6 months for
damage or wear.
Any damaged or worn equipment must not be used.
If it cannot be repaired, it must be destroyed and thrown
out.

It is recommended that the Task Sheet: "Loading and

Unloading" is also used when forklifts are being operated as
it contains relevant information.

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL

Only allow experienced, specially trained personnel to

operate forklift trucks.

Forklift operations should be controlled by a foreman.

This control does not need to be constant, but the foreman
should spend time working with forklift truck operators
during the day to see that they work safely.

62
 USING A FORKLIFT

WORKING PRACTICE

Operating a Forklift Truck 22) Take extra care when operating at high lift heights with
1) Check the vehicle every day before starting work and an extended load distance. The forklift truck can
after lunch. Report any faults. become unstable very quickly.
2) Make sure that the forklift truck is suitable for the work 23) Forklift trucks can tip over very easily on comers,
you have been given and the area (Is it a hazardous especially when empty.
area?) 24) Check for overhead power lines. Make sure that the
3) Face the cab when getting on or off, and look for the forklift truck or the load never comes closer than 6m to
steps and handles. an electricity cable.
4) Carry loads as near to the ground as practical. 25) Check for overhead obstructions -especially when
5) Look in the direction of travel before and while lifting.
moving. 26) If your truck is about to tip over: Stay inside the truck!
Do not be distracted. Hold on firmly! Brace your feet! Lean away from the
6) If you cannot see because the load is too big, travel point of impact!
backwards. Never raise the load to see forwards.
7) Make sure that the place where you will put the load Working on a Slope or Gradient
down is strong enough (If in doubt, check first) and The load should be in front when going up a slope.
that there are no people there. Check that vehicles can Get help if you cannot see.
carry the weight before driving onto them! Go in reverse down a slope when loaded.
8) Do not carry loads that could split above the fork Go forward down a slope when empty.
backrest and fall onto the cab. The fork arms should always be tilted back when going up
9) Drive slowly and smoothly. Slow down on gravel, slopes.
dusty, or wet surfaces. Before going up or down a slope, check that the forklift can
10) Never drive over loose objects (stones, planks, wood). do this safely by testing it first, empty and at a very slow
11) Some forklift trucks cannot stop as quickly when they speed.
are empty, especially in reverse.
12) Slow down before going around comers, and sound the
horn.
13) Never carry passengers!
14) Do not push or tow other vehicles.
15) Do not carry any unsafe load or any load where the
pallet or box is damaged.
16) Never allow anyone to walk under the forks. Never
pass over people with the forks.
17) Before driving onto vehicles, make sure that the
vehicle is not going to tip up. This can happen when a
forklift drives onto the back of a semi-trailer or cargo
vehicle
18) Never allow personnel to come between the forklift
truck and a solid object, in case the brakes fail.
19) When changing the position of fork arms, check that
the end stops are in position.
20) Before leaving a forklift truck, make sure that the
brakes are on, the controls are at neutral, the fork arms
down, and the power switched off. Remove the keys.
21) Never attempt to lift loads heavier than that shown on
the load distance charts for that forklift truck.

63
 USING A CRANE
Cranes may only be operated by trained operators with
trained banksmen controlling the operation.
All crane operations must comply with British Standard
Code of Practice CP7121, Part 1, "Safe Use of Cranes".
PLANNING INFORMATION
Plan any lifting operation in advance.
Know the weights of loads to be lifted before going to the
work-site, and make sure correct lifting gear is taken for the
job.
A Lift Planning Checklist written by the UK Health and
Safety Executive is on the following page -use it when you
receive an order to carry out a lift.
Use the operating instructions for the crane to check that the
proposed lifting site is suitable for the crane, or if any
special actions are needed to make the site safe.
Tandem Lifting (with two cranes or a forklift and a
crane)
The exact weight of the load, the centre of gravity, and
weight distribution must be known before the lift starts. The
supervisor must carefully check the lifting calculations to
make sure that the cranes are not overloaded.
The combined use of a forklift and a crane is only allowed
in exceptional circumstances, and only with the permission
of the PDO Senior Transport Supervisor or the senior
company site representative.
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
Only allow experienced, specially trained personnel to
operate cranes.
All lifting operations must be supervised, by a banksman
who understands the principles and mechanics of lifting. A
crane operator is not allowed to supervise the lift as he
cannot always see the whole operation.
Personal Protective Equipment for the Operator
Safety helmet with the chins trap fastened, while working
outside the cab.
Safety boots.
Safety gloves while doing checks on the crane.
Faults and Damage
64
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Only use types of lifting equipment that are approved by
PDO. Only use cranes which are correctly specified
according to the PDO ERD "Code of Practice for the Safe
Use of Lifting Equipment."
All lifting gear (slings, shackles, etc) must be in good
condition, and have the current colour code. The Safe
Working Load of lifting gear must be visible and checked
for suitability with the intended lift.
Current colour codes are shown on page 40.
Lifting tables and information are needed to help personnel
plan and do the lifting. The crane operating instructions
contain most of the information, but additional general
information must be available on correct slinging and lifting
tackle practices.
For information on the use of certified lifting gear, see the
Task Sheet "Storing, Issuing, and Certifying Lifting
Equipment and Containers".
Faults or damage to any lifting gear or lifting equipment
must be reported to the person responsible for storing and
issuing lifting gear, in writing. Report any equipment
destroyed and removed.
At the Lifting Site
All loading and unloading operations and any other
operation involving a crane must start with a Task Audit at
the worksite.
The Task Audit for lifting should concentrate on making
sure that the equipment is suitable for the job, and also for
any obstructions or overhead power lines. There must be a
6m gap between any object and a power line. A lifting Task
Audit can be combined with the Loading/Unloading Task
Audit. (See the Task Sheet: "Loading and Unloading").
 USING A CRANE
Use standard hand signals for communicating with the
crane operator.

Check that the crane operator can use relevant lifting

information and tables so that any lifting is done safely.
Discuss each lift with the crane operator.
Make sure the operator uses the controls smoothly and can
judge heights and distances.
Stand clear of the load, and keep in sight of the operator.

65
 USING A CRANE
WORKING PRACTICE
Operating the Crane
Only use the crane if it has a valid inspection certificate.
The crane boom or load must never come closer than 6m
from a power cable -check the site before lifting starts.
Visually inspect the equipment before use.
Never let the boom or load swing into the path of vehicles
or personnel. If necessary, close a road or path using cones
or warning lights.
Always use all the stabilisers, and lock them in the
operating position.
Know or estimate the weights of loads. If unsure, take the
strain first to check that the weight can be safely lifted.
Remember to consider additional weight created by the
wind.
Before lifting starts, know exactly where the load is being
lifted from and to.
Use lifting tables and information to calculate the required
Safe Working Loads of lifting gear, the required sling
lengths, the required hooks, permitted angles, and methods
of fastening and unfastening lifting gear.
Do not move the crane at all until you can see that other
personnel are clear of the load.
Use the controls smoothly.
Never lift the load above people, and never leave the load
hanging in the air.
Stay at the controls while the load is in the air.
If the crane starts to strain, the load may be stuck -stop
immediately and put the load down.
Make sure all personnel working with you understand
exactly what is being done.
Loading must be done so that any vehicle remains stable
and can be controlled normally.
Do not move the crane with the load suspended in the air.
Do not move the crane until the boom and equipment is
secured in the transport position, with the stabilisers put
away and locked in the transport position.
Wind and Storms
Stop all operations when a thunderstorm is nearby.
Check the operating instructions for the wind speed up to
which work with the crane is permitted.
Winds increase the weight of the load -stronger lifting gear
will be needed.
Stop lifting operations when high winds or storms make it
difficult to control loads in the air, or when the wind speed
is higher than that permitted.
Note that in stormy weather, gusts of wind (microbursts)
can be double the prevailing wind speed, so it is advised
66
that operators stop work at half the permitted wind speed if
a storm is expected or nearby.
Getting Up and Down
Wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened.
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!).
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lift objects safely, and share the lifting of heavy objects.
Lifting Planning Checklist
1) Has the person responsible for planning the lift been
adequately trained?
2) What steps have been taken to check the weight, the
centre of gravity, the type of load, and the lifting points
to be used?
3) Where is the load to be lifted from and to?
4) Using the answer to 3, where is the best position for the
crane?
5) With the crane in the position, what is the maximum
radius at which the crane will operate when carrying
out the lift?
6) Taking into account the length of slings, etc. and the
necessary clearance between the load and the crane jib,
what is the maximum height to which the crane jib
head must be raised to complete the lift?
7) Taking into account the weight of slings etc. and the
crane hook block, what is the maximum load that will
be placed on the crane during the lift?
8) With the answers to 5, 6, and 7, what crane can safely
carry out the lift?
9) How will the crane be rigged (For example; jib length,
counterweight, etc.)
10) Are there any slew limitations on the crane in this
condition, and if so, have they been taken into account?
11) At the position selected for the lift, are the ground
conditions adequate for this crane (For example;
enough space, level, and strong enough to hold the
crane and the load)?
 USING A CRANE
12) Is there enough space at the site to erect the crane (if
relevant)? If there is not enough space, where will the
crane be erected? Can the crane travel in the erected
condition? Is the ground suitable at the crane erection
site? Is access between the crane erection site and the
lifting position suitable for the crane?
13) Are there electrical or other elevated obstructions
(bridges, buildings, etc.) at the site?
14) Is there adequate and safe access and exit for the crane
on site?
15) Are all the necessary certificates for the crane and
lifting gear available and valid?
16) Has the necessary maintenance been carried out on the
crane?
17) Have the drivers, riggers, banksman, etc. received
adequate training on this crane?
18) Does the crane operator know who to contact if there is
a technical problem?
19) Has the driver been advised of the checks in this
checklist (Results of Numbers 2, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,
and 13)?
20) Does the crane operator know what to do if the crane
breaks down (For example: to make sure the crane is
not operated while men are working on it)? Do the
maintenance personnel know these routines?
21) Have enough components (including setting devices
for the automatic safe load indicator) been supplied to
rig the crane, according to the results of Number 9,
above?

67
 USING A VEHICLE-MOUNTED CRANE
Vehicle-mounted cranes are used to move light loads on
and off vehicles (usually trucks). These include Hiab, Atlas,
and Palfinger Cranes mounted on trucks and some pickups.
PLANNING INFORMATION
Plan their use in advance.
Make sure correct lifting gear is taken for the job.
Before the work starts, plan the task carefully.
Use the operating instructions for the crane to check that the
proposed lifting site is suitable for the crane, or if any
special actions are needed to make the site safe.
Lifting with a Forklift and a Vehicle-Mounted Crane
Not permitted unless both the forklift and the crane can
safely do the lift on their own.
This operation is permitted only when working in confined
spaces preventing one or the other from doing the whole
job. This operation must be done with a Permit-To-Work.
For general information, about the truck, see the Task
Sheet: "Using a Truck"
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
Only allow experienced, specially trained personnel to use
vehicle-mounted cranes.
Never allow a vehicle-mounted crane to be used by one
person alone. There must be a second person to assist and
guide the operator while the operator controls the crane.
A foreman should supervise the lift, whenever possible, but
it is often not practical to have a foreman there.
68
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Only use types of load securing and lifting gear that are
approved by PDO.
Only use registered and inspected lifting gear.
Visually examine load securing equipment and lifting gear
carefully.
Load securing equipment must be in good condition, with
no damage.
Lifting gear (slings, shackles, tag-lines, etc) must be in
good condition, with no damage and have the current colour
code.
The Safe Working Load of lifting gear must be visible and
checked for suitability for the load being lifted.
Current colour codes are shown on page 40.
Before unloading check chains and restrainers for excessive
tension.
Unfasten the load securing equipment carefully.
Any gear which is worn, damaged, or broken must not be
used. If the gear is not suitable for repairs (slings and
shackles) destroy it, so that other people cannot use it by
accident.
For information on the use of certified lifting gear, see the
Task Sheet "Storing, Issuing, and Certifying Lifting
Equipment and Containers".
The task of the foreman is help the operator, making sure
that the correct operating procedures for the crane are used,
to help with the lifting of the load, and to act as an extra
pair of eyes to watch the areas that the driver/operator
cannot see.
Personnel should be checked for any fear of heights, and
anyone with such fear must not work on ladders or high
loads.
Fear of heights is often made worse in high temperatures.
 USING A VEHICLE-MOUNTED CRANE
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety helmet with the chins trap fastened.
Safety boots.

Faults and Damage

Faults or damage to any lifting gear or lifting equipment
must be reported to the person responsible for storing and
issuing lifting gear, in writing. Also report any equipment
destroyed and removed.
Always note any damage to the load (or suspected damage)
on the manifest when loading.

If damage is done to the load during unloading, the foreman

must report it immediately to his supervisor who must
arrange with the owner or user of the load or equipment for
inspection or tests.

The information in the Task Sheet: "Loading/Unloading" is

also relevant.

69
 USING A VEHICLE-MOUNTED CRANE
WORKING PRACTICE
Operating the Crane
Only use the crane if it has a valid inspection certificate.
The crane boom or load must never be closer than 6 metres
from any power cable -check the site before lifting starts.
Never let the boom or load swing into the path of vehicles
or personnel. If necessary, close a road or path using cones
or warning lights.
Visually inspect the equipment before use.
Always use all the stabilisers, and lock them in the
operating position.
Before lifting starts, know exactly where the load is being
lifted from and to.
Know or estimate the weights of loads. If unsure, take the
strain first to check that the weight can be safely lifted.
Use lifting tables and information to calculate the required
Safe Working Loads of lifting gear, the required sling
lengths, the required hooks, permitted angles, and methods
of fastening and unfastening lifting gear
Do not move the crane at all until you can see that other
personnel are clear of the load.
Use the controls smoothly.
Before starting to load or unload, make sure that loads are
not resting against the doors or panels, then open all the
doors and side panels so that the load and cargo area can be
seen.
Never lift the load above people, and never leave the load
hanging in the air.
Stay at the controls while the load is in the air.
If the crane starts to strain, the load may be stuck -stop
immediately and put the load back down again.
Make sure that personnel involved understand exactly what
is being done.
Load so that the vehicle remains stable and can be
controlled normally -do not overload one side or one axle.
Never move the vehicle until the crane is locked in the
transport position, and the stabilisers put away and locked
in the transport position.
Rigging and Slinging with a Vehicle-Mounted Crane
Use a ladder or steps to get onto and off vehicles, and never
jump down.
Never go under a suspended load.
Never ride on any load being moved.
Wind and Storms
Stop all operations when a thunderstorm is near.
70
Check the operating instructions for the wind speed up to
which work with the crane is permitted.
Stop lifting operations when high winds or storms make it
difficult to control loads in the air, or when the wind speed
is higher than permitted.
Note that in stormy weather, gusts of wind (microbursts)
can be double the prevailing wind speed, so it is advised
that operators stop work at half the permitted wind speed if
a storm is expected or nearby.
Getting Up and Down on a Vehicle or Load
Wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened.
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!)
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lift objects safely, and share the lifting of heavy objects.
Overloaded Vehicles and Unstable Loads
Badly placed loads can overload a vehicle or make it
difficult to control.
When placing loads do not overload one side or one axle of
the vehicle.
Dangerous Surfaces
Take care on any surface (including the ground and the
cargo area of trucks) that is not smooth and strong enough,
or if it has holes, or is slippery.
Many trucks have floors made of wooden planks which can
rot or break.
Check the strength and condition of the floor carefully, and
look for holes and edges.
Damage and holes must be reported, and the foreman
should inform the vehicle provider to get it fixed.
 USING A HYDRAULIC LIFT OR CHERRYPICKER
Hydraulic lifts/cherrypickers are used for work on high
structures.
The main dangers are from personnel falling from the
platform, hitting electrical cables or the structure being
worked on, and hitting other personnel as the platform
moves.

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

All operations using hydraulic lifts must be carefully
planned.
Before work starts, the foreman or supervisor should check
for any hazards at the actual site, including any overhead
electrical cables, wires, or other obstructions.
Any work on overhead cables requires a permit, under the
Electrical Safety Operating Procedures (ESOPs). No work
on or near electrical equipment or power lines shall start
unless the tasks comply with the requirements of ESOPs.
The ground must be flat (maximum side gradient -5
degrees) and strong enough to hold the vehicle.
The personnel working on the hydraulic lift must each have
a safety helmet with the chinstrap attached and use a proper
safety harness.
The safety harness must be specially designed. It is not
allowed for personnel to tie themselves to the frame with
rope or cord.
Any other personal protective equipment depends upon the
work being done.
A radio or intercom is needed to communicate with
personnel on the ground.
The operating instructions must always be available in the
vehicle.

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL

Only allow experienced, specially trained personnel to
operate hydraulic lifts.
The supervisor must check that personnel do not suffer
from a fear of heights. Any personnel who do suffer from a
fear of heights are not allowed to work with hydraulic lifts.
Personnel must only work on a hydraulic lift when there is
a person on the ground who has been trained to operate the
ground-level controls.
Personnel should use standard lifting hand signals to
communicate with each other, in case the radio or intercom
fails.
Never allow personnel to work on any live electrical
equipment or cables, even if the hydraulic lift is insulated. It
is advised that any information relating to "uninsulated
work" is removed from the operating instructions to prevent
misunderstandings.

Check that personnel know the rules and operating

instructions.

Personnel using hydraulic lifts must be able to calculate

total weights and understand the load reach information (if
relevant)
- if they do not, you are responsible for planning the work
or delegating responsibility to a foreman who can do the
planning.

71
 USING A HYDRAULIC LIFT OR CHERRYPICKER
WORKING PRACTICE
Operating a Hydraulic Lift
Before starting work, check that the hydraulic lift
equipment and platform is in good condition (no oil or fluid
leaks, no warning lights, clean working surface, no
damage).
Check the safe working load of the platform, and know the
weights of all loads being carried.
Do not carry extra loads or equipment if you are not able to
do the calculations to check that it will be safe to carry
them.
Check for the position of overhead power lines or cables,
including others close to where you will be working. Use
information in the ESOPs manual for minimum clearances
required from live cables.
Use hazard warning lights and portable flashing lights and
cones to protect the vehicle if it is being used while parked
on a road.
Always keep the safety harness attached to the correct
points on the frame.
Never use a hydraulic platform unless the stabilisers are
extended and locked in their operating position.
Operate the mechanism slowly and smoothly, watching for
any obstructions (in any direction and above and below).
Obey any orders from personnel on the ground to come
down.
Never drive the vehicle with the platform raised or the
stabilisers in the operating position.
Never use the hydraulic lift as a crane to lift loads
suspended under the platform.
Do not carry passengers - only the personnel doing the
work are allowed on the hydraulic lift.
Do not tie the platform to a fixed structure!
Always wear a safety hat with the chinstrap fastened
whenever you are on a hydraulic lift.
72
Instructions for Person on the Ground
Stay nearby and within easy reach of the ground-level
controls at all times.
Watch for signals from the personnel in the hydraulic lift.
Getting Up and Down
Before climbing up or down, look for the best way.
Use steps, handles, and footrests available.
Make use of flat spaces on the way up or down to check the
handles and footrests again.
Climb slowly and smoothly.
Do not hold anything in the hands (or teeth!).
Climb up or down facing inwards.
Do not jump or swing from equipment.
Use ladders to get to or from difficult parts, but use them
only on solid, flat ground.
Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lift objects safely, and share the lifting of heavy objects.
Wind and Storms
Stop all operations when a thunderstorm is nearby.
Check the operating instructions for the wind speed up to
which work with the hydraulic lift is permitted.
Stop operations when the wind speed is higher than that
permitted.
Note that in stormy weather, gusts of wind (microbursts)
can be double the prevailing wind speed, so it is advised
that operators stop work at half the permitted wind speed if
a storm is expected or nearby.
 O P E R A T I O N S
OPERATIONS PRACTICE
The Task Sheets in this Operations section provide information for specific operations using a variety of vehicles and lifting
equipment.
It is important to note that most sections and many other Tasks Sheets earlier in this manual need to be used in order to
have a safe operation.

In practice, the three Task Sheets "Rig and Camp Moving", "Winching Operations", and "Running a Convoy of Heavy
Vehicles" are three separate but very closely related operations.

73
O P E R A T I O N S

Task Sheet: Rig and Camp Moving

ask Sheet: Winching Operations

Task Sheet:
Running a Convoy of Heavy Vehicles

74
 RIG AND CAMP MOVING
Trailerised rig components may be as much as 8m wide and
30m long.
This is the main Task Sheet for rig/camp moves, but always
use the special Task Sheets: "Winching Operations" and
"Running a Convoy of Heavy Vehicles", as well as other
general Task Sheets.
PLANNING INFORMATION
Rig/Camp moves must be notified at least 3 days in
advance, in writing.
The PDO Drilling Supervisor sends the load priority listing
to the PDO Senior Transport Supervisor, and allocates
personnel and equipment.
Only one Transport Supervisor must be in charge of the
overall move.
The Drilling Supervisor and the Senior Transport
Supervisor prepare the rig/camp move journey management
plan.
The Senior Transport Supervisor further briefs the
Transport Supervisor on the date and route of the rig move,
the refuelling plans, any stopovers, together with a list of
the names of the foremen, personnel, and equipment to be
used. This information is also written down.
Electrical Clearance Certificates
At least 24 hours notice is required for obtaining clearance
to pass under or near overhead power lines.
The move cannot start until the Transport Supervisor has all
the overhead power lines clearance certificates. Use the
procedure contained in the Electrical Safety Operating
Procedures: ESOP 20, ERD 64-07.
Permits-to-Work for Pipeline Crossings
The Transport Supervisor arranges Permits-to-Work for
crossing pipelines from the asset custodian.
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
The Transport Supervisor checks the personnel and
equipment lists and the rig move plans, and confirms that
the journey management plan is satisfactory, considering
especially drivers' hours and shift changes.
Check that other supervisors, foremen, and personnel
understand the various rules and regulations with regard to
75
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
All equipment must be visually checked before the move
starts.
Heavy Oilfield Prime-Movers are needed to tow trailers,
but when Prime-Movers are needed to work in tandem, they
should have automatic transmission.
Use the rig-specific procedures for positioning and
preparation for moving the following:
the mast trailer, the drawworks trailer, and the pump
trailers.
All trucks must have a heavy duty sling or the winchline
attached to the trailer to relieve the pressure on the kingpin
or drawbar of the trailer.
The Transport Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that
loads are correctly secured, and that prime-movers are
properly connected to trailers.
The Transport Supervisor must have a first-aid kit and be
competent to use it.
All vehicles must have enough drinking water and rations
for the journey. (Equipment for convoy escort vehicles is
listed on the Task Sheet: "Running a Convoy of Heavy
Vehicles").
relevant activities such as winching, driving on graded
roads, and convoys.
Arrange for an ROP escort, informing them of all timings
and planned stopovers.
Also use the information in the Task Sheets: "Winching
Operations", "Running a Convoy of Heavy Vehicles",
"Using a Truck", and "Loading and Unloading".
 RIG AND CAMP MOVING
Location and Route Inspections
The location will be inspected by the PDO Drilling
Supervisor (or the Drilling Contractor Toolpusher) , using
the location checklist, and he will also drive along the
proposed route.
Hazardous Areas and H2S Gas
As with any operation in a potentially hazardous area, the
Transport Supervisor must check that all personnel
including the drivers of ad-hoc trucks have a valid H2S pass
if the rig move involves working in an H2S area.

The appointed Transport Supervisor inspects the route and After the move
location at least 48 hours in advance, checking the After a rig move, the Transport Supervisor visually inspects
following: the trucks and equipment.
1) Road and location conditions (Any work necessary?) The Transport Supervisor and the Drilling Supervisor agree
2) Diversions required or roadworks in progress? and sign the Rig Move Report
3) High voltage overhead power lines?
4) Any other obstructions? (e.g. Pipeline crossings strong
enough, gradients, wadis, culverts, bridges?)

The Transport Supervisor completes the Pre Rig Move

Road and Location Report for the Senior Transport
Supervisor, who arranges any required action immediately.

76
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES
Heavy pieces of equipment can be loaded onto trucks or
trailers using vehicle-mounted winches.
This operation is extremely hazardous as the load is usually
very heavy and ground friction adds to the total mass being
moved during winching.
PLANNING INFORMATION
Winching must be planned and directly supervised by a
supervisor with at least 5 yrs experience of transporting
heavy loads, and 3 yrs experience as a supervisor. The
supervisor must also be trained to operate winches, and be
approved by PDO.
In principle, a crane should be used in preference to
winching.
Only companies registered as a transport contractor are
permitted to carry out winching activities.
Select the trucks carefully -know the loading list, weights,
and centres of gravity in advance.
The stresses on an oilfield vehicle gear-train are the main
factor when selecting vehicles for specific moves, rather
than the axle capacity.
For rig moves, the Drilling Contractor Toolpusher is
responsible for ensuring that his personnel have rigged the
equipment up or down and prepared everything for
transport.
Breakdown Truck Operations
For recovering break down vehicles, use the same basic
principles as detailed in this Task Sheet.
The breakdown truck operator must be specially trained to
operate the breakdown winch and be competent to recover
and tow vehicles safely.
Winches on Light Vehicles
For using winches fitted to light vehicles, use the same
basic principles as detailed in this Task Sheet.
The winch operator must be specially trained to operate the
winch.
SUPERVISING PERSONNEL
Before starting, hold a Task Audit with all personnel.
The supervisor must have permission to winch, and must
have control over the worksite.
77
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Winches must be visually inspected every week by
mechanics specifically trained for the purpose, with a
twice-yearly inspection by a competent person from a PDO-
approved inspection company.
Visually inspect winching gear (winch-lines, tail chains,
etc.) before each job, and fully inspect every 6 months.
The use of A-Frames is not permitted in PDO.
Use 1" (38,800kg nominal breaking strength) or 1 1/8"
(48,890kg nominal breaking strength) wire rope winchlines
(Bright finish, 6 X 37 Warrington Seale, IWRC preformed
improved plow steel).
Use a winchline with an open or solid thimble spliced at the
end, but these fittings must first be tested and approved for
oilfield use in Oman.
A tail chain should be used with a heavy duty hook,
appropriate to the mass of the winched load.
The tail chain can be connected directly to the thimble or
attached with a shackle.
Adequate load binders, restraining chains, wooden blocks,
mats, snatch blocks, slings and shackles are needed.
Before each operation, respool an entire winchline under
tension by anchoring the end to a skid and lightly applying
the truck brakes, while reeling in.
This ensures that rope is properly formed on the drum and
tightly packed preventing the lower layer foam from being
flattened or separated by the layers above.
Winching Task Audit
Start by assessing the worksite to see where loads are at the
start or where loads are to be spotted, identifying possible
hazards on the site, and considering the surface conditions.
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES
Discuss the plan with the men: Special care must be taken when loading short, heavy loads
1) Show the loads to be winched, and exactly where they to avoid overloading the front axle, which has a lower
are moving to. rating.
2) Show the winching gear. Loads with a high centre of gravity should be moved with a
3) Explain how the lifting tackle is to be used. lowbed trailer.
4) Explain what each person must do, and review hand Use wooden spacers to prevent skids damaging each other.
signals. For wide skids, attach the winchline to the two inner beams.
5) Check understanding. Lead the winchline out from under the skid lugs, never
over.
During Winching Attach the tail chain hook so it faces upwards. After
Make sure everyone is in a safe position before winching attaching the hook, slightly tension the winch line and
starts. centre the hook on the centre line of the skid.
Never allow anyone to stand in front of the skid to direct
the driver as he reverses.

78
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES
WORKING PRACTICE
Using Trailers
When loading, the prime mover should winch to the back of
the trailer, then couple up before repositioning the load to
distribute the weight. This reduces stress on both the trailer
and the prime-mover.
When loading over the back of a trailer already coupled to
the prime-mover, position the two in straight alignment and
chain them together with the chain running over the trailer
top surface and under the main chassis members of the
prime-mover. This prevents the trailer from being pulled
around to the side and reduces stress on the bottom lip of
the king-pin. (In this situation, the winch line should be in
the centre of the drum before lifting).
Always check the kingpin before coupling up.
Never allow anyone to go underneath a trailer while the
front is suspended in the air, while winching is taking place,
or while the trailer is uncoupled.
If using one trailer as a ramp to load another, chain the two
together to prevent them from separating.
Using Oilfield Trucks (also applicable when using trailers)
Allow the truck to roll under the skid, so that the winch line
is lifting only. Do not winch up by pulling the skid as the
winch line is lifting and pulling and the line pull is
increased by 50%.
In principle, loading should be done so that the wheels
remain on the ground. In practice, if the wheels do leave the
ground, make sure that the driver is able to get the truck
wheels on the ground before the skid tips onto the deck. If
these happen simultaneously, there is excessive stressing of
the front axle and the truck chassis.
Check that there is loading onto the front wheels to enable
steering (check that the tyres are deflected). If not, remove
the load and use a trailer instead.
Place the truck as close to the skid as possible, to increase
the weight imposed by the winchline on the rear axles.
It is also possible to chain two trucks together to increase
the weights, and use blocks of wood behind the wheels.
Never jerk the skid out of position by driving the truck
forward to snatch a slack winchline to a taut position!
79
Do not allow the skid to be at an angle to the rear of the
truck as it is lifted from the ground -the tail roller will get
damaged, and the skid could tip over or the winchline could
break.
Do not lift with the skid centre of gravity excessively to one
side of the truck centre line -the truck could tip over.
Loading and Load Distribution
Distribute load weight evenly on the truck or trailer, but
always make sure there is sufficient weight on the drive and
steering axles to cope with travelling on slopes and in soft
areas.
Mud pumps and any equipment with greatly offset centre of
gravity must be loaded with the assistance of a crane.
When moving over the tail roller, the last link of the tail
chain often twists and kinks the winchline, and the hook
also stresses the winchline. Always check these areas
before and after each winch is completed, and before setting
off with a load.
The winchline should be attached to the front of the trailer
during transport, (in case of kingpin or eyebolt failure) with
just enough slack to allow for turning.
Do not transport loads resting on the tailroller, as this will
wear the bearings rapidly -use wooden blocks to raise the
load above the roller.
Use comer pins to guide skids over the tailroller -they
reduce but do not eliminate the risk of tipping over if one
side of the truck starts to sink in soft ground.
At Soft Locations
If the ground is soft (which is likely near water and mud
tanks) skids can get caked in, and act as an anchor, making
it dangerous to winch because the resistance is increased.
Uneven Ground
If loads are being moved across uneven ground before
being fully secured on the truck, temporarily cross-chain
the load to prevent it slipping off the side.
Manual Lifting
Lifting objects by hand can cause back and muscle injuries.
Lift objects safely, and share lifting of heavy objects.
See the Task Sheets: "Using a Truck" and "Loading and
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES
Unloading" for more information.

80
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES
The transport supervisor must decide if a convoy is needed.
Always arrange a convoy for large numbers of loads
moving at the same time on one route.

During rig/camp moves, this Task Sheet should be used

together with the Task Sheet: "Rig and Camp Moving"

PLANNING INFORMATION EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

Arrange a convoy if the nature of the loads (very high, very
wide, or slow moving) will cause problems for other road
users.
The principle of a convoy is that the movement of the loads
needs direct supervision during the journey.
When a request to move loads is received, the transport
supervisor decides whether a convoy is required, and he
prepares the plans.
At least 48 hours is required to adequately prepare a
convoy.
Identify the equipment and personnel needed.
Arrange for all convoy vehicles to be inspected before they
are sent to the convoy start point.
Two escort vehicles are required for each convoy.
Each escort vehicle must have an orange flashing warning
light on the roof, and have at least two reflective warning
triangles, 10 plastic traffic cones with reflective bands, four
red flags, and a first-aid kit.
For any permitted night-time convoys each escort vehicle
must carry six portable flashing warning lights, and a
reflective jacket for the Convoy Supervisor and his
assistants, and two torches with spare batteries.

At least 24 hours notice is required for obtaining clearance Each convoy vehicle must have an orange flashing light on
for high loads to pass under or near overhead power lines. the roof, and the brake and hazard lights must be clean and
The move cannot start until all the overhead power line working. Each vehicle must have four plastic traffic cones.
clearance certificates are received. The Transport At night, convoy vehicles must also have two portable
Supervisor must use the procedure contained in the flashing lights, a reflective jacket for the driver and helper,
Electrical Safety Operating Procedures: ESOP 20, ERD 64- and a torch with spare batteries.
07.
Control a convoy with a short-range radio, so there is good
Prepare a Journey Management Plan, taking into account communication between the front and rear escort vehicles.
drivers' hours and shift changes during the whole convoy,
and the time taken to demobilise the vehicles. More Equipment Information is included in the Task Sheets
It is essential that two moving convoys do not pass each "Using a Truck" and "Rig and Camp Moving".
other.
The Journey Management Plan must include the date and
route of the convoy, the convoy speed, plans for steep hills,
refuelling plans, any stopovers, and the names and
responsibilities of all supervisors, together with a list of the
names of the foremen, personnel, and equipment to be used.
Agree the Plan with the relevant senior transport supervisor
or the transport manager, and the person requesting the
move.

Appoint a Convoy Supervisor, who has overall

responsibility for the convoy. For rig/camp moves, the
Convoy Supervisor reports to the Transport Supervisor
responsible for the rig-move.

81
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES

SUPERVISING PERSONNEL

Make sure all personnel understand the convoy rules. After arriving at a scheduled stop
Hold a Tailgate Meeting before the convoy starts to provide Make sure all vehicles are parked safely in a place where
journey information, the convoy speed, minimum space they do not cause danger to other road users.
between vehicles (never less than 200 metres on blacktop Make sure that all drivers recheck their load and truck.
roads and never less than 300 metres on graded roads), the
breakdown and emergency procedures, and any information After arriving at the final destination
about the route and planned stops. Report to the senior site supervisor and close the Journey
Management Plan.
During the Journey For rig/camp moves, a Rig Move Report should be written,
Try to make sure the convoy stays together, and watch for and the Convoy Supervisors, assistants, and drivers should
possible breakdowns or accidents. contribute to this.
Do not let other vehicles stay between the front escort
vehicle and the first truck. More information is included in the Task Sheet "Driving on
Stop the convoy by flashing the brake lights frequently until Graded Roads".
stopped.
For steep slopes, agree with drivers which gear will be
used.
Only one vehicle at a time is allowed on a slope.
On downhill slopes, use a second heavy vehicle or a heavy
wheeled loader attached to the rear of heavily loaded trucks
to provide extra braking.

82
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES
WORKING PRACTICE
Route and Location Inspection
For rig/camp moves and any convoys with wide or high
vehicles, a route inspection and a Pre Rig-Move Road and
Location Report is required, to identify hazards and plan
any engineering work or special permissions needed.
Driving Vehicles in a Convoy
Always observe the Dust Code, and never drive into a
dustcloud.
Use dipped headlights, even in the day.
Do not follow another truck onto a slope until it has got to
the top or bottom.
If the Convoy Supervisor wants to stop the convoy he will
flash his brake lights on and off as he slows. The vehicle
behind must do the same as he slows. Use your brakes to
stop, do not roll to a halt.
At every rest, clean all the lights on the vehicle, and check
your load and truck.
Be helpful to other drivers trying to pass you.
Convoy Breakdown Procedure
Stopping a convoy on a graded road where there is a lot of
dust is dangerous, and needs to be carefully controlled by
the supervisors at the scene.
Keep personnel inside their vehicles unless they are
helping, and make sure that anyone outside their vehicle is
not put at any risk from passing traffic.
Protect the convoy and other road users by placing warning
signs (portable flashing lights at night) at both ends of the
convoy.
At night everyone outside a vehicle must wear a reflective
jacket and carry a torch.
If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
Put hazard warning lights on and stop the vehicle.
Do not pull off the road -the side may not be strong enough.
If the Vehicle in Front of You Stops or Breaks Down
Do not use hazard warning lights when you stop unless you
can see that one of the vehicles in front has broken down
(This will be when you can see that the vehicles in front of
it are still driving.)
Do not pull of the road. Always stay in the vehicle!
For the Supervisor in the Rear Escort Vehicle
When it is clear there has been a breakdown, the first
priority is to protect yourself, the drivers, and other road
users. Call the Convoy Supervisor in the front escort
vehicle on the radio.
83
If there is a lot of dust, take the car off the road and put up
warning triangles and a portable flashing light at least 200
metres behind your vehicle.
Use the red flag (or red light at night) to warn other
vehicles, who must stop until you can assess the situation.
Place someone near the red triangle, with a red flag or red
light to stop traffic.
Go to the broken down vehicle.
For the Convoy Supervisor
Stop the vehicles behind you, and protect them with
warning triangles at least 200 metres in front of the first
vehicle.
Drivers must stay in their vehicles. All these vehicles
should use their hazard warning lights.
Return to the broken down vehicle, and make sure that the
convoy is protected by warning triangles and men with red
flags (red lights at night).
Arrange for traffic to be controlled as it passes the convoy,
by positioning men with red flags, but do not put any of
your personnel at any risk.
While assessing the breakdown and during any repairs,
place traffic cones 2 metres out from the side of the vehicle.
At night everyone outside their vehicle must wear a
reflective jacket and carry a torch.
At night use portable flashing lights as well as traffic cones.
If a repair cannot be made immediately, and a decision is
made for the convoy to continue, you must inform the base
as soon as possible, and brief the driver and helper on the
arrival time of recovery personnel. If the site is very remote,
do not leave personnel with the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is well protected with warning signs.
The vehicle lights must be left on, if possible.
Convoy Accident Procedures
If a convoy vehicle is involved in an accident, use the
Convoy Procedures above, but do not move any vehicle
until the ROP has arrived and given their permission, unless
it is to rescue injured or trapped personnel.
The Convoy Supervisor must inform the ROP immediately
and alert the nearest PDO Central Control Room to get help
(fire engine, police, ambulance).
All people must be kept away from the scene, and the area
secured so that the investigation is not made more difficult.
 RUNNING A CONVOY OF HEAVY VEHICLES
Passing light traffic must be diverted onto the hard shoulder
if there is one, but heavy vehicles should be stopped.
If there is no hard shoulder, all traffic should be stopped
until the ROP arrive.

More information is in the Task Sheets "Using a Truck" and

"Rig and Camp Moving".

84
 I N D E X
The symbol * indicates that the information on each of the Construction roads
pages shown is the same. Containers
If you cannot find a subject alphabetically at first, try Containers: inspection requirements
looking under one of the following key subject areas in the Containers: loading and unloading
index: Drivers, Driving, Equipment, Loads, Personnel, Containers: Storing, Issuing and Certifying
Planning, Records, Vehicles. Contractors interior driving permits
Page numbers in bold show the key pages for that subject. Contractors vehicles: inspection requirements
Subject matter in bold shows the Task Sheets. Contractors vehicles: requirements to drive
2-wheel drive vehicles Convoy Operations
4-wheel drive vehicles Covers: for vehicle loads
A-Frames Cranes
Access platforms Cranes: getting up and down
Accident procedures Cranes: inspection certificates
Accident procedures: convoys Cranes: inspection requirements
Accident procedures: graded roads Cranes: problems or damage
Air conditioning: problems or damage Cranes: using a forklift as a small crane
Alcohol Daily checks
Ambulance telephone numbers Daily checks: checklists
Articulated vehicles: coupling and uncoupling Defect assessment
Attachments: for forklifts Defensive driving
Automatic safe load indicators: problems or damage Deliveries
Barriers Desert driving techniques
Baskets: inspection requirements Desert Survival Kits
Baskets: loading and unloading Drivers: briefing
Batteries: charging Drivers: daily checklists, providing
Batteries: disposal of Drivers: daily checklists for daily checks
Batteries: maintenance and charging Drivers: daily checks
Batteries: repair and fitting Drivers: health and vision
Blow-holes Drivers: hours of work
Brackish water tankers Drivers: infrequent
Brakes: failure, damage or rubbing Drivers: load checks
Brakes: trucks Drivers: mental condition
Breakdown procedures: convoys Drivers: off-duty rest periods
Breakdown procedures: graded roads Drivers: physical condition
Breakdown trucks: use Drivers: selecting
Bridge restrictions Driving at Night
Bulk chemicals Driving Off Road
Buses Driving on Graded Roads
Camp Moving Operations Driving Skills Course
Cargo areas: trucks* Driving: buses and minibuses
Centre of gravity of loads Driving: condition of drivers
Certificates: lifting gear, cranes, forklifts, containers Driving: documents
Chainbinders Driving: in the desert
Chains: inspection requirements Driving: licences
Chains: use Driving: oilfield trucks
Cherrypicker: Use Driving: permits
Code of Practice: Cranes Driving: tankers
Code of Practice: Load Securing Driving: trucks
Colour Codes Driving: vacuum tankers
Communication Driving: vehicles in a convoy
Confined spaces: working in Drugs

85
 I N D E X
Dust Code Gantries: working on top of
Dusty material Gas cylinders
Electrical Clearance Certificates Gauges
Electrical equipment: adjusting Gears: problems or damage
Electrical equipment: faults or damage Graded Roads
Electrical equipment: operations with Graded Roads: night driving
Emergency communications Gradients
Emergency information Gradients: forklifts on
Emergency repair kits Gravel (as a load)
Emergency response Guard rails
Emergency telephone numbers H2S permits
Engine overheated Hazard management
Equipment: availability Hazardous areas
Equipment: availability Hazardous materials
Equipment: definitions Hazardous materials: air and sea transport
Equipment: fault/defect assessment Hazardous materials: on buses and minibuses
Equipment: inspection checklists Hazardous Materials: Storing and
Equipment: inspections Transporting
Equipment: load securing Hazardous materials: vehicles transporting: inspection
Equipment: records requirements
Equipment: requirements Hazardous wastes: disposal of*
Equipment: rig moving Heavy lifts
Equipment: roadworthiness Heavy loads
Equipment: safe use Heavy vehicle driving hours
Equipment: safety Heights: working at Hoses
Equipment: selecting HSE plans
Explosives: storage and transport Hydraulic lifts: problems or damage
Explosives: vehicles transporting: inspection requirements Hydraulic Lifts: Use
Eyebolts In-vehicle monitoring systems
Familiarisation training Information: training
Familiarity with vehicles Inspecting Vehicles and Equipment
Fault assessment Inspection pits and ramps
Fault reporting Inspection reports
Fifth wheels Inspection stickers
Fifth wheels: problems or damage Inspection: certificates
Fire brigade telephone numbers Inspection: checklists
Fire extinguisher: low pressure or faults Inspection: large loads
Fire extinguishers Inspection: requirements
Fire extinguishers: inspection requirements Inspections
First aid kits Inspections: driving vehicles
First aid kits: tankers carrying fuel or hazardous liquids Inspections: lifting gear, cranes, forklifts, containers
Flooded areas Inspections: routes and locations
FIyovers Insurance certificates
Fog Interior: requirements for driving in Jebels
Food for drivers Jerrycans
Forklift: problems or damage Journey management: for subcontracted and suppliers'
Forklift: Use transport
Forklifts Journey management: plans
Forklifts: inspection certificates 18 Journey management: plans- night driving
Forklifts: inspection requirements 11 Journey management: plans-convoys
Fuel containers 25 Journey management: procedures

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Journey planning Man-Lost procedures
Journey planning checklist Manifests
Ladders Manual lifting*
Languages Manufacturer's maintenance manual
Law in the Sultanate of Oman Materials Safety Data Sheets
Leaks* Meals before driving
Leaving the vehicle: after driving Measurement of large loads
Licences Medical conditions: examinations and problems
Licencing: vehicles transporting hazardous materials Medium vehicle driving hours
Lifting Colour Codes Metallic objects: loading and transport
Lifting Equipment Custodian Minibuses
Lifting Equipment Register Minimum safety standards
Lifting Equipment: problems or damage Motor oils: disposal*
Lifting Equipment: Storing, Issuing and Certifying Motor oils: handling
Lifting gear Moving vehicles or equipment: working close to
Lifting gear: condition Municipality Approval Certificate
Lifting information and tables (MAC) (Water tankers)
Lifting: by hand* National dress
Lifting: hand signals Near-miss reporting
Lifting: in tandem Nets
Light vehicle driving hours Night driving
Light: poor Night working: requirements for clothing
Lights: flameproof Off-Road Kits
Lights: not working Oilfield trucks: use during winching
Literacy Oman: requirements to drive in
Load checks On-the-job training
Load checks: tankers and tanks Operating Practices: Batteries
Load securing equipment Operating Practices: Buses and Minibuses
Loading and Unloading Operating Practices: Convoys
Loading: hazardous materials Operating Practices: Cranes
Loading, tankers and tanks Operating Practices: Forklifts
Loading: trucks Operating Practices: Hazardous Materials
Loading: vacuum tankers Operating Practices: Hydraulic Lifts and Cherrypickers
Loads: assessment Operating Practices: Lifting
Loads: centre of gravity Operating Practices: Loading and Unloading
Loads: getting up and down Operating Practices: Materials Handling
Loads: high Operating Practices: Rig and Camp Moving
Loads: large Operating Practices: Towing and Using Trailers
Loads: long Operating Practices: Tyres
Loads: securing Operating Practices: Using Roofracks
Loads: unstable Operating Practices: Vacuum Tankers
Loads: wide Operating Practices: Vehicle-Mounted Cranes
Lost: in the desert Operating Practices: Winching
Low-bed trailers Overheated engines
Lowboy trailers Owner's manuals: for vehicles and equipment
LPG tankers 34 Passengers
Lubricating oils: disposal 17,18,39 PDO driving permits
Lubricating oils: handling 18 PDO Driving Skills Course
Luggage 6 PDO interior driving permit
Luggage: on buses 19 PDO vehicles: requirements to drive
MAF Upper Tank Fann 5 Performance

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Permit-To-Work system Rest for drivers
Permits-to-Work Restrictions: on vehicle use
Personal Protective Equipment: loading and unloading Reviews: of work
Personal Protective Equipment: tankers Rig Moving Operations
Personal Protective Equipment: vacuum tankers Rigging
Personal Protective Equipment: vehicles transporting Rights of way
hazardous materials Road speed limiter: problems or damage
Personnel Master List Road speed limiters
Personnel Register Roads
Personnel: availability Roadworthiness
Personnel: job experience Roll-on/Roll-off containers
Pickup Trucks: loading and unloading Rollbars
Pipeline Crossings: permits to cross Roofracks
Pipeline rights of way ROP driving licence
Pipes: loading and unloading ROP escorts
Planning: convoys ROP hazardous materials permits
Planning: cranes and lifts Route planning
Planning: for transporting hazardous materials Sabka
Planning: hydraulic lift and cherrypicker operations Safety cut-off switches
Planning: journeys Safety equipment
Planning: rig and camp moves Safety induction courses
Planning: route and location inspections Safety inspections
Planning: vehicle-mounted crane operations Safety posters
Potable water tankers Safety valves
Power cables Sand (as a load)
Pressurised equipment: adjusting Sand-dunes
Qualifications Sand: stuck in
Radio/Cassette: problems or damage Schedules: journeys
Radioactive materials: storage and transport Schedules: inspection and maintenance
Radioactive materials: vehicles transporting: inspection Seat: broken or damaged
requirements Seatbelts: problems or broken
Rain Seatbelts: use
Record keeping Selection of drivers and personnel
Records: equipment Selection of equipment
Records: inspection Selection of vehicles
Records: lifting gear, cranes, forklifts, containers Semi-Trailers: problems or damage
Records: loading and unloading Servicing
Records: maintenance Sewage tankers
Records: personnel Shifts
Records: rig moving Shoes: driving
Recovery trucks: use Site inspections
Reflective warning triangles Size Limits: vehicles and loads
Refuelling Skid-mounted tanks
Registration: vehicles transporting hazardous materials Skids: inspection requirements
Repairs Skip trucks
Requirements: for convoys Sleeping arrangements for drivers
Requirements: for vehicles and equipment Slinging
Requirements: to drive contractor vehicles Slings
Requirements: to drive in interior of Oman Slings: inspection requirements
Requirements: to drive in Oman Slopes
Requirements: to drive PDO vehicles Slopes: forklifts on

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Soft locations Vacuum tanker: problems or damage
Spare wheels Vacuum Tanker: Use
Specifications Vacuum tankers: working on top of
Speed governor: problems or damage Vehicle Inspection File
Speed governors Vehicle registration documents
Speed limits Vehicle-mounted cranes: problems or damage
Spillages* Vehicle-Mounted Cranes: Use
Static electricity Vehicle/Equipment Master List
Status of personnel Vehicle/Equipment Register
Steelwork: loading and unloading Vehicles: accessories
Steering: failure or damage Vehicles: availability
Storage: lifting gear Vehicles: carrying extra fuel
Storms: hydraulic lift and cherrypicker operations Vehicles: defect assessment
Storms: lifting operations Vehicles: engine overheated
Subcontracted transport Vehicles: familiarity with
Sunglasses Vehicles: fault/defect assessment
Sunshades for LPG tankers Vehicles: getting up and down*
Surfaces: dangerous* Vehicles: inspection and maintenance schedules
Tachographs Vehicles: inspection checklists
Tankers and Skid-Mounted Tanks: Use Vehicles: inspection requirements
Tankers: working on top of Vehicles: inspections
Tanks: inspection requirements Vehicles: minimum safety standards
Tanks: working on top of Vehicles: operating instructions
Test certificates Vehicles: overloaded
Torches Vehicles: radiator faulty or leaking
Towing trailers Vehicles: radiators
Tracks Vehicles: records
Traffic law Vehicles: requirements
Traffic Ordinance Vehicles: requirements for use on graded roads
Trailers Vehicles: requirements to drive
Trailers: use during winching Vehicles: requirements to drive
Training: course records Vehicles: rig moving
1:raining: information Vehicles: roadworthiness
Training: on-the-job Vehicles: safety equipment
Transmission: problems or damage Vehicles: servicing
TREM Cards (Hazardous Materials) Vehicles: testing equipment
Truck brakes Vehicles: unstable
Truck: Driving Vehicles: windows or doors jamming
Truck: problems or damage Vehicles: working underneath
Trucks Visitors
Tubulars: loading and unloading Wadis
Twilight Waste disposal
Tyre changing equipment Waste gases and substances
Tyre changing: trucks Waste oils: disposal
Tyre pressure gauges Water tanker: problems or damage
Tyres: maintenance and repair Water tankers
Tyres: worn or damaged Water tankers: correct colours
Unloading Water tankers: inspection
Unloading: tankers and tanks Water tankers: inspection requirements
Unsafe act auditing Water tankers: municipal approval
Vacuum tanker: entry and cleaning Wear and tear

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Weight restrictions
Winches
Winches: inspection requirements
Winches: light vehicles
Winches: problems or damage
Winching gear
Winching Operations
Winchlines
Winds
Winds: hydraulic lift and cherrypicker operations
Winds: lifting operations
Windscreen wiper: broken
Windscreen: cracks or damage
Wire ropes: inspection requirements

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 A D V I S O R S
The PDO personnel listed in the directory are able to give advice and information on the subjects shown. Contractors
should always contact their PDO Contract Holder for contractual questions, and the
Contract Holder should be made aware of any problems faced by the contractor.
Subject Ref. Ind. Telephone
Functional Discipline Head for Transport TSM 677650
Functional Discipline Head for Mechanical Equipment BEZ 678763
Functional Discipline Head for Civil Engineering BEZ/5 678414
Basic Driver Training TSC/112 678181
Environmental Issues TSE/2 677309
HSE Posters and Information TSE/51 675261
HSE Training Information TSE/52 678924
Lifting Equipment Inspection AEM/51 677913
Materials Safety Data Sheet Information BPC/I 677317
PDO Supply Procedures TSC/13 673101
PDO Transport Information (Coast) TSO/2 678896
PDO Transport Information (North Oman) AOR/21 384471
PDO Transport Information (South Oman) BOR/21 386286
Occupational Health Issues MCIH 675282
Road Safety Information & Plans TSE/54 677135
Road Transport Safety Case TSC/ll 675201
Safety and Environment Issues (North Oman) AOR/4 384342
Safety and Environment Issues (South Oman) BOR/4 386415
Toxic Materials Manual BPC/I 677317
Transport HSE Issues TSE/54 677135
Transport Operations Manual TSC/ll 675201
Transport Standards Manual TSC/ll 675201
Vehicle Inspections (North Oman) AOR/24 384594
Vehicle Inspections (South Oman) BOR/23 386347
Vehicle Inspections (Coast) AOR/176 677061
Vehicle Specifications and Technology Information TSC/11 ' 675201

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