0002_100 work permit system

Saudi Aramco 7180 (5/89)

SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco)GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUALISSUING ORG.

SUBJECT:

G.I. NUMBER

ISSUE DATE REPLACES

APPROVAL PAGE NUMBER

OF

* CHANGE ** ADDITION NEW INSTRUCTION COMPLETE REVISION

LOSS PREVENTION DEPARTMENT

WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

2.100

* 05/16/1998 07/01/1987

* ASJ 1 6

6

Approved

CONTENT:Requirements for use of work permit forms Aramco 924-1, 924-2, 924-3 and 924-4. The text includes:

1 Intent2 Definitions3 Function of Work Permit System4 Issuance and Approval of Work Permit Forms 924-1, 924-2, 924-3, 924-45 Right to Stop Work and Cancel Permits6 Closing Work Permits7 Filing Work Permits8 Certification of Issuers and Receivers of Permits9 Periodic Reviews

1.0 INTENT:

1.1 This General Instruction establishes minimum guidelines and responsibilities for issuing/receiving work permits, and for certifying those responsible for implementing the system.Individual departments may wish to develop additional practices or procedures to cover theirown specific requirements. When issued, permits serve as an official written record ofconditions and requirements agreed upon by the issuer and receiver. They list minimum safetyprecautions to be taken and hazards which must be controlled. See supplement 2.100-1, Forms924-1, 924-2, 924-3 and 924-4.

2.0 DEFINITIONS:

2.1 Restricted areas - those areas or activities which have been designated by Department Managersas requiring the work permit procedure. These include all areas where hydrocarbons,flammable liquid or gas, or oxidizing agents are handled, stored, piped or processed insignificant quantities. The following areas are examples of "restricted areas": petroleumprocessing plants, pump stations, tank farms, loading piers, hydrocarbon pipelines and pipelinecorridors, oil and gas wells, gas plants, water and gas injection wells, water or sewage treatmentplants, marine vessels, gasoline service stations, areas where explosives or radioactive materialsare used or stored and areas under or near power lines.

2.2 Work permit issuers - supervisors who are certified by their division or department head to issuework permits for restricted areas under their supervision (also referred to as issuers).

2.3 Designated representatives - employees designated by the issuer, who must be competent andfamiliar with the requirements of GI 2.100 and the work permit system and be able to performthe duties associated with issuing work permits. Designated representatives cannot sign workpermits.



SUBJECT:

G.I. NUMBER

ISSUE DATE REPLACES


OF



WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

2.100

* 05/16/1998 07/01/1987

* ASJ 2 6

6

Approved

2.4 Work permit receivers - the craft supervisors, craftsmen, or others who have been certified bytheir division or department head to sign and receive work permits in the case of Companyemployees, and sponsoring organization heads in the case of contractors (also referred to asreceivers).

3.0 FUNCTION OF WORK PERMIT SYSTEM:

3.1 The work permit system authorizes specific construction, maintenance, inspection or repair tobe conducted in the Company's restricted areas. The system is intended to be applied to thosejobs which represent a potential hazard to company operations, personnel or equipment.Extremely low risk jobs, as determined by Operations, may be exempt from the work permitsystem. Included could be carpentry, inspections in non-hazardous areas, cleaning orlubricating nonhydrocarbon equipment, and certain classes of non-flash photography whereOperations determine these jobs can be conducted safely without work permits. In such cases,Operations must maintain adequate control and account for personnel in the restricted area.

3.2 Work permit forms 924-1, 924-2, 924-3 and 924-4 must be issued, as appropriate for specificwork on a specific site. The work permit forms are for all types of work in restricted areas.Work must be identified as one or a combination of the following and the proper permits issued:

3.2.1 Release of hazardous liquids or gases is the actual or possible release of low flash(below 130o F/54o C) liquids, liquids at or above their flash point, or injuriousmaterials, in amounts which would create a hazard. Use Aramco 924-1 YELLOW.A release permit is not intended to authorize a release but to ensure that if there is apotential for one, then the appropriate precautions are addressed.

Example: Opening a line, draining a vessel (note: in most cases a hot or cold workpermit is also required).

3.2.2 Hot work is any work that develops sparks, flames or heat sufficient to causeignition. This will apply to the use of spark or flame producing tools and equipment,including the use of internal combustion engines. Use Aramco 924-2 RED (a whiteform with red text and border).

Example: Work on or in close proximity to live electrical apparatus, vehicle entryinto a plant, welding, burning, grinding, blasting, etc.

3.2.3 Cold work is work that will not produce sufficient energy to ignite flammableatmospheres/materials. Use Aramco 924-3 BLUE.

Example: Work with hand tools, sand removal, brush painting etc.3.2.4 Confined space entry is the entry of personnel into any space or structure (tank,

vessel, vault, excavation when 4 feet or deeper, etc.) not normally intended forhuman occupancy, in which entry, movement within or exit is restricted. UseAramco 924-4 GREEN.



SUBJECT:

G.I. NUMBER

ISSUE DATE REPLACES


OF



WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

2.100

* 05/16/1998 07/01/1987

* ASJ 3 6

6

Approved

Example: Tank cleaning, tank inspection, or work in sewers or trenches 4 feet ordeeper.

(Note: in most cases a hot or cold work permit is also required)

3.3 Work may also be subject to requirements or regulations in the General Instruction Manual,Refinery Instruction Manual, Operations Instruction Manual, Terminal Instruction Manual, GasPlant Instructions or other facility operations manuals.

4.0 ISSUANCE AND APPROVAL OF WORK PERMIT FORMS 924-1, 924-2, 924-3 AND 924-4

4.1 The receiver requests work permits from the operations supervisor (issuer) of the facility.

4.2 The issuer will issue the work permit after he (or his designated representative) has visited thesite, performed the appropriate gas tests, listed applicable precautions and restrictions andreviewed aspects of the job with the receiver (see Para 2 for guidance). The issuer's andreceiver's signatures plus any other approvals and signatures must be on the completed form.These additional approvals or signatures are required for extended permits (see para 4.4) or forsome jobs, superintendents must countersign the permits (refer permit forms for details).

4.2.1 Before issuing the work permit all necessary actions to approve the proposed workand/or possible configuration changes must be completed. The issuer must see thatthe receiver's certificate is valid and approved for the type of work to be done: hotwork, confined space entry, cold work, release of hazardous liquids or gases or acombination of these.

4.2.2 The issuer must obtain the approval and signature of other operations supervisors(issuers) whose operations will be affected, before issuing a permit.

4.2.3 During an emergency the issuer may permit work without work permits. However,he should issue work permits as soon as he can.

4.2.4 The issuer and receiver are jointly responsible for the safety of people and equipmentin the area. The issuer is responsible for specifying precautions so the work can bedone without incident. The receiver is responsible for performing the work inaccordance with the conditions and requirements agreed upon with the issuer andwritten on the work permit.

4.2.5 For some jobs the issuer (or his designated representative) may determine a joint siteinspection is not required. Such jobs have extremely low risk and could include:cold work in a safe area, carpentry, lubricating, cleaning, painting, certain classes ofnon-flash photography, instrument checking in the control room and vehicle entry toa non-hazardous area.



SUBJECT:

G.I. NUMBER

ISSUE DATE REPLACES


OF



WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

2.100

* 05/16/1998 07/01/1987

* ASJ 4 6

6

Approved

When there is any doubt about whether a hazard exists, the joint site inspection mustbe made.

When the issuer determines a joint site inspection is not required, he must explainwhy in the appropriate space on the permit.

4.3 Renewal of the work permit is permissible for two consecutive operating shifts. This requiresthe signature of the issuer and the receiver coming on shift. Normally, the period covered byone work permit shall not exceed 16 consecutive hours. Refer to paragraph 4.4 below forexceptions to this rule.

4.3.1 Signing the work permit indicates complete agreement with the conditions stated onthe form and transfers the responsibility to those coming on shift.

4.3.2 The work permit is for specific work on a specific site. It cannot be transferredexcept to the following shift. Transfer from one craft to a different craft is notpermitted.

4.4 A work permit may be issued for periods over 16 hours but not in excess of 30 days. Thisapplies to extended construction or maintenance work where the job requirements remainessentially unchanged. The permit must be approved by the division head (or above) of theissuing department and the following conditions must be satisfied:

4.4.1 It must be highly unlikely that conditions will develop which would create a serioushazard to personnel or operating facilities.

4.4.2 Precautions must be taken prior to starting the job, to assure safe conditionsthroughout the job.

4.4.3 Both the operations division head and the maintenance/construction division headmust be in agreement as to job conditions and risks involved and both must sign thework permit.

4.5 The receiver of a work permit must keep a copy in his possession or within view of the job sitefor the duration of the job so that it may be available for inspection and cancellation ifnecessary. If he must leave the job site, he shall, if the issuer concurs, give the permit to a seniorcrew member to keep until he returns. The senior crew member must know the requirements ofthe job and understand the precautions/conditions stated on the work permit.

5.0 RIGHT TO STOP WORK AND CANCEL PERMITS

5.1 The issuer may stop a job and withdraw a work permit if he feels that safety of the job does notmeet with conditions specified on the work permit.

5.1.1 When work is stopped the issuer must pick up the work permit, write on the permitthe reason for stopping the work, the time and other relevant information.



SUBJECT:

G.I. NUMBER

ISSUE DATE REPLACES


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WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

2.100

* 05/16/1998 07/01/1987

* ASJ 5 6

6

Approved

5.1.2 When conditions are safe again the issuer may issue a new work permit.

5.2 The receiver has the responsibility to stop work and advise the issuer of his action any time hefeels the safety of the job or any unsafe conditions in the area do not meet the conditions on thework permit. He and the issuer shall take action to correct deficiencies and resume the job.

5.3 All unnecessary personnel whose presence adversely affects the safety of the job must beremoved and kept from the job site or work shall be stopped.

6.0 CLOSING WORK PERMITS

6.1 Work permits shall be closed by the signatures of both the issuer and the receiver except wheredistances and remoteness make signing impractical and it is so stated when the work permit isissued.

7.0 FILING WORK PERMITS

7.1 The issuer shall keep the original copy of the work permit or permits for a minimum of three (3)months.

8.0 CERTIFICATION OF ISSUERS AND RECEIVERS OF WORK PERMITS

8.1 Work permit courses are conducted by the Loss Prevention Department. The purpose of thecourses is to acquaint potential issuers/receivers/gas testers with the work permit system, toadminister a written test and to issue the work permit certificates of successful candidates.

8.2 Work permit certificates will be issued to employees confirming them as issuers, receivers, and/or gas testers as appropriate. The certificates will be signed by the employee's ownsuperintendent or for a contractor being certified as a receiver, by the signature of his proponentorganization superintendent. Non-Aramco contractors will be certified by the AramcoContractor Liaison Office, Government Affairs Organization.

8.3 The signing of a certificate provides a written record of the superintendent's acceptance that anissuer or receiver has sufficient knowledge and/or skill to perform assigned functions inrestricted areas. This acceptance also indicates that an issuer or receiver understands thecontents of this General Instruction.

8.4 Any person issuing or receiving a work permit must have in his possession a valid issuer's orreceiver's work permit certificate, as appropriate, at the time of issuing or receiving permits.



SUBJECT:

G.I. NUMBER

ISSUE DATE REPLACES


OF



WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

2.100

* 05/16/1998 07/01/1987

* ASJ 6 6

6

Approved

8.5 All organizations must maintain records of their work permit issuer/receiver certified personnel.Certificates expire two years after the date of issue, accordingly issuers and receivers must berecertified every two years.

9.0 PERIODIC REVIEWS

9.1 All organizations are required to review their own operations to ensure compliance with thisGeneral Instruction. In addition, Loss Prevention will conduct periodic reviews of the workpermit system.

Recommended:Manager, Loss Prevention Dept.

Approved: President& Cheif Executive Officer

SUPPLEMENT 2.100-1REFER TO SA FORM 924-1 (RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS OR GASES)

SA FORM 924-2 (HOT WORK)SA FORM 924-3 (COLD WORK)SA FORM 924-4 (CONFINED SPACE ENTRY)

SUPPLEMENT 2.100-2REFER TO (CERTIFICATE TO RECEIVE WORK PERMITS)

SUPPLEMENT 2.100-3REFER TO (CERTIFICATE TO ISSUE WORK PERMITS)

0002_100 work permit system

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