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Oman LNG L.L.C.

Document No: QHSE-P221 Page of 147 No: 5 Print Date: Date: 05/04/2018 Hard copy only valid on print date.

QALHAT SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR WORK UNDER PERMIT

This document has 146 pages

Documents Classification:-

By default all documents will be categorised as (Non-Critical / Non-Confidential unless otherwise specified

Risk Classification

Critical

Security Classification

Unclassified

Qalhat safety regulations for work under permit


Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: PREPARATION OF PLANT FOR WORK................................................................................... 5

1. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

2. APPLICATION ................................................................................................................................................. 5

3. CLEARANCE OF PROCESS MATERIALS - GUIDELINES ..................................................................... 5

4. ISOLATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

5. OPENING UP AND VENTILATION ............................................................................................................ 11

6. GAS SAFETY TESTING .............................................................................................................................. 14

CHAPTER 2: TEMPORARY ACCESS .............................................................................................................. 20

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION ....................................................................................................................... 20

2. SAFETY SIGNS AND TEMPORARY BARRIERS ................................................................................... 20

3. SCAFFOLDING ............................................................................................................................................ 24

4. LADDERS, STEPS AND TRESTLES ........................................................................................................ 31

5. VEHICLE-MOUNTED WORK PLATFORMS ............................................................................................ 35

6. ROOF ACCESS ............................................................................................................................................ 37

CHAPTER 3: WORK ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................... 40

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION ..................................................................................................................... 40

2. CONFINED SPACE WORK ...................................................................................................................... 40

3. TANK CLEANING GUIDE............................................................................................................................ 62

4. AREAS CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS ................................................................................................... 72

5. HOT WORK ................................................................................................................................................... 74

6.2. HAZARDS ....................................................................................................................................................... 77

7. EXCAVATION ................................................................................................................................................ 81

8. DEMOLITION ................................................................................................................................................ 85

9. CHEMICAL HANDLING ............................................................................................................................... 89

CHAPTER 4: TASK CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 90

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION ....................................................................................................................... 90

2. WELDING AND FLAME CUTTING ............................................................................................................ 90

3. PRESSURE AND LEAK TESTING ............................................................................................................ 96

4. BLAST CLEANING ..................................................................................................................................... 100

5. CHEMICAL CLEANING ............................................................................................................................. 103

6. HIGH PRESSURE WATER JETTING ..................................................................................................... 106

7. PAINTING .................................................................................................................................................... 109

CHAPTER 5: TOOL CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................................................... 112

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION ..................................................................................................................... 112

2. MOBILE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES .................................................................................... 112



3. CRANES ...................................................................................................................................................... 117

4. LIFTING EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................................................. 124

5. CARTRIDGE OPERATED TOOLS .......................................................................................................... 128

6. GAS CYLINDERS ...................................................................................................................................... 132

7. PORTABLE AND MOBILE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ...................................................................... 137

8. IONISING RADIATION .............................................................................................................................. 140



ISSUE HISTORY Changes from previous issue are indicated in the table below:

Issue Description Date 0 First draft 08/01/1999

0 Amended as per QOP and QEN 14/07/ 1999

0 Sent for approval 15/07/1999

0 Authorised for issue 17/07/1999

1 Reviewed and updated 11/07/2004

2 General Update 27/05/2009

3 General Review and alignment with HSSE control framework requirement. The five sections of the Qalhat Safety Regulation are combined in one document titled QALHAT SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR WORK UNDER PERMIT as following :

• Sect3. Preparation of Plant for Work • Sect4. Temporary Access • Sect5. Working Environment Considerations • Sect6 Task considerations • Sect7. Tool Considerations

09/12/2012

3a Minor update on Chapter 4 Paragraph 3 26/03/2013

4 Periodic update and general check 18/09/2016

5 update to capture the lesson learnt shared by Shell with regards to the use of hammers with wooden handles

05/04/2018

Distribution: This document is accessible though EDMS Controlled Documents Pyramid (CDP)

Custodian QHSE/2 Date: 02/08/2016 Signature:

Comments Received:

QOP QEN QTE

Approval QHSE Date: 11/03/2018 Signature:

Authorisation QCM Date: 12/03/2018 Signature

Thani

From: Al Faraji, Khalid Ali OLNG-QHSE/29 �Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2018 2:04 PM�To: Al Wardi, Ahmed OLNG-QOP; Al Tae, Jamal OLNG-QTE; Al Mazroui, Omar OLNG-QEN�Cc: Al Mashrafi, Thani OLNG-SPM/22; Al Musharrafi, Adnan OLNG-QHSE/G1�Subject: FW: QHSE-P221 Qalhat safety regulation for work under permit Dear all, The attached procedure has been updated to capture the ban on use of wooden-handled hammers due to the below highlighted reasons and replace them with hammers their handles made of steel or steel composite. Could you please provide your comments on the update, appreciated if sent before 27th COB. Thanks & regards, Khalid

Thani


Thani


Thani

From: Al Habsi, Moosa OLNG-QHSE Sent: 11 March 2018 16:27 To: Al Faraji, Khalid Ali OLNG-QHSE/29 Cc: Al Marhobi, Abdul Mohsin OLNG-SPM/2; Al Mashrafi, Thani OLNG-SPM/22 Subject: RE: QHSE-P221 Qalhat safety regulation for work under permit Approved

Thani

From: Murad, Raja OLNG-COO �Sent: 12 March 2018 12:44�To: Al Faraji, Khalid Ali OLNG-QHSE/29�Cc: Al Marhobi, Abdul Mohsin OLNG-SPM/2; Al Mashrafi, Thani OLNG-SPM/22; Al Habsi, Moosa OLNG-QHSE; Ksila, Lotfi OLNG-QMP/41�Subject: RE: QHSE-P221 Qalhat safety regulation for work under permit Thanks for the explanation. One suggestion/consideration and as a precaution (during the transition period) that those bringing ‘wooden’ hammers, these handles could be visually checked for cracks etc. Once the effective time if set – we ban the wooden handle. Thank you and Have a Nice Day … Raja Ahmad Murad QCM Tel: +968 2554 7660 ; GSM: +968 9978 9151 Email: [email protected] � From: Al Faraji, Khalid Ali OLNG-QHSE/29 �Sent: Monday, March 12, 2018 10:44 AM�To: Murad, Raja OLNG-COO <[email protected]>�Cc: Al Marhobi, Abdul Mohsin OLNG-SPM/2 <[email protected]>; Al Mashrafi, Thani OLNG-SPM/22 <[email protected]>; Al Habsi, Moosa OLNG-QHSE <[email protected]>; Ksila, Lotfi OLNG-QMP/41 <[email protected]>�Subject: RE: QHSE-P221 Qalhat safety regulation for work under permit Hi Ami, Thanks for the approval. Our initial plan was to implement this requirement starting from this TA however we will sit with QEN/7 team to check if the contractors coming for the TA have mobilized their tools already or not yet. If not yet mobilized we will communicate this requirement to them and asking for compliance. But if it seemed, due to the time constraint, impractical exemption will be given only for this TA. Note: This information was shared with contract holders earlier (emails attached) and other contractors namely TOCO, CAPE, GE and they should be in a position able to comply to this requirement. Thanks & regards, Khalid From: Murad, Raja OLNG-COO �Sent: 12 March 2018 10:20�To: Al Faraji, Khalid Ali OLNG-QHSE/29�Cc: Al Marhobi, Abdul Mohsin OLNG-SPM/2; Al Mashrafi, Thani OLNG-SPM/22; Al Habsi, Moosa OLNG-QHSE�Subject: RE: QHSE-P221 Qalhat safety regulation for work under permit I approve. Do we give a time frame for the effective date? We will have all the TA contractors coming soon Thank you and Have a Nice Day … Raja Ahmad Murad Chief Operating Officer OMAN LNG L.L.C., PO Box 888, Sur, Postcode 411, Sultanate Of Oman. Tel: +968 2554 7660 GSM: +968 9978 9151 Email: [email protected] �



CHAPTER 1: PREPARATION OF PLANT FOR WORK

1. SCOPE

This section covers, in general terms, safety in the preparation of plant, office/recreational/company residential structures and laboratory for access other than access required for normal operation.

In this context:-

Plant means any piece of manufacturing1 and / or storage equipment.

Preparation includes: clearance of materials which are flammable, asphyxiant or otherwise hazardous to health, isolation from sources of hazardous material, power and radiation, opening up, ventilation and gas safety testing.

Access might be required for cleaning, inspection, maintenance or plant modification.

More specific safety instruction and guidance in relation to particular activities and situations are given in subsequent sections of these Safety Regulations and also given in Permit to Work Procedure QOP-P109.

2. APPLICATION

It is the responsibility of the designated personnel in the area concerned to decide upon the extent of plant preparation necessary for particular access.

Where, as indicated in this section, Permits to Work are necessary to cover preparation activities, they must be separate from the Permits to Work required for subsequent work.

3. CLEARANCE OF PROCESS MATERIALS - GUIDELINES

3.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the clearance of process materials necessary before opening up plant for work other than that required for normal operation. The clearance might include flushing with process material, venting, draining, flushing with water, inert gas purging and / or air purging.

3.2. HAZARDS

During clearance of process materials, the hazards are:-

• Production, in the surroundings, of atmospheres which are flammable, asphyxiant or otherwise hazardous to health.

• Contamination of the ground or overloading of the drainage and effluent

treatment systems.

• Non-essential venting of hydrocarbons or other hazardous materials to the atmosphere.

• Over-filling of the plant with liquid, causing either containment failure due to

hydrostatic pressure, or overloading of a structure.

• Over-pressurisation of the plant causing loss of containment.

• Vacuum in the plant causing loss of containment.

• Premature entry of air into contaminated plant and subsequent ignition causing fire or explosion where a source of ignition is present e.g. static electricity.

1 Plant may also include Office HVAC



3.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES It is the responsibility of the designated operations personnel to decide upon the extent of clearance of process materials that may be necessary for the proposed work to be carried out safely.

Once the hazards associated with a particular job have been identified, it will be necessary to consider how they can be separated or isolated from the equipment or plant to be worked on. Flammable, toxic, pressurised, high temperature, or low temperature fluids will normally have to be removed from the isolated plant before working on it.

Environmental limits for discharges made to the atmosphere and to water disposal systems are contained in the Environmental Consent Limits.

Waste materials must be disposed of in accordance with the Procedure for Waste Management.

3.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Clearance of process materials shall be under the direct supervision of the asset owner as permit issuing authority (e.g. operations). Therefore; permits to Work are not required as long as established and approved operating procedures are followed.

3.5. TRANSFERS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE OLNG COMPLEX

As much as is practicable of the process material remaining in the part of the plant which is to be opened up should be drained, pumped or vented to other parts of the plant or to the flare system provided for that purpose.

Hazardous process materials should be washed or purged to other parts of the plant by use of the least hazardous material acceptable to the system.

Assessment shall be done to confirm that the receiving part of the plant can handle the hazardous material (e.g. ensure that transfer of material to other part of the plant will not lead to corrosion, overpressure, excessive static load, embrittlement etc.)

3.6. DISCHARGES OF GAS OR VAPOUR TO THE SURROUNDINGS

Gases and vapours may be discharged direct to atmosphere only if they are sufficiently well dispersed at the point of discharge to ensure that there are no significant risks of the following:-

• Ignition of any flammable atmosphere produced in the surrounding air.

• A concentration of any vapour hazardous to health exceeding the Short Term Exposure Limit at any point where there is access for unprotected personnel.

• An asphyxiant atmosphere occurring at any point where there is access for unprotected personnel.

• Unacceptable smells or other environmental nuisance.

There may be a need to perform dispersion check ensuring that exposed areas are identified and proper controls put in place

Planned abnormal discharges of large quantities of gases or vapours to the atmosphere must have the prior approval of the OLNG Operations Manager. Where considered acceptable, and if reasonably practicable, such discharges should be made through properly designed vent stacks or flares. These can be a temporary provision.

Sources of ignition must be avoided in areas where mixtures of compositions which might be within the flammable range are discharged to atmosphere, other than through properly designed flame arrestors.



3.7. DISCHARGES OF LIQUIDS TO THE SURROUNDINGS Any discharge of liquid into the open must be carried out with due concern for:-

Protection of ground water and any water course or drainage system into which the liquid might flow.

Avoidance of any hazard or nuisance which might arise from associated vapour evolution.

This will normally necessitate provision for drainage into containers or into a treatment system for environmentally acceptable disposal.

Open drain valve must be carefully monitored and NEVER left unattended for as long as there is any risk that a material could emerge which could overload the liquid drainage collection and treatment system or which could produce a vapour hazard or nuisance.

3.8. CLEARANCE WITH WATER

Water may be used to remove soluble materials from process systems, to float away liquid hydrocarbons from low points and to displace gases and vapours.

Before filling any tank or vessel with water, it must be confirmed that the plant can withstand the hydrostatic pressure involved and the structure supporting it can withstand the weight of the water.

Provision must be made for environmentally acceptable disposal of water after use.

NB: To prevent the formation of a vacuum great care must be exercised when draining liquids from tanks or vessels. Ensure that the vent is adequately sized and clear of any blockage or other obstruction.

Use of water in the cryogenic systems should be avoided.

3.9. INERT GAS PURGING AND BLANKETING Inert gas blanketing can be used either to protect materials present in the plant from oxidation by air, or to avoid the development of a flammable atmosphere within the plant.

The inert gas blanket can be established either by purging out a pre-existing process gas with an inert gas or by using an inert gas to maintain the pressure as the plant cools from its operating temperature when shutting down.

In order to maintain an inert gas blanket it is necessary to maintain a purge flow of inert gas into the plant, sufficient to avoid ingress of air at any open vent or leak point.

The input flow of inert gas should be controlled by use of a pressure control valve or flow meter or a restriction orifice. To avoid the flow of air due to external wind effects, there should at no time be more than one significant vent open to atmosphere.

If a plant pressure controller is used to automatically control the input flow of inert gas, it should be set at a pressure sufficient to ensure that, taking wind effects into account, all parts of the system are maintained at a pressure above the ambient atmospheric pressure.

Whenever inert gas purging is carried out, it is essential that:-

• There is no access for personnel without breathing apparatus to points around manholes or vents where concentrations of inert gas might be asphyxiant. This must be monitored to prevent hazardous situations arising.

• The inert gas has been well cleared from within the plant and the internal atmosphere verified safe by gas testing before there is any possibility of people entering without breathing apparatus.

• The plant is not over pressurised by the inert gas.



For more detailed guidance on control of access to systems containing inert gas see Section 5. ‘Inert Gas entry’

3.10. PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)

PPE must be worn in accordance with OLNG Safety Regulations Section 8 and Site Safety Security and Traffic Rules.

In all cases, except those known not to be harmful, skin contact with process materials should always be avoided as far as is practicable by:-

• The wearing of protective clothing

• The avoidance of liquid permeation through coveralls to underclothing, notably in the pocket areas.

• Changing without undue delay, any underwear contaminated with process materials

• Washing exposed parts of the body with soap and water as soon as practicable after contamination.

• Appropriate breathing apparatus might be necessary for personnel working in the vicinity of vents.

3.11. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING

Personnel actively involved in the work must be aware of the HSE hazards associated with the materials handled. This data may be found in the Material Safety Data Sheets.

4. ISOLATION

4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION An essential ingredient of any Safe System of Work is the integrity of the isolation procedure and the management of isolations, both mechanical and electrical is controlled within the PTW software.

The kinds of isolations used and the precautions taken will depend on the level of risk that the job is likely to involve. Refer Site Safety regulation Section 3: Preparation of plant for work and QOP-P107, which shall always take precedence.

This chapter covers safety in the selection and implementation of all types of plant isolation.

Isolation means the physical separation from a source of hazardous material, power or radiation. It might entail defeat or override of automatic controls affecting the area of the work.

4.2. HAZARDS During the course of isolation, the hazards are:-

• The hazards of opening up when removing blind flanges or fitting spades etc.

(see Opening up and ventilation – Chapter 5 of this section)

• Accidental defeat or override of an automatic control or protection system.

• Voluntary defeat or override of an automatic protection or control system without the provision of an adequate alternative.

• Further hazards are created if the form of isolation chosen is inadequate for its purpose or circumstances change while the work is in progress.



4.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES It is the responsibility of the designated operations personnel to decide upon the degree of isolation necessary for any particular piece of work to be performed safely.


An ISOLATION CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATE (ICC) containing a listing of all isolation points that the Clearance Certificate Signatory (CCS) must ‘verify’, is required for any isolation to be carried out other than that which is under the direct supervision of the responsible department.

This is to ensure that:-

− The form and the location of the isolation required is clearly understood between the designated plant authority and the personnel who will carry out the work.

− The personnel carrying out the work of isolation are aware of, and are adequately protected against, the hazards involved.

− Adequate alternative means of control and protection are provided when any automatic system is defeated or overridden.

Risk assessment level 2 (JHA) is required if the work of isolation entails any of the following:-

− The use of less than positive means of process isolation where any inadequacy of the isolation could have serious consequences.

− The use of cryogenic asphyxiant gases for pipe freezing operations. − Work where fixed radioactive sources have to be removed. An electrical permit to work is also required for isolation within a high voltage system.

(Refer to QOP-P109 for work that requires a Risk assessment)

NB If the isolation activity requires the use of equipment driven by an internal combustion engine, the equipment entry must be subject to a separate Clearance and Fire Certificate.

4.5. DEFEAT OR OVERRIDE OF A SAFEGUARDING SYSTEM

The defeat or override of a safeguarding system might be required for:-

− Testing.

− Work on the safeguarding system itself.

− Work on a part of the plant affected by the system.

All overrides should be performed through an approved permit to work attached with risk assessment detailing the hazards associated with having the overrides in place, the consequences and the mitigations in place to manage it.

Refer to QOP-P110 for details describing the level of authority and actions necessary to defeat or override a safeguarding system.

4.6. PROCESS ISOLATION

Process isolation means the closing of all the ducts and pipes which connect the work area to other parts of the plant. The method of closure chosen in any particular case will depend upon the facilities available and the degree of security required.

Isolations process is managed in QOP-P107 Process Isolations. all isolations must be marked-up on PEFS and attach to the permit to work.

SINGLE VALVES/DOUBLE SEATS

Ball valves with strengthened seat springs, which provide double seats and an intermediary cavity bleed in a single body, are acceptable as DB&B if the arrangement is specifically designed and installed for the line conditions. If an isolation scheme



contains valves of this type, the isolation plan shall contain a procedure for integrity testing the valves, and the use of the intermediary cavity bleed. Particular attention should be given to securing valves of this type, in recognition that one motive source affects both valve positions.

SINGLE BLOCK

Single Block (SB) provides a valve barrier against the ingress of fluids by the closure of a single block valve.

The block valve must be proved acceptably tight against full normal upstream pressure before immobilising / securing in the closed position. The valve integrity shall be proven by bleeding off the downstream pressure and observing pressure on an appropriate indication device, over a suitable period of time, (this period of time depends on the piping volume available for pressure build up). It should be noted that single block should only be used where isolation can be proved to be effective. Extreme care should be exercised at all times when using single block valves within an isolation scheme.

4.7. MECHANICAL ISOLATION

Mechanical isolation means the inhibition of the movement between parts in the work area. This entails one or more of the following provisions:-

(1) Positive isolation of the moving parts from all sources of driving fluid.

(2) Positive isolation of the moving parts from all electricity supplies.

(3) Disconnection of mechanical couplings.

(4) The fitting of physical stops between the moving parts (e.g. clamp).

The Isolating Authority shall verify with the Technician carrying out the task that any blinds inserted and blanks fitted are of the correct pressure/temperature rating and correctly located. Where possible, the Isolating Authority shall arrange for the testing of blinds/blanks to as high a pressure as they can be subjected with the isolations in place.

Before opening up to give access for personnel to the moving parts in any piece of equipment, the drive must be isolated from all sources of motive power by means of positive isolation.

Additionally, before entry or part entry of any person between moving parts, mechanical couplings must be disconnected where practicable and physical stops, of adequate strength to inhibit movement between the parts, must be fitted.

4.8. ELECTRICAL ISOLATION

Electrical isolation means the disconnection of all electrical supplies to a piece of equipment such that inadvertent re-energisation of the circuit is excluded. This might be required for any of the following reasons:-

(1) To avoid risk of electric shock.

(2) To avoid risk of electric spark.

(3) To avoid activation of the electrically powered equipment during access.



The procedures to be followed for the isolation of electrical systems, equipment and conductors are covered in the, QEN-P310 Electrical Safety Rules and may only be carried out by appropriately trained and authorised personnel.

The following are typical examples of low voltage isolations:-

(1) The switch at the distribution board must be locked of and tagged.

(2) All the fused must be removed from the circuit and the fuse box tagged.

(3) The electrical cables must be physically disconnected from the supply and tagged.

Where work is to be done on or near electrical systems, equipment and/or conductors that have been isolated, the electrical systems, equipment and conductors must be proven ‘dead’ at the point of work before work starts.

The QEN-P310 Electrical Safety Rules describe the procedure to be used for the management of electrical isolation locks.

4.9. DE-ENERGISATION OF CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS

When in operation, systems under cathodic protection are electrically insulated from all other conductive systems and are held at a small voltage differential from the earth. Incendive sparks can be produced by electrical short circuit to earth.

To avoid the risk of such sparks, when work might produce a short circuit to earth in a hazardous area, the cathodic protection systems must be electrically de-energised and earthed. This must be carried out at least 24 hours before work commences to give time for de-polarisation of the protection system.

There is the risk of electric shock to divers if they approach within a few metres of submerged current anodes which are in operation. Impressed current systems protecting submerged structure, including ships, must be switched off before divers commence work. Refer to QEN-W317 Work Instruction for Cathodic Protection.

4.10. REFERENCES Shell HSSE and SP Control Framework; Personal Safety Manual; Hot Work Section.

Permit to Work Procedure QOP-P109.

Control and Use of Override on Process Safeguarding procedure QOP-P110.

Process Isolation, Planning, Preparation, implementation and Monitoring isolation Procedure QOP-P107.

5. OPENING UP AND VENTILATION

5.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the opening up and ventilation of plant in preparation for further work.

Opening up means the mechanical breaching of a closed plant to atmosphere, other than by normal operation of a vent or drain valve. It usually entails one or more of the following:-

− The removal of manhole or inspection covers.

− The removal of blank flanges, pipe branches or pipe spool pieces.

− The springing apart of pipe flanges.



− Ventilation means displacement of gases and vapours by breathable air.

5.2. HAZARDS During opening up the hazards are:-

− Forceful release of pressurised material at the breached point.

− Discharge of hazardous or environmentally damaging substances from the breach point.

− The entry of air at the breach, producing a flammable atmosphere internally and the consequent risk of explosion, particularly if pyrophoric materials are present inside the plant.

During ventilation the hazards are:-

− The transient presence of flammable atmospheres in spaces which contain flammable liquids or vapours.

− The contamination of the atmosphere around ventilation outlet points.

− Premature entry of personnel to inadequately ventilated spaces.

− The contamination of the area during ventilation by pulling hazardous atmosphere

5.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

It is the responsibility of the designated operations personnel to specify all the precautions necessary in order to avoid hazards to personnel and equipment during opening up and ventilation.


A BREAKING CONTAINMENT PERMIT (BLACK COLOUR-CODED FORM) is required for the opening up of any system which might contain pressurised materials, or materials which are flammable, asphyxiant or hazardous to health.

A SUPPLEMENTARY CERTIFICATE is required to support the HOTWORK SPARK POTENTIAL PERMIT (ROSE COLOUR-CODED FORM) if the risks are such that:-

− Pyrophoric deposits may be present in the part of the plant to be breached.

− Breathing apparatus must be worn by the persons making the breach.

− Special precautions must be taken against flash fire at the breach.

− Special precautions must be taken against ingress of air at the breach.

− Special precautions must be taken for the dispersion of the vapours likely to be released when the breach occurs or during subsequent ventilation.

For any of the above criteria, if the system to be breached is large (spanning across interconnected system comprising more than one vessel/column without intermediate isolation) and positive isolation is not possible job hazards analysis is required.

Permits for the work entailing opening up and initial ventilation must be kept separate from those required for subsequent work. Refer to QOP-P109

5.5. FITTING OF SPADES AND BLANKS

Before opening up a plant for the fitting of a spade or blank, the point at which the breach is to be made must, as far as is reasonably practicable, be cleared of hazardous materials, depressurised and isolated from sources of hazardous material.

The part of the plant to be breached should, where practicable, be depressurised and, if safe and practicable, continuously vented to atmosphere whilst the breach is in being made.



If single isolation is all that is available to isolate the breach point from a source of hazardous material under significant pressure, then the work must be supported with job hazards analysis.

Flanges to be sprung apart should be carefully split, in accordance with good engineering practice, to check for pressure and hazardous materials before all bolts are removed.

If there is concern that there might be flammable vapours together with pyrophoric deposits present in the part of the plant to be breached, arrangements must be made to ensure that there is a small outward flow of inert gas as the breach is made. The pressure of the inert gas must not be sufficient to harm personnel as it emerges from the breach.

Special precautions are necessary when spades are to be fitted in large systems, such as flare systems and large diameter vapour ducts, which either cannot be isolated or can be isolated only at some considerable distance from the proposed breach point. In such a situation, the designated Engineering authority must produce a method statement (engineering work plan) covering the execution of the activity.

5.6. VENTILATION

Before opening up for ventilation:-

− All hazardous substances must be cleared from the plant sufficiently to ensure that during ventilation there is no unacceptable spread of hazardous vapours to the surroundings and that, where there are risks of ignition from pyrophoric deposits, there is no development of flammable atmospheres.

− Workers are not exposed to hazardous materials beyond set exposure limits.

− The plant must be positively isolated from all sources of hazardous substances.

− Precautions must be taken to control the rate of oxidation and avoid ignition of any pyrophoric deposits which might be present. In the case of iron sulphide deposits this can be achieved by wetting the deposits with water and / or injecting inert gas with the ventilating air.

Ventilation may be achieved by:-

− Natural means such as wind or convection.

− Artificial means such as air eductors or fans placed at the air inlet.

− A combination of natural and artificial means.

The ventilation strategy employed will depend upon the contents of the plant as follows:-

Plant containing inert gas

Plant which has been blanketed with inert gas must not be opened up direct to atmosphere if it still contains sources of hazardous gases or vapours. If necessary to should be cleared first by inert gas purging and then treated as in 5.6.2 below.

If there is no risk that sources of hazardous vapours might be present, it will normally be acceptable to purge out the inert gas to atmosphere from either a compressed air supply or by natural convection.

Asphyxiant concentrations must be avoided in all places where there is access for unprotected personnel. Particular care is necessary where the inert gas is heavy or cold with respect to the ambient atmosphere. Gas concentration monitoring should be applied if necessary to protect the environment in these circumstances.



Plant containing flammable vapours

If it considered unsafe to vent the flammable vapours direct to atmosphere, arrangements must be made to purge them by a safe route using inert gas before ventilation.

When ventilating spaces that might contain flammable vapours, all equipment used for any artificial ventilation should take suction from direct fresh air and should be placed at the natural air inlet ventilation to the space so that, in the event of its failure, it is unlikely to be enveloped by the flammable vapours. The equipment chosen must not be susceptible to mechanical sparking. It must be fully bonded and earthed against electrostatic charging. Electrical components must be certified for operation in Zone 1 areas (see Chapter 3: Work Environment Considerations – paragraph 4: Areas Classified as hazardous.)

5.7. PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

PPE must be worn in accordance with OLNG PPE procedure by Personnel opening up plants which might contain hazardous substances must wear additional personal protection appropriate to the hazards concerned.

Respiratory protective equipment must be worn and the necessary attendants must be provided if the risk of hazardous gas or vapour emission at the breach cannot be avoided.

Fire protective suits must be worn and the additional first-attack fire fighting equipment must be provided if there is a risk of ignition of the materials which might be released as the breach is made.


Personnel required to open up plants which might contain hazardous materials should have experience of this type of work. They must be made aware of the particular hazards involved and the precautions to be taken.

6. GAS SAFETY TESTING

6.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers the selection and use of portable equipment and automatic monitors for gas safety testing. It includes testing for flammability, oxygen and substances hazardous to health.

It does not cover:-

− Laboratory testing − Fixed facilities to monitor the quality of the atmosphere during normal plant

operations. − Dose monitoring of personnel carried out as a precaution against exposure to

vapours which are hazardous to health. 6.2. HAZARDS

In gas safety testing, the hazards are:-

− The premature entry of personnel without respiratory protection into hazardous atmospheres for the purpose of gas safety testing

− Ignition arising from the use of inadequately certified testing equipment in hazardous areas.

− Faulty testing equipment or faulty interpretation of readings.



− Failure to identify activities that concurrently could adversely affect the work site condition


Gas safety testing must be carried out before:-

(a) Any work which might produce a source of ignition in an area either classified as hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres or thought for any other reason to be contaminated with flammable gases or vapours.

(b) Entry by personnel into an area where the atmosphere might be asphyxiant or hazardous to health.

Gas safety testing will only be carried out by trained and suitably qualified OLNG personnel.

Only makes and types of gas safety testing equipment approved by the QMI Department may be used.

All gas testing equipment are critical equipment that shall be subject to Management of Change process if needed to be changed.


A Gas test certificate is to be attached to any permit where a gas test is deemed required for the initial entry of the Authorised Safety Inspector into a confined space for the purpose of gas safety testing. (see Chapter 3: Work Environment Considerations – paragraph 2: Confined Space Work))

6.5. GAS SAFETY SAMPLING STRATEGY

The aim of gas safety testing is to confirm not only that the area concerned meets the criteria for personnel entry or other activity required, but also that there are no sources of hazardous gas or vapour which could very quickly re-contaminate the area.

Samples must therefore be taken and repeated to the satisfaction of the tester:-

− Throughout the area

− In poorly ventilated corners and pockets

− Near to any possible source of contamination

6.6. GAS SAFETY SAMPLING TECHNIQUE Portable instruments should normally be used without extension tubes unless necessary to reach otherwise inaccessible places. Where an extension tube is used, the user must be satisfied by personal inspection that the extension is clean, free from leaks and made of suitable material.

Samples may be taken through balloons where there is concern that mists might otherwise be drawn directly into the testing equipment, damaging it or causing it to give false readings.

Samples may be taken for detailed laboratory analysis if needed for components that are not measurable using portable instruments.

The material of construction of any tube, balloon or container used for sampling must be approved by the QMI Department as appropriate to avoid any contamination, dilution or absorption of the sample.

Specialist means of testing are necessary for hot vapours. The use of heated sample tubes in an attempt to avoid condensation from hot gases is not recommended.



6.7. GAS TESTING EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

Protection for use in Hazardous Areas

Any piece of gas safety testing equipment to be used in a Hazardous Areas, if it incorporates a potential source of ignition and is to be used without recourse to fire permit conditions, must be certified to a standard appropriate for the classification of the area and the most hazardous species of flammable gas or vapour which might be present.

The minimum protection standard for the gas safety testing equipment used at OLNG is set by QHSE department.

Examination and testing

Gas safety testing equipment must regularly examined, tested, calibrated and marked satisfactory with the latest examination date, in accordance with a schedule by an appropriately qualified person.

Users must satisfy themselves before use that the equipment has been examined and tested as required, is generally in good condition and responds as it should to trial contamination of the intake air.

6.8. ATMOSPHERIC FLAMMABILITY TESTING

Atmospheric flammability testing is necessary to control hazards of fire and explosion.

Flammability in a plant can arise from:-

− Flammable liquids or vapours remaining in the plant after it has been opened up and while it is being ventilated.

− Vents or leaks of flammable vapours to atmosphere.

− Accumulation in poorly ventilated places of flammable vapours from leaks or natural causes e.g. anaerobic decomposition.

The flammability of an atmosphere, consisting of air contaminated with a flammable gas or vapour, is expressed as a percentage of the lower flammability limit for a particular flammable species present.

For gas safety work, flammability is measured directly using a ‘flammable gas’ meter. If direct measurement of the flammability is impracticable because the atmosphere to be tested is hot, oxygen deficient or contaminated with materials which interfere with the direct flammability measuring instrument, an analyser may be used. This analyser measures the concentration of the flammable components in the atmosphere and the flammability of the atmosphere can then be calculated from these measurements.

Criteria Based on Test results

Hot work must not be allowed where the measured flammability of the atmosphere exceeds 5% of the lower flammability limit.

Entry of personnel, however protected, should not be allowed where the measured flammability of the atmosphere exceeds 10% of the lower flammability limit. Such entry may be considered in emergencies only, and in exceptional circumstances, with a level of authority higher than an Authorised Gas Safety Inspector.

For criteria related to confined space entry; refer to Work Environment consideration section addressing Confined Space Entry.



6.9. OXYGEN CONCENTRATION TESTING Atmospheric oxygen testing is necessary:-

− To avoid risks to personnel from asphyxiation.

− To avoid risks of ignition due to enhanced oxygen concentration

− Where flammability testing is required, to ensure that the oxygen concentration is within the range necessary for reliable flammability testing.

− Oxygen deficiency in the atmosphere can arise from:-

− Inert gas remaining in the plant after purging or blanketing with inert gas.

− Poor dispersion of a vent or a leak of inert gas to atmosphere.

− Oxygen depletion of the atmosphere in a poorly ventilated place due either to biological action (e.g. organic growth) or to chemical oxidation (e.g. rusting)

− Cutting or welding in a confined space

− Oxygen enrichment in a plant can result from leaks in an oxygen system (e.g. gas cutting or welding equipment)

Criteria Based on Test Results

The flammable gas readings for equipment designed with catalyst cannot be relied upon if the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere under test is less than 16% by volume.

Breathing apparatus must be worn for entry into any confined space where the concentration of oxygen is less than 20% by volume and should be considered for entry into any space where the concentration of oxygen is measurably different from that of fresh air - Work Environment consideration section addressing Confined Space Entry.

Entry of personnel into an atmosphere where the concentration of oxygen is less than 20% volume must be treated as inert gas entry - Work Environment consideration section addressing Inert gas Entry

No entry of personnel, however protected, is allowed where the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere is more than 25% volume because this would give rise to the greatly increased risk of ignition of clothes and other combustible materials.

6.10. ATMOSPHERIC TESTING FOR OTHER SUBSTANCES

HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH Testing for substances hazardous to health is necessary whenever there are risks of contamination of the breathing air.

Vapours hazardous to health in a plant area can arise from:-

− Hazardous substances remaining in the plant after it has been opened up and while it is being ventilated.

− Vents or leaks of hazardous substances to atmosphere.

− Accumulation, in poorly ventilated places, of vapours hazardous to health from leaks or from natural sources e.g. hydrogen sulphide from biological activity.

Specific testing equipment shall be used to measure concentrations of hazardous substances. These equipment shall be selected based on the design working conditions and hazardous substance they are intended to measure. Changes in type of



testing equipment or introduction of testing equipment shall be done through Management of Change.

Alternatively, vapours hazardous to health may be measured by chemical or physio- chemical means. The most convenient means for most vapours is the portable colorimetric test equipment which uses sealed and calibrated, throw-away test tubes e.g. Draeger Tubes.

Flammability measurements are not reliable as a guide to the presence of substances hazardous to health.

Portable Colorimetric Test Equipment

A sample of the atmosphere to be tested is drawn through the test tube by a hand operated bellows. Each test entails breaking the two ends of the sealed glass tube and drawing through it a specified number of bellows volumes. The tube serves for only one test.

A wide range of standard test tubes is available. Each tube is designed for one species of contaminant within a particular concentration range. Some tubes can be used for a group of related species.

Most colorimetric tubes have a specified shelf life which applies as long as they are kept sealed and in cool conditions, away from direct sunlight. The seals must not be broken until immediately before use.

The bellows pump must be in good condition and should be blown clear with clean air after use. The pump should be tested for leaks prior to each test and the volume of the stroke should be checked on a routine basis. It is important, when carrying out the test, that the stroke of the bellows pump is a full one and that exactly the specified number of strokes is taken.

The user must be satisfied that no contaminant is present which might interfere with the test and that tests are carried out to cover all the hazardous materials likely to be present.

Direct reading instruments

They are available in the form of sophisticated analysers which can only be used by trained and experienced operators. Infra-red gas analysers are the most common but other types of analysers are also available. They are very accurate and give continuous or TWA readings e.g. MSA multi gas tester.

Criteria Based on Test Results

Appropriate personal protective equipment including respiratory protection must be worn for entry into any atmosphere where a person might be subject to an exposure exceeding any of:-

− The Long Term Exposure Limit (TWA 8hr-eight hour weighted average

value).

− The Short Term Exposure Limit (10 minute time weighted average value).

− Any known shorter term safety limits.

Maximum Exposure Limits and Occupational Exposure Standards for all commonly occurring hazardous gases and vapours are given in ACGIH.



For the following agents; the limits are defined as follows:

Agent 8-hour time-weighted average limit

15-minute short term exposure limit

Benzene 0.5 ppm or 1.6 mg/m3 2.5 ppm or 8 mg/m3

Ethylene Oxide 1 ppm or 1.8 mg/m3 –

Isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) 10 ppm or 28 mg/m3 50 ppm or 140 mg/m3

MMVF (Refractory Ceramic Fibres) 0.5 fibre/ml –

MMVF (Fibreglass, Mineral Wool) 1.0 fibre/ml –

6.11. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personnel carrying out gas safety tests must be protected against gas exposure hazards (see Chapter 3: Work Environment Considerations – paragraph 2: Confined Space Work))

6.12. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Only Authorised Safety Inspectors and Authorised Gas testers may carry out gas safety testing within OLNG.

6.13. REFERENCES

Shell HSSE CF



CHAPTER 2: TEMPORARY ACCESS

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1.1. SCOPE This section covers the safety in the provision and use of various means of occasional personnel access, mainly to heights. A chapter on the use of safety signs and notices is included.

1.2. BACKGROUND A safe means of access must be provided for every person to their place of work. This must include:-

(1) A safe route to and from the place of work. (2) A safe work place. (3) Provision for emergency escape e.g. by a secondary route. (4) Limitation of access by signs and barriers necessary for safety of personnel.

These requirements apply both to places of regular work and to places of occasional work. For work at a place where a person might fall either a distance of more than 1.8 metres or into a hazardous situation, a platform with adequate guide rails and toe boards should be provided if reasonably practicable. Alternatively, provision only of a secure foothold together with a secure handhold may be considered for short periods of work. In this case, safety harnesses or safety nets must also be provided. (see Chapter 2: Temporary Access – paragraph 4: Ladders, Steps and Trestles) Means of access must be kept free from obstruction and from any substances likely to cause a person to slip, trip or fall. Adequate approved lighting must be provided.

1.3. APPLICATION It is the responsibility of the authorised person acting on behalf of the Operations or Engineering Manager to provide or approve the temporary means of access for any particular task on the plant. The Permit to Work for the task must include any safety precautions necessary for the temporary means of access which are to be used. If the provision of the temporary means of access is seen as a task in itself e.g. the provision of scaffolding, this should be covered by an independent Permit to Work. It should be noted that temporary access (usually scaffolding) is subject to Company regulations which require that the structure is subjected to periodic inspection by a competent person and authorised for use by displaying a SCAFFTAG on the structure. Such temporary structures must also be re-inspected and certified every 7 days to ensure that there are no obvious defects prior to each occasion they are used. NOTE: There is a separate chapter in this section covering scaffolding i.e. Chapter 3.

2. SAFETY SIGNS AND TEMPORARY BARRIERS

2.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers the requirements for the design and provision of safety signs, fire safety signs, road traffic signs and temporary barriers.

2.2. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Signs, notices and barriers must be provided and located as necessary to control effectively the access of personnel where they might be exposed to hazards, and for directing people to the buildings and plant sites. All safety signs giving health or safety information or instructions to persons must comply



with the Safety Signs Regulations 1980. The main exceptions are:-

(1) The signs and colours used for regulating traffic.

(2) Any signs in such proximity that they might lead to confusion.

(3) The signs relating to fire fighting and fire escape provisions.

2.3. SAFETY SIGNS A safety sign is a sign which gives a message about health or safety by a combination of geometric form, colour and symbol. A safety sign may be supplemented by a notice. BS 5738-1:1980 provides the following scheme for colour, shape and dimension of safety signs.

Prohibition signs (1) The background colour must be white. The circular band and cross bar

must be red.

(2) If a symbol is to be used, it must be black and placed centrally on the background and must not obliterate the cross bar.

(3) Red must cover at least 35% of the area of the safety sign. Any text must be put on a supplementary notice.

Warning signs

(1) The background colour must be yellow.

(2) The triangular band must be black.

(3) The symbol which is necessary to amplify the meaning of the sign must be black and placed centrally on the background.

(4) Yellow must cover at least 50% of the area of the safety sign.

(5) Any text must be put onto a supplementary notice.

Mandatory signs (1) The background colour must be blue.

(2) The symbol which is necessary to amplify the meaning of the sign must be white and placed centrally on the background.

(3) Blue must cover at least 50% of the area of the safety sign.

(4) The symbols used on mandatory signs should depict general types of protection.

(5) Where necessary, a specific type or level of protection should be indicated by text, on a supplementary notice.

Safe condition signs

(1) The background colour must be green.

(2) The symbol or text which is necessary to amplify the meaning of the sign must be white.

(3) The shape of the sign must be oblong or square as necessary to accommodate the symbol or text.

(4) Green must cover at least 50% of the safety sign.

Safety symbols (1) The design of any symbol incorporated into the sign must be as simple

as possible.



(2) Details not essential for the understanding of the message should be

omitted.

(3) The recommendations given for symbols in BS-5378 must be followed.

(4) In case of ionising radiation hazards, the symbol recommended by BS- 3510 must be used.

Safety notices

(1) Text in the form of a safety notice may or may not be necessary in addition to the safety sign, but whenever a safety notice is used it must be accompanied by an appropriate safety sign.

(2) More than one sign may be used if this helps understanding.

2.4. ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS Road traffic signs used in the plant shall be in line with the Sultanate of Oman legislation issued by ROP (Royal Oman Police). It will be noted that the range of shapes and colours is more extensive than the range allowed for safety signs.

2.5. TEMPORARY BARRIERS

Barriers should be erected as necessary with signs to indicate to personnel the restrictions or actions required. Temporary barriers may be in the form of;-

(1) Portable metal frames

(2) Wires mesh fences.

(3) Warning posts with chains, ropes or highly visible tapes.

(4) Hazard lamps and beacons.

(5) Floor markings.

(6) Purpose built scaffold with warning signs.

The type of barrier chosen must be appropriate to the circumstances, bearing in mind:-

(1) The severity of the hazard.

(2) The degree of responsibility to be expected from the personnel for whom the barrier is necessary.

(3) The factors which might cause the barrier to deteriorate within the period of

exposure.

Note: Plastic tapes (Warning/Danger) are not the appropriate barriers as per above circumstances and should only be used for warning purposes only and to be removed immediately upon completion of work.

2.6. PROVISION AND SITING

Safety signs must be sited in positions where at least one can be seen from every approach. They must be kept clean and illuminated in adequate lighting conditions.


During safety induction, personnel will be made aware of the meanings of safety signs, notices and barriers used at OMAN LNG.



Figure 2-1: Examples of Standard Signs

Symbol Meaning ExDmples

(9 Prohibition ® No Smoking

Mandatory Hearing (Must Do) Protection

Warning (Donger-Potential Hazard

Safe Condition (The Safe Way)

Fire Equipment & Safety



3. SCAFFOLDING

3.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the construction, use and dismantling of modular scaffolds. A scaffold is a temporary structure used to provide access for work or to support materials and equipment. It may be of the conventional tube and coupler type or of a proprietary type based upon the use of standard frames, with or without standard tubes and couplers.

3.2. HAZARDS During construction, use and dismantling of scaffolding, the particular hazards are:-

(1) Faulty structural design or inadequate bracing.

(2) Faulty materials of construction.

(3) Overloading.

(4) Deterioration of the fixings or the materials of construction due to damage or the weather.

(5) Unauthorised alteration.

(6) Impact from passing vehicles.

(7) Failure of the scaffold structure when incomplete.

(8) Falls of scaffolders.

(9) Scaffolding materials being dropped during handling.

3.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The responsibility for safety in the construction, use and dismantling of scaffolding at OMAN LNG is divided as follows:-

(1) The Head of Maintenance.

(2) The Scaffolding contractor.

(3) OLNG supervisor.

(4) Contract holder.

(5) Scaffold supervisor.

(6) Scaffold inspector.

(7) The user.

Engineering Manager’s Responsibilities In addition to selecting a competent Scaffolding Contractor, the Engineering Manager must:-

(1) Ensure that a recognised standard or code of practice is available, understood and accepted by the Scaffolding Contractor.

(2) Verify that the Scaffolding Contractor provide properly certified training in safe scaffold erection for his scaffolders to guarantee skilled competency.



(3) Verify that the Scaffold Contractor provides adequate supervision of the

work in hand.

(4) Ensure that a clearly written handover procedure is available - scafftag.

(5) Ensure that the Users are informed about the purpose of the scaffolds, the User’s responsibilities and the need for Personal Protective Equipment.

Scaffolding Contractor’s Responsibilities

The Scaffolding Contractor must:-

(1) Ensure that all his employees adhere to the recognised standard or code of practice with respect to the selection, erection and possible modification of scaffolds.

(2) Appoint a fully trained, certified and competent Scaffolding Supervisor.

(3) Provide proper training for the scaffolders and ensure that their performance is properly monitored by the Scaffolding Supervisor.

(4) Provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment such as safety helmets, gloves, overalls, safety spectacles, safety footwear, harnesses ( with double lanyard /shock absorber), lifelines, safety nets, and when working above water, life jackets. Ensure the proper use of all Personal Protective Equipment provided.

(5) Carry out regular quality control checks on scaffolding materials and erected scaffolds.

(6) Adhere to the written handover procedures and maintain good communication with the Scaffolding Supervisor at all times.

(7) Ensure safe dismantling of the scaffolding and site clearance upon completion of the job.

(8) Control scaffolding erection/dismantling in accordance with British Standard BS EN 12811-1:2003.

(9) Inspect the scaffolding and the use of standard scaffolding material complying BS1139 specification

(10) Ensure that proper training and certification is given to scaffolders

OLNG supervisor’s Responsibilities

The OLNG supervisor must:- (1) Give proper information to scaffold contractor in the request

(2) Ensure that scaffold is used properly by his personnel and himself



Contract Holder’s Responsibilities

The contract holder must:-

(1) Describe the proper scaffolding materials, structural design code, personnel skills

(2) Ensure that there is a valid contract at any time

(3) Audit the performance of the scaffolding contractor

Scaffold Supervisor’s Responsibilities

The scaffold supervisor must:- (1) Supervise that proper structural strength and stability of a scaffold is

provided both during erection/removal and intended use.

Scaffold Inspector’s Responsibilities The scaffold inspector must:-

(1) Inspect a scaffold before its first us

(2) Inspect scaffolding material every 6 months

(3) Re-inspection a scaffold after every 7 days

(4) (scaffold inspector and supervisor might be same person)

User’s Responsibilities Users must:-

(1) Ensure that scaffolding is safely used and not modified without authorisation.

(2) Report defects and unauthorised modification of the scaffolding.

(3) Inform the relevant person when scaffolding is no longer required and is available for dismantling.


A COLD WORK PERMIT (Green colour-coded Form) is required from the designated operating authority for the plant area, before any scaffold is erected, altered or dismantled.

3.5. DESIGN STANDARDS

Scaffolding must comply with British Standard BS EN 12811-1:2003. Temporary Working Platforms

The minimum width for temporary working platforms in Oman LNG is 1070mm.

All sides of every fixed temporary working platform from which a person may fall more than 1.8 metres should be fitted with two guardrails set at least 450mm and 920mm above the platform and a toe board at least 150mm deep. The gap between the top of the toe board and the guardrail must not exceed 770mm.

Scaffold Loading

Scaffolds must be built to suit the loading duty as indicated by table 3.1



Table 3-1 Permitted Platform Loads on Scaffold Structures

Duty of

platform

Typical use of platform

Maximum distributed load on the platform.

Kg/m2

Maximum number of platform levels

Commonly used platform widths using 225mm boards

Maximum bay length

in metres

Very light Inspection, Painting, Cleaning and Access

75 1 3 boards 2.70

Light Painting and

Cleaning

150 2 4 boards 2.40

General purpose

General construction work

200 2 plus 1 at very light duty

5 boards or 4+1inside

2.10

Heavy heavy construction and cladding


5 boards or 5+1 inside or 4+1 inside

2.00

Special Very heavy construction and cladding


6 - 8 boards 1.80

Where sheeting is to be added to a scaffold for shielding purposes (e.g. weather protection) designs of both the scaffolding and existing structure must be checked for additional wind loads to be installed.

Where there are any doubts over the safety of large or complicated scaffolds, the Scaffolding Contractor should submit a structural calculation and an erection drawing to the Oman LNG Head of Maintenance. This is also required where scaffolding height is over 30 metres.

Construction Details

The material used to build any scaffold must be in good condition and comply with the approved standards (refer to Oman LNG Procedure for Scaffolding). Steel items should be clean and not treated in any way to conceal defects.

Every scaffold structure must be well founded. The foundation must be capable of carrying the imposed load for the entire life of the scaffolds. Base plates and sole boards must be used as appropriate to spread the load.

Aluminium ladders are not allowed to be used on site.

Scaffolds must not be supported by process lines, unless specifically allowed by the permit to Work, and must not be tied into existing handrails or guard-rails, and structural beams.

The scaffold must not foul process valves or push buttons, ladders or block platform completely.

Scaffold tubes must not protrude so as to endanger personnel. The use of coloured end caps is recommended near access-ways.



Joints should be wrapped or otherwise shielded in the vicinity of access- ways, to prevent injury to passers-by.

Ladders must be placed so as not to impose an unacceptable side loading on the scaffold and must be secured to the scaffold to prevent them slipping.

Layout Constraints Sufficient means of emergency escape must be provided from each scaffold platform.

Scaffolds must not block access or escape routes unless this is specifically allowed by the Permit to Work.

Supplementary provisions for access might be required if a scaffold blocks a normal access or escape route.

For working under very hazardous situations at elevation stairs in two opposite direction shall be built instead of ladders, and mesh protection to prevent someone being blown off the platform should be considered.

3.6. INSPECTION

Erectors inspection The scaffolding contractor will receive a request to build a scaffold through CMMS work order. When the request is not clear, the scaffolding supervisor should with the requester go to the location and discus what type and size of scaffolding is required. Erection has to be done as per OLNG safety regulations chapter 4.5. The scaffold is ready for use only when the scaffold inspector has approved it and fixed a signed scaftag on the entrance of the scaffolding.

The Scaffolding Contractor erecting the scaffold must ensure that, at the time of handing over, the scaffold:-

(1) Complies with any design drawing and/or specification for that particular scaffold.

(2) Complies with the requirements of the Oman LNG Procedure for Scaffolding QEN-P103 and the approved standard noted therein.

(3) Is adequate for the purpose for which it is intended.

(4) Is stable and in a safe condition.

(5) Safe working load is not less than 200kg/m2.

(6) Has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified competent person.

(7) The handover certificate has been signed and dated on behalf of the erection company.

(8) A scafftag is in place on the scaffold at the point of access.

Oman LNG Inspection It is the responsibility of the Oman LNG Head of Maintenance to ensure that on-going inspections are carried out. The inspections must be carried out by the contractor’s competent person:-

(1) Before acceptance from the scaffolding contractor.



(2) At least once every seven days thereafter.

(3) Before use following any severe weather condition which might have affected the structural integrity of the scaffold.

(4) Before use after any alteration which might have affected the structural integrity of the scaffold.

(5) Inspection of all tubular, couplers/fitting and boards will be at six month cycle and be colour coded as per colour identification of hoisting & lifting equipment ( Ref-QEN-P202)

A record of these inspections must be maintained by the contractor, and recorded on the scafftag.

Pre-dismantling Inspection

The scaffold must be inspected prior to dismantling. If the scaffold is defective, it must be made safe before dismantling commences.

Where alterations have been made to the scaffold during its working life, it is not safe to assume that dismantling can be carried out in a sequence the reverse of that used during erection.

3.7. MARKING OF SCAFFOLDS

Safety Signs and Barriers Whenever a scaffold is incomplete, during construction, alteration or dismantling, all access points must be barred and marked by warning signs and notices to indicate that the scaffold is not safe for general use.

Where there is a potential danger to a scaffold from the impact of vehicular traffic, substantial barriers should be erected with illuminated signs as necessary to keep traffic away.

The access area around a scaffold may need to be roped off to reduce the risk of debris or equipment falling on passers-by.

Safety Signs must be clearly displayed on all protective fans, indicating that the fans are not for storage or access.

Status Cards Before a scaffold from which a person might fall more than 1.8 metres is taken into general use, a system of status cards (Scafftags) is established.

A status card must be displayed in a prominent position at every access point on the scaffold to indicate whether the scaffold may be used and if so, the date of the last satisfactory inspection and the signature of the person(s) who carried out the last inspection.

The system provides a card-holder with a slot for the status card (see figure 3.2). This indicates automatically that the scaffold is unsafe when the card is removed. Users must check regularly that status cards are up to date.



Figure 3-2 Status Card System with and without the Card

3.8. PRECAUTIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DISMANTLING

All materials must be raised or lowered in an orderly manner, by hand or by hoist. Small items should be handled in secure bags or baskets. No item may be thrown or allowed to fall. No scaffolder should work without a secure foothold and a secure handhold Properly secured ladders should be used for access to heights. No scaffolder should work from a scaffold platform of less than three scaffold boards, all of which should be properly supported. For exposed work at heights, scaffolders must wear safety harnesses and, whenever practicable, attach safety lanyards to a secure anchor point on an adjacent structure. This would normally be at heights above 1.8 metres, but in some circumstances it may be advisable to use harnesses and lanyards at lower level.

3.9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal protective equipment / clothing in accordance with OLNG PPE regulations must be worn when constructing scaffolds. Harness with double lanyard to be used during construction and dismasting of scaffold structure (prior to receiving green status card) Personal fall arrest equipment must be worn whenever a person is exposed to a fall exceeding 6.18 meters. Head protection must be worn. Short-peaked safety helmets may be specified for construction personnel. Head protection must be worn with chin straps

3.10. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Persons employed to erect, inspect, alter or dismantle scaffolds must be appropriately trained and experienced. Scaffolding Supervisors and foremen must be qualified from a suitable scaffolding qualification course and must be experienced in work with scaffolds.

3.11. REFERENCES

(1) HSSE & SP Control Framework.

(2) Oman LNG QEN-P103 – Procedure for Scaffolding



4. LADDERS, STEPS AND TRESTLES

4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the use of portable ladders, steps and trestles (A-frame-ladder).

4.2. HAZARDS The main cause of accidents involving ladders is movements while in use. This occurs when they have not been secured to a fixed point, particularly at the foot.

The particular hazards when working with ladders, steps and trestles are:- (1) Inadequate footing.

(2) Over-reaching by the worker.

(3) Overloading.

(4) Overbalancing.

(5) Tools or equipment falling on passers-by.

(6) Electrically conductive ladders touching live overhead cables.

(7) The sparks which can be produced when aluminium is scraped against rusty metal. Thus aluminium ladders are not permitted to be used in the process plant area.

(8) Failure in service due to inadequate care and maintenance.

4.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Portable ladders, steps and trestles should be used only for light duties of short duration (Refer to QHSE-P209 5.4.3 Ladders) . Otherwise, properly constructed means of access should be provided. Drums or other makeshift pieces of equipment MUST NOT be used as a medium to gain access. Ladders / step ladders should be used only for low risk, short duration work. They must be in good condition, prevented from slipping, and only used by competent people. There should always be a handhold available.

4.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Permits covering work for which ladders, steps and trestles might be needed should draw attention to any special constraints considered necessary for safety.

4.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS All ladders, steps and trestles used within Oman LNG must meet the British Standards or equivalent, appropriate to the duty. Ladders

Oman LNG uses six types of ladder.

(1) Wooden ladders used on the plant to access temporary platforms e.g. scaffolding.

(2) Permanent steel ladders either for access or escape from fixed platforms on the plant.

(3) Aluminium ladders; can be used only in gas free environment.

(4) Small portable stepladders for use in the plant by Operations staff

(5) Rope ladders for vertical vessel access / egress. (requires higher authority to approve the use)

(6) Oman LNG also has aluminium stepladders for use in NIBs



The following classes are recognised by British Standards.

Class 1: Industrial For heavy duty where relatively high frequency and onerous conditions of use, carriage and storage occur. Suitable for industrial purposes. Duty rating 130kg.

Class 2: Light Trades For medium duty where relatively low frequency and reasonably good conditions of use, storage and carriage occur. Suitable for light trade purposes. Duty rating 110kg.

Class 3: Domestic For light duty where frequency of use is low and good storage and carriage conditions pertain. Suitable for domestic and household purposes. Duty rating 110kg.

Steps and Trestles The cords of swing back steps and trestles must be of the correct length and in good condition. They should pass through the stiles and back supports and be knotted securely at each end.

Trestle Platforms Trestle platforms must not be less than 435mm in width. For platforms less than 640mm in width, fabricated staging boards are recommended.

Trestle platforms must not be used where a person is liable to fall more than 4.5 metres from the platform.

Trestle platforms without guard rails and toe boards may be used by experienced persons for short duration work provided that, where a person is liable to fall a distance of more than 1.8 metres from the platform, either good handholds or a safety harness attached to fixed anchor points is worn.

Marking of Equipment Equipment must be marked with the following particulars in accordance with British Standards:-

(1) The name, trademark or other means of identification of the manufacturer or supplier.

(2) The number and date of the British Standards or equivalent to which the equipment conforms.

(3) The class and duty rating of the equipment.

Inspection Equipment must be inspected by a competent person and dated or colour coded to confirm satisfactory inspection, normally at intervals not exceeding 6 months. Those items found to be defective must be suitably marked or labelled and withdrawn from service.

Inspection records must be maintained for the lifetime of the equipment.

The condition of the equipment should be checked by the user before each occasion of use.



4.6. CARE OF EQUIPMENT

Handling Ladders, steps and trestles should be handled with care and not subjected to dropping or shock loading. If such an item has fallen or received a heavy blow, it should be examined immediately by a competent person and any damage made good before it is put back into service.

Storage Ladders, steps and trestles should be stored in such a manner as to provide ease of access and inspection and to avoid hazard when withdrawing for use.

When not in use, ladders may be stored vertically or horizontally; if horizontally they should be on racks designed for their protection. These racks should have supporting points every two metres to prevent excessive sagging. At no time should any load be placed on the ladder whilst in store.

All equipment should be stored under cover in locations where there is good ventilation. It should not be stored near radiators, stoves, steam pipe or other places subject to excessive heat or dampness.

Transport When a ladder is carried single handed, the front end must be kept high enough to clear the heads of personnel. Special care must be taken at corners and blind spots.

A ladder carried on a vehicle must not project beyond the lines of the vehicle body without highly visible markings such as a whit flag or equivalent at the tip of the overhang. The ladder must not project more than one metre in front or two metres behind without side and end markings as required by the Highway Code.

Adequate and appropriate fixings and/or lashings must be provided during transit, of resilient material. Ladders should be ties to each support to minimise rubbing and the effects of vibration. Other equipment should be loaded carefully so that the ladder will not be subject to shock or abrasion.

Maintenance Ladders, steps and trestles must be maintained in good condition at all times. Fittings and accessories should be checked frequently to ensure that they are securely attached and in working condition.

Moving parts, such as pulleys. Locks hinges, and wheels should operate freely without binding or undue play and should be oiled frequently.

All bolts and rivets should be in place and tight.

The ropes and cables of ladders should be inspected frequently and those that are frayed, badly worn or defective should be replaced.

The cords of steps and trestles should be replaced at the first sign of wear or deterioration.

4.7. PRECAUTIONS DURING USE

Ladder selection Metal ladders, wet wooden ladders and wooden ladders with reinforced stiles must not be used near exposed live electrical conductors.



Aluminium ladders must not be used in areas where they might be splashed with acids or alkalis.

Aluminium ladders can generate sparks when struck against rusty metal. The use of aluminium ladders should therefore be avoided in Hazardous Areas and must not be used in the process area

Ladder Erection Ladders must not be used the wrong way up.

Ladders must be of the proper length for the job to be done. If a ladder is used as a means of access to a landing place or as a working place it must rise to a height of at least 1.05 metres above the landing place and above the highest rung to be reached by the feet of the person using it.

Where extension ladders are used fully extended, the minimum overlap of sections must be at least four rungs. Splicing or lashing of ladders together to obtain an extension is not permitted.

A ladder longer than three metres must not be used unless:-

(1) It is either vertical or inclines at about 75 degrees to the horizontal.

(2) If vertical, it is securely fixed at its upper end.

(3) If inclined, it is securely fixed, preferably by lashing, near to its upper resting place.

(4) Where lashing near the upper resting place is not practicable, other measures must be taken to prevent movement of the ladder. These may include securing it at the foot, stationing an attendant at the foot or using side guys.

(5) An attendant stationed at the foot cannot be expected to steady a ladder more than six metre in length.

(6) It has a level and firm footing and is not standing on loose bricks or other loose packing.

(7) It is secured where necessary over its length to prevent excessive swaying or sagging. Ladders used as a means of common passage must be securely footed and lashed to prevent them from moving.

Ladders for access to scaffolding may be placed only by competent scaffolders.

Any fixed ladder over six metres in length, not intended for use solely in emergencies, must be protected by safety cages, hoops or other suitable means to prevent users from falling backwards.

Rest platforms and safety harness anchorages must be provided at intervals not greater than nine metre.

Ladder in Use A person working on or from a ladder must have both feet on the rungs and have a secure hand hold. If the work to be done necessitates the use of both hands, a safety belt must be worn.

Only one person at a time may be on any one ladder.

Tools and other materials should not be hand carried by persons ascending or descending vertical ladders. Where practicable, tools should be carried in pockets, special belts or should bags, provided that they do not impair movement and are held securely.



Steps and Trestles

When used free standing, steps and trestles should be spread to their fullest extent and all the feet must be resting on a firm surface.

Steps should be placed with either the front or the back facing the work so as to avoid side loading.

4.8. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING All persons required to place or work with ladders, steps and trestles must have received training in their use and must be capable of detecting faults in such equipment.

4.9. REFERENCES British Standards BS-2037: Portable aluminium ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight staging. BS-1129: Portable timber ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight staging. BS-4211: Steel ladders for permanent access. QEN-P103 Procedure for Scaffolding. QHSE-P209 Procedure for Working at Height.

5. VEHICLE-MOUNTED WORK PLATFORMS

5.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety on the use of vehicle mounted work platforms, elevated by scissor mechanisms, telescoping towers, jibs or articulating arms. The Chapter does not cover safety in the use of hoists or other platforms guided by rails or masts. It does not cover fire-fighting and rescue platforms.

5.2. HAZARDS The particular hazards of vehicle-mounted work platforms are:-

(1) Knocking or trapping of passengers against fixed objects.

(2) Trapping of personnel between the platform and fixed installations.

(3) Trapping of personnel by the platform mechanism.

(4) Failure of the mechanism with the platform in an elevated position causing personnel to be stranded.

(5) Overturning due to overloading, excessive wind loading, Excessive platform movement, inadequate foundation, and use of an excessive gradient or attempted movement against obstruction.

(6) Impact from other devices.

(7) Materials falling onto areas or personnel below.

(8) Contact with live conductors.

5.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Vehicle mounted work platforms are highly versatile for temporary access to points which can be as much as 20 metres above the vehicle parking place. Used properly, they can greatly add to the safety of temporary access. They must be used strictly within the manufacturer’s loading and range recommendations. Powered versions are not normally suitable for use in areas classified as hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres, unless special plant operational constraints are in place to avoid release of flammable vapours. Before a vehicle mounted work platform is used at Oman LNG, a competent representative must check the relevant inspection records and examination certificates.




A COLD WORK PERMIT (Green colour-coded Form) is required for the work which entails the use of vehicle-mounted work platforms. This may specify the type of platform to be used and the precautions entailed by its use. A HOTWORK SPARK POTENTIAL PERMIT (ROSE COLOUR-CODED FORM) is required for entry into a hazardous area of any vehicle-mounted platform incorporating an unprotected internal combustion engine or unprotected electrical equipment.

5.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS A vehicle mounted work platform whether on a purpose built access vehicle or a fork lift truck incorporates:-

(1) A work platform capable of supporting personnel, tools and materials.

(2) A structure and mechanism to support and elevate the work platform.

(3) A vehicle chassis to provide a base for the platform.

(4) A power unit which might serve both to propel the vehicle and move the platform.

(5) Controls to manipulate the platform and move the vehicle.

(6) Banksmen required when operating these vehicles near to structures as operator may not always have full view of all obstruction.

5.6. PURPOSE BUILT VEHICLES

The work platform

The floor of the platform should be well drained and slip resistant. It must be surrounded by a plated wall or guard rails to a height of at least 920mm. If guard rails are provided, strong mesh walls or intermediate guard rails plus 150mm deep toe boards are required.

Any access gate provided should open inwards, upwards or sideways and s should return automatically to the closed and fastened position.

There must be a safe means of access to the platform when at its lowest position.

Anchor points must be provided for attachment of the passengers’ safety harnesses.

The platform must not be modified in any way which increases its weight or its wind profile without the approval of the manufacture.

The structure and the Elevating Mechanism

The scissor mechanism, telescoping jib or tower, or articulating arm used to support and elevate the platform might be moved by hydraulic or pneumatic means, screw jacks or racks with pinions.

Fail-safe devices must be fitted to prevent uncontrolled platform movements in the event of drive equipment failure. Stops must be fitted to constrain platform travel within the safe limits at permissible extremes of vehicle inclination.

Trapping points on the elevating mechanism, within reach of personnel should be avoided or adequately guarded. HSE Guidance



Booklet HS (G)-19 gives advice on the design and guarding of scissor mechanisms.

MARKING OF EQUIPMENT

Each platform must be conspicuously marked with:

(1) The Safe Working Load,

(2) The maximum number of persons which may be carried,

(3) The maximum permissible wind speed in which it may be used,

(4) In the case of a purpose-built access vehicle, the maximum

permissible chassis inclination at which it may be used.

PRECAUTIONS DURING THE WORK

Work carried out from the platform should not entail a reach which would take the worker's feet off the platform or the worker's centre of gravity outside the platform guard rails.

All passengers should remain entirely within the guard rail as the platform is moved.

The vehicle must not be moved with the platform in the elevated position except as specifically provided for by the manufacturer.

The platform loading limits must be strictly adhered to.

The platform must not be used as a crane unless provided for by the manufacturer. It must not be used as a jack to put pressure against a fixed object.

The use of two platforms in tandem, or one platform jointly with a crane to support a single object should be avoided. Special precautions are necessary, under the direction of a suitably qualified engineer, for any such operation.

6. ROOF ACCESS

A platform should not be used in the vicinity of live electrical conductors without the written agreement of an appropriately qualified electrical engineer.

6.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This Chapter covers safety in temporary access across flat and sloping roofs, whether for work on the roof or as a temporary route to other work. The uses of ladders, lifts and scaffolds to reach a roof and the use of scaffold platforms for roof access are covered by other chapters in this section. A sloping roof in this context means a roof or part of a roof having a pitch of more than 10 degrees.

6.2. HAZARDS The particular hazards from roof access are:

1. Fall of persons,

From unguarded edges of flat roofs, from the edges of sloping roofs, through openings in roofs, through weak or fragile roof materials.



2. Fall of materials,

3. Contact with electricity supplies. The hazards are exacerbated by icy, wet and windy weather.

6.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Roof work, particularly work on pitched roofs, is hazardous and requires a specific risk assessment and method statement prior to the commencement of the work. For complex roof work, such as re-roofing, a Method Statement should be agreed with the contractor or work team before the start of the work. Guard rails and toe boards should be provided where practicable to protect all personnel working in positions where they might otherwise fall from a height exceeding 1.8 meters. Where this is not practicable, suitable personal fall arrest equipment must be used.

6.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS All access to roofs, other than where permanent safe access is provided which is itself sufficient to supply a safe working area for all proposed activities, must be controlled by a Permit to Work.

6.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS Roof ladders and crawling boards must be of good construction, suitable and sound material, and adequate strength, free from patent defect and properly maintained. When in use they must be properly supported and securely fixed or anchored to prevent them shipping. Roof edge protection must be well constructed and fixed, providing an upper guard rail at between 920mm and 1150mm above the roof edge and a toe board 150mm deep at the roof edge. A central guard rail may also be necessary. Alternatively, a scaffold platform with guard rails and toe boards may be provided outside the edge. Anchor points provided for personal fall arrest equipment must be sound and well maintained. Temporary protective coverings for fragile roof areas, roof openings or roof lights must be of adequate strength and security fitted.

6.6. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ACCESS Before any temporary roof access is allowed, a proper assessment must be made, including internal and external inspection as necessary, to determine the construction, strength and condition of the roof and to determine where loads may be placed and how they may be distributed. Adequate anchorage points for harnesses to be identified prior to performing activity. All personnel who will have access must be informed of the strengths and weakness of the roof. The area underneath, where materials could fall from the roof work, should be marked off by cones and tapes. Notices to give warning should be placed at all normal access points to this area. Provisions must be made to stop work in excessively icy, wet or windy conditions. The locations of any live electricity cables in the roof area must be established and action taken to isolate them from the power supply or to avoid them.

6.7. WORK ON OR NEAR TO FRAGILE ROOFS All fragile roofs, other than roofs clad wholly in transparent glass, must be identified by warning notices at all likely points of access. Roof ladders and crawling boards must be used on all fragile roofs. There must be suitable means of access such as scaffolding, ladders and crawling boards; suitable barriers, guard rails or covers where people work near to fragile materials and roof lights; and suitable warning signs indicating that a roof is fragile should be on display at ground level. Personnel must not step on to a fragile roof for any purpose. Where personnel might fall or overbalance on to a fragile roof, guard-rails or protective boarding shall be provided, or personal fall arrest equipment used as necessary to avoid a fall through. Personnel required to work on fragile roofs must use appropriate crawling boards.

Document No: QHSE-P221 Page 38/145 Issue No: 4 Print Date: Issue Date: 09 May 2016 Hard copy only valid on print date.



6.8. WORK ON FLAT ROOFS

Flat roofs are normally strong enough for personnel access but this must be confirmed in every case before access is allowed. Underfoot protection may be needed to avoid damage to roof surfacing materials and strengthening may be needed where heavy materials or equipment are to be handled. Personnel should work only within areas bounded by roof edge protection or personnel barriers placed across the roof. Roof openings within the work area must be adequately guarded, above by rails or covers, or beneath by platforms or nets.

Access to roof areas where the fall from the edge could exceed 1.8 meters and where there is no roof edge protection may be allowed only to persons wearing personal fall arrest equipment for light work of short duration.

6.9. WORK ON SHALLOW PITCH ROOFS Roofs having pitches of less than 10 degrees are normally less robust than flat roofs and may be fragile. Platform boards are necessary if there is any doubt as to their strength. Personal fall arrest equipment of roof edge protection is required as for flat roof work. Platforms may be required to span the portions where roofs sheets are to be replaced.

6.10. WORK ON SLOPING ROOFS Roof ladders or properly fixed crawling boards are necessary for all work on sloping roofs, except where: The pitch is less than 30 degrees and the roof surface provides particularly good foot holds in all likely weather conditions, The pitch is between 30 degrees and 50 degrees and roof battens are exposed and in such good condition as to provide safe hand and foot holds. Roofs edge protection should be provided for all work on sloping roofs except for very short duration light work such as inspection or odd tile replacement for which access using roof ladders or crawling boards is acceptable, provided that personnel fall arrest equipment. For work on roofs with pitches greater than 50 degrees or curved roofs, scaffold platforms should be provided.

6.11. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with generally applicable OLNG PPE Regulations. Leather knee pads should be used if necessary. Personal fall arrest equipment must be worn whenever a person is exposed to a fall exceeding 6.18 meters.

6.12. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Only personnel who are trained and experienced in roof top working may work from sloping roofs where the pitch is greater than 30 degrees or where the pitch is between 10 degrees and 30 degrees and the roof is likely to be slippery.

6.13. REFERENCES



CHAPTER 3: WORK ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS


1.1. SCOPE

This Section covers safety considerations which are working environment related. The working environments to be considered include:

(1) Confined spaces including tanks cleaning

(2) Confined spaces containing inert gas

(3) Areas classified as hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres

(4) Underwater work using divers

(5) Refrigerated rooms

1.2. APPLICATION

It is necessary that all authorised persons operating a ‘Permit to Work’ system are capable of recognising that additional hazards may accrue to a particular task when it is carried out in a hazardous environment.

Such authorised persons must understand that increasing levels of hazard in a working environment may require that a higher level of enabling certification is necessary to allow a job to proceed.

2. CONFINED SPACE WORK

This Chapter covers the safety requirements for any entry of a person or persons into a confined space. Entry means either whole person entry or just head entry.

2.1. PURPOSE To prevent or reduce the Consequences of Incidents related to planning, preparing, executing and supporting Confined Space work (CSW) including Inert Gas Confined Space Entry.

2.2. SCOPE This section applies to:

Fully or partially enclosed spaces that are not designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy, have limited or Restricted Means for Entry or exit, and where there is a Risk of injury or health effect from Hazardous Substances or conditions, and there is a risk of oxygen deficiency or accumulation of hazardous substances (dusts, vapours or gases).

This section does not apply to: • Underwater activities.



The following special situations of Entry are handled differently: • Inert Gas Confined Space Entry is done by specialists Contractors for Inert Gas Confined Space

Entry, who have specific skills, procedures, equipment and rescue plans to manage the Risk of

this work. Appendix 2 provides minimum guides and precautions required for entry into a confined space which is under an inert gas atmosphere.

2.3. DEFINITIONS

Confined Space

Fully or partially enclosed spaces that are not designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy, have limited or Restricted Means for Entry or exit, and where there is a Risk of injury or health effect from Hazardous Substances or conditions, and there is a risk of oxygen deficiency or accumulation of hazardous substances (dusts, vapours or gases).

Inert Gas Confined Space

A Confined Space where the existing atmosphere is intentionally displaced with an inert gas such as nitrogen.

Storage Tanks

A container for storing liquids or gases such as hydrocarbons, chemicals and effluent. A tank may be constructed of ferrous or nonferrous metals or alloys, reinforced concrete, wood, or filament-wound plastics, depending upon its use and include underground and refrigerated tanks.

Restricted Entry

Describes a physical configuration which requires the use of the hands or a contortion of the body to enter into or exit from a Confined Space.

Hazardous atmosphere

Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:

Flammable gas, vapours, or mists in excess of 10% of its lower flammable limit (LFL);

Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL; NOTE: This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet (1.52 m) or less.

Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 20 % or above 21.5 %;

Atmospheric concentration of any substance which could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit; NOTE: An atmospheric concentration of any substance that is not capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due to its health effects is not covered by this provision.

Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health

2.4. HAZARDS

Hazards identifications and risk assessment shall be carried out before entry in confined space to ensure adequate controls and monitoring are in place.

The risk assessment should be carried out by persons who are knowledgeable, experienced and competent in carrying out such risk assessments and in addressing the necessary protective measures and emergency arrangements that should be put in place prior to work. If the risk is found to be unacceptable, then entry should not be undertaken.



The need to isolate the confined space from risks arising externally which may affect the environment inside the confined space should be an additional part of the risk assessment. Matters to be considered in carrying out a risk assessment include but are not limited to

• hazards arising as a result of the environment inside the confined space; • hazards created by work and other activities that will be carried out inside the confined space; • Hazards that are outside the confined space that could affect a person inside the confined

space.

When entry is allowed into confined spaces, the particular hazards are:

1. Oxygen Deficiency i.e. O2 Less than 20% oxygen

2. Oxygen Enrichment i.e. O2 more than 21.5% oxygen

3. Fire and Explosion resulting from accumulations of flammable vapour or dust

4. Toxic Hazards: can result from the same sources as the flammable hazards. Additional hazards are: e.g. H2S, CO, ammonia, contaminated PPE

5. Corrosive Hazards from corrosive substances are harmful by skin or eye contact

6. Physical Hazards e.g. excessive noise levels; Heat stress, electric shock.

7. Unsafe Conditions: e.g. falling tools and materials; slippery floor surfaces and tripping hazards;

improper shoring of excavations leading to collapse.

8. Contamination of the breathing air by substances hazardous to health.

9. Persons being trapped in the event of accident or loss of consciousness.

10. Electrocution from the confined space area acting as conductive material

11. Static charge build-up and discharge

12. Access to entrance and usage of entrance points

13. Number and size of openings

14. Structure & layout including barriers within the space

15. Adjacent and/or Connected plant and machinery

16. Concurrent activities inside and adjacent to the confined space (including interconnected systems)

17. Occupancy load – number of concurrent personnel needed to be in the confined space at a

time

18. Time needed for exiting in the event of an emergency (fire, toxic atmosphere, rescue injured workers etc.)

The details of the nature and sources of hazard group 1 to 7 are detailed in Appendix 1.




Oman LNG applies the following hierarchy of risk reduction for each Confined Space Work

First: Eliminate the need for work in confined space. Entry into a confined space, for whatever purpose, should be contemplated only after all reasonably practicable steps have been taken to deal with the problem in some other way.

Second: Avoid the need for Respiratory Protection or skin protection for work in confined space by eliminating or minimizing flammable, toxic, asphyxiant or other Hazards through emptying, flushing, clearing, and ventilating. Avoid the need for hearing protection, fall protection, lifelines or other types of Personal Protective Equipment by removing or controlling Hazards.

Third: Specify Respiratory Protection and/or other protective equipment and apply working methods that reduce the exposure time of people in the Confined Space where there is no oxygen deficiency.

Oman LNG regulations designate levels of authority for the issuance of permits which require work using breathing apparatus within atmospheres which might be immediately harmful to health in the event of failure or accidental removal of the breathing apparatus. (See Appendix 2: Inert Gas Entry).

The specification for any work which requires confined space entry where body recovery could be difficult in an emergency must include a Method Statement describing the rescue plan.

OLNG job supervisor should prepare the rescue plan and get it reviewed and approved by QHSE/2 department. For the complicated confined space entries, .e.g. seawater intake header, the rescue plan must be tested and witnessed by QHSE/2 personnel to unearth any challenges/ weaknesses in the plan in early stage.


Every entry of a person or persons into a confined space must be covered by a Permit to Work incorporating a confined space certificate. The PTW includes a job hazards analysis.

However, in the case where the entry of a competent and authorised person is necessary for the purpose of confirmation that the space is gas free before the Safety Certificate can be issued, such a person may enter under the terms of the proposed permit and confined space entry certificate, provided that:

a) All equipment including lifesaving equipment are deployed ready, tested and fit for the

intended work

b) Before any other entry is allowed, the competent and authorised person must be completely satisfied that all the necessary safety precautions have been taken and must complete the confined space entry tag (this includes but not limited to positive isolations, prescribed PPE, atmosphere testing and prescribed limits are recorded, lights etc.)

The initial testing shall be comprehensive enough to assess all possible areas where trapped hazardous material might be, areas of stagnation or trapped fluids (especially for equipment with internal that may restrict ventilation flow).

The Permit to Work, when completed, should refer to a Method Statement which has been prepared for the job. Consideration must be given as to whether associated work requires a need for other types of Permit to Work.

The requirements and precautions of the Confined Space Permit are communicated to the permit holder and involved parties as per the PTW Procedure – QOP-P109.



2.7. COMMON PRECAUTIONS FOR CONFINED SPACE WORK

Whether or not breathing apparatus is to be worn, the precautions for the entry of personnel into a confined space must include:

For protection of the working atmosphere

(1) Clearance of flammable materials from the space including clearance of any deposits. which might release flammable vapours

Particular care is required to clear dead legs and pockets within the space and to remove any coating blisters which might conceal volatile flammable materials.

(2) Clearance from the space of vapours and materials which might release vapours hazardous to

health.

(3) Clearance of asphyxiant atmospheres from the confined space, except where an inert gas atmosphere is specially required for the work.

(4) Positive isolation of the confined space from all sources of flammable, asphyxiant and otherwise

hazardous materials and energy; including radiation except as may be specified for the work. The isolation points have to be as close as possible to the Confined Space. Refer to QOP-P107 - PROCESS ISOLATIONS PROCEDURE.

For confined space entry, pipework and ducts must be disconnected and positively isolated, using properly designed blanks or spades. Isolation simply by closed valves, plugs or stoppers is not acceptable without specific QOP/1 approval

(5) Adequate ventilation of the space with fresh air, except where inert gas conditions are specifically

required.

Under no circumstances may oxygen or oxygen-enriched air be used in an attempt to correct oxygen deficiency in a confined space or to ventilate a confined space

Ventilation may be supplemented by wind sails, fans or air eductors provided that, where there is any risk of flammable atmospheres, the equipment is appropriately selected, properly positioned and properly earthed to avoid any possible source of ignition.

For equipment (column/vessel etc.) larger than 5M3 or culvert, airing plan (ventilation plan) detailing the ventilation scheme and location for access and equipment set-up (i.e. air ejector, fan, HVAC etc.) should be provided. The plan is attached as supporting document when approving a permit with confined space entry by AGSI. AGSI may approve amendments of the ventilation plan during the course of the activity to cater for changes in activity lay-out and work site conditions.

When forced draught ventilation is requested, a ventilation plan is to be attached to the permit with air flow marked on PEFS.

(6) Safeguards against contamination of the space from the surrounding area.

Any work in the surrounding area which could give rise to contamination of the ventilation air must be stopped. If there is doubt on this matter, then continuous or very regular monitoring must be applied.



Diesel engines must not be located upwind of any ventilation inlet to the space.

Residues and waste materials must be moved well away from the confined space so as not to give rise to contamination of the ventilation air.

(7) Protection against leakage, within the confined space, of any welding or cutting gases used.

Provision for safe disposal of any gas or fume produced within the space by the equipment used for the work. Fume extraction facilities may be required.

Where pneumatic tools are used special care is necessary to ensure that they are not coupled up to nitrogen supplies by mistake, or to (instrument) air systems and/or without using oilers.

(8) Testing of the atmosphere within and around the space and monitoring as necessary to establish

and maintain the atmospheric conditions required for entry.

The initial tests and specified re-test interval when the space is believed to have change in conditions must be carried out by the authorised competent person.

AGSI carries out the initial test and specifies the re-test frequency. Monitoring and re-tests during the work may be delegated to Authorised Gas Testers.

The following guidelines must be adhered to:

Without Respiratory Protection

With Respiratory Protection

Inert Entry

Oxygen %

20 to max. 21.5

>16 to max. 21.5

<4

Toxics

< ½ OEL

< IDLH

Not applicable*

Flammables % of LEL

Not detectable (<1) <10

For hot work - not detectable

<10

OEL: Occupational Exposure Limit;

IDLH: level that is Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health;

LEL: Lower Explosive Limit.

Any toxic substance that may be ingested through the skin, full body protection PPE should be used in line with MSDS requirements.

Except for the components listed in the table below; Maximum Exposure Limits and Occupational Exposure Standards for all commonly occurring hazardous gases and vapours to be used in OLNG shall be as published by ACGIH. For the following agents; the limits are defined as follows:

Agent 8-hour time-weighted average limit

15-minute short term exposure limit

Benzene 0.5 ppm or 1.6 mg/m3 2.5 ppm or 8 mg/m3

Ethylene Oxide 1 ppm or 1.8 mg/m3 –

Isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) 10 ppm or 28 mg/m3 50 ppm or 140 mg/m3



MMVF (Refractory Ceramic Fibres) 0.5 fibre/ml –

MMVF (Fibreglass, Mineral Wool) 1.0 fibre/ml –

For compounds not listed in ACGIH, use relevant MSDS approved by QHSE/2 and QHSE/3

Any deviation in the oxygen level or in the contaminant level of toxics or flammables should be reported to the permit issuer who will investigate the deviation, assess the risks and take appropriate action.

(9) Protection against static charge build-up from the work being carried out by means of grounding.

(10) Usage of material safety data sheet to prescribe protection requirements and monitoring criteria for personnel entering confined space for cleaning as well as other activities that may put them in contact with chemicals.

(11) Specific instructions must be developed for each confined space entry cleaning that addresses among others the hazards and controls of fire and explosion, toxic substances and asphyxiation, static electricity and pyrophoric materials

For protection against physical harm

(1) Isolation of moving parts within the space and from all sources of power except as may be specifically required for the work.

Electricity supplies to drives must be isolated by properly locked off switches and confirmed by isolation Certificates.

Fluid sources of motive power must be isolated by properly fitted blanks or spades.

Mechanical drive linkages should normally be disconnected. If this is not practicable, then other methods of immobilizing the system should be applied.

(2) Locking of moving parts in position by properly designed and fitted mechanical stops.

(3) Avoidance of all sources of ignition both inside the confined space and in the vicinity of any

opening to the space, except as allowed by a Fire Permit.

Tools and equipment not adequately certified for use in Hazardous Areas must be treated as potential sources of ignition.

(4) The isolation of all sources of ionizing radiation affecting the space. These must be removed or

properly screened and locked off.

(5) If electrical equipment is needed inside the Confined Space (e.g. lighting) use low voltage equipment if available. If low voltage equipment is not available, an earth leakage current device or ground fault circuit interrupter must be used to protect entrants against electric shock.

(6) Provision of appropriate protective clothing including respiratory protective equipment.

(7) Provision for the removal of loose deposits, loose refractory linings and weakened fittings.

(8) Avoid concurrent or multiple activities inside a confined space to prevent physical harm.

For safe access and egress

(1) A safe route method for normal access and egress.



(2) Lighting in the Confined Space should allow entrants to see well enough to work safely and to exit

the space quickly in an emergency.

(3) A practicable plan for recovery of personnel from the space in any foreseeable emergency, including provision of any hoisting equipment and extra breathing apparatus and resuscitation equipment which might be necessary. All equipment and other resources needed for a rescue must be readily available whenever people are in the Confined Space. At the discretion of the AGSI, the recovery plan will be tested.

(4) Indicate the Entry points to be used, and barricade or use signs at all other openings to prevent

unauthorized entry

(5) If required, limitation and control of the number of persons who may be within the space at anytime

The further precautions necessary will depend upon whether entry is to be effected with or without breathing apparatus.

(6) The wearing of safety harnesses and, if reasonably practicable, recovery ropes.

(7) The provision of a properly trained and equipped attendant or attendants outside (See paragraph

10). Briefing on the agreed protocols of access, communication and egress prior to start of work

Communications

An effective and reliable means of communications at all times during work in confined spaces is essential. Such communication is likely to be necessary between each member of the team entering the confined space, between those inside and those outside the confined space and between the persons outside the confined space and any emergency/rescue teams that may be required. If a situation arises on the outside of the confined space which could endanger the entrants it is important that those in the confined space are informed quickly. If persons in the confined space get into difficulties of any type, it is critical that this is communicated to the emergency team at the very earliest so that whatever action that is necessary to provide suitable assistance can be speedily taken.

The choice of a means of communication should take into account all anticipated conditions inside the confined space e.g. noise levels, visibility, possibility of a flammable atmosphere, personal protective equipment in use e.g. ear muffs, breathing apparatus etc. The communications system chosen should allow all messages to be communicated easily, rapidly and unambiguously between all relevant people.

Ventilation The ventilation of the workplace should be effective and sufficient and free of any impurity, and air inlets should be sited clear of any potential contaminant. There are several methods of ventilating a confined space. The method and equipment chosen should be dependent upon the size of the confined space openings, the type of gases to be diluted and the source of air. Ventilation should be continuous where possible because in many confined spaces a hazardous atmosphere will form if the flow of air is stopped. A common method of ventilation uses a large hose, one end attached to a fan and the other lowered into a manhole or opening with the purpose of diluting or displacing all harmful gases and vapors. The air intake should be placed in an area that will draw in fresh air only. During ventilation by this method, all openings including emergency exits should be opened for ventilation.

Natural Ventilation: Natural ventilation – also known as natural draft – utilizes the natural air currents in the confined space. During confined space entry, all openings including emergency exits should be opened for ventilation. When using natural ventilation, it is important to remember that many vessel acts like chimneys and steps must be taken to ensure that air that is contaminated from e.g. the sewer systems, processes/chemicals used on the site etc. is not drawn into the ventilation system. The potential for this



happening is usually increased during major turnarounds when there is a large amount of equipment being serviced, cleaned etc. Natural ventilation is usually minimal movement of air and any work in the confined space may change the air mixture. To maintain air quality, mechanical ventilation e.g. blowers, fans etc. is usually more reliable.

Mechanical Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation - also known as forced ventilation – is a control to ensure that the air reliability is managed in a safe manner over the entire work period. As the mixture of atmosphere in a confined space may change - and many times will change - due to work being carried out, mechanical ventilation forces the movement of air, therefore maintaining a safe atmosphere.

There are 3 major groups of design of mechanical ventilation - centrifugal, axial, and air ejector:

• Centrifugal Ventilators are generally driven by an electric motor. They are noted for their moderate to high static pressure, good air delivery, and sturdiness. They are noisier than the other two types of mechanical ventilators and also usually heavier.

• Axial Ventilators are generally used when there is a need to move large volumes of air against relatively low static pressures. They are typically powered by small electric motors and are known to be quieter and less heavy then the standard centrifugal ventilator.

• Air Ejectors are favored for use because they have no moving parts. They operate by either compressed air or steam being admitted into a side inlet of the structure or confined space. This creates a venturi effect where large volumes of surrounding air enter through the inlet and then exit the other end of the ventilator, typically at high velocity. This has advantages in areas of high residue that could clog a centrifugal or axial design. They are also useful in applications requiring explosion proof ventilation.

Where mechanical ventilation is provided it is important to be aware that:

• there should be a warning system in place to immediately notify those in the confined space in the event of a failure in the ventilation equipment e.g. failure in the power supply/motors used by the ventilators etc.;

• care should be taken to make sure the air being provided by the ventilation system to the confined space is “clean” i.e. breathable air;

• ease of air movement throughout the confined space should be considered because of the danger of pockets of toxic gases still remaining even with the use of mechanical ventilation;

• oxygen should not be used as substitute for fresh air because increasing the oxygen content will significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion;

• under certain conditions where flammable gases or vapors have displaced the oxygen level but are too rich to burn, mechanical ventilation may dilute them until they are within their explosive range;

• if inert gases e.g. carbon dioxide, nitrogen are used in the confined space, the space should be well ventilated and re-tested before anyone is allowed enter;

• the use of mechanical ventilation should be noted on the permit-to-work

Regardless of the type of ventilation used, it is important to maintain constant air monitoring of the confined space to ensure a safe environment.

2.8. PRECAUTIONS FOR ENTRY WITH BREATHING APPARATUS

Further to the precautions indicated in Paragraph 7, where entry into a confined space is planned to take place wearing breathing apparatus, the precautions must include:

Maintaining a safe working atmosphere

Except where inert gas conditions are specifically required and inert gas entry precautions are taken (Appendix 2: Inert Gas Entry), there must be sufficient ventilation of the space with fresh air taken from a safeguarded source(s) and the working atmosphere must be regularly or continuously monitored as necessary to keep the atmosphere free from:



a) Flammable vapours at concentrations exceeding 10% of the lower explosive limit.

b) Asphyxiant vapours and vapours otherwise hazardous to health at concentrations where they

might be immediately harmful in the event of accidental displacement of the breathing apparatus.

c) The oxygen content must be >16 % and max 21.5 % vol.

Atmospheric quality monitoring is particularly necessary where the movement of any residues or deposits during the course of the work might release or generate gases or vapours at such concentrations.

For protection of personnel against physical harm

Appropriate selection of breathing apparatus considering:

a) The possible concentrations of contaminant in the ambient air.

b) Ease of access and recovery of the wearer in an emergency.

c) The atmospheric condition inside the confined space and duration of stay

d) The time necessary for escape in an emergency.

For safe access and egress of personnel

a) The wearing of safety harnesses and, if reasonably practicable, recovery ropes.

b) The provision of a properly trained and equipped attendant or attendants outside (See paragraph 10).

c) The immediate availability of spare sets of breathing apparatus for use during an emergency

recovery.

If breathing air is being supplied from a central source, at least one standby set should be immediately available.

2.9. PRECAUTIONS FOR ENTRY WITHOUT BREATHING APPARATUS

Further to the precautions indicated in Paragraph 7, where entry into a confined space is planned to take place without the wearing of Breathing Apparatus precautions, must include:

For Protection of the Working Atmosphere

(1) Sufficient ventilation of the space with fresh air taken from a safeguarded source(s) to keep all

parts free from:

a) Harmful vapours at concentrations exceeding the long term occupational exposure limits.

Flammability measurements must not be relied upon as a safeguard against the presence of vapours hazardous to health.

b) Dusts at concentrations exceeding the long term occupational exposure limits.

c) An oxygen concentration outside the range 20-21.5% by volume



Atmospheric quality monitoring is particularly necessary where the movement of any residues of deposits during the course of work might release or generate gases, vapours or dusts at such concentrations.

(2) Avoidance of the use of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers where these might produce

atmospheres asphyxiant or hazardous to health within the confined space.

(3) Avoidance, as far as reasonably practicable, of the use of flammable materials, including solids (e.g. wood) inside the space, particularly where sources of ignition are to be allowed for the work within the space.

For protection of personnel against physical harm

(4) Appropriate selection of any dust or gas respirators which might be necessary based on the

atmospheric condition inside the confined space and duration of stay

For safe access and egress of personnel

(5) Emergency recovery arrangements depending upon the situation.

(6) Provision of an attendant, rescue personnel, emergency breathing apparatus sets and safety harnesses, as for entry with breathing apparatus, should be considered where access to or from the space is difficult.

2.10. DUTIES OF ATTENDANTS The Attendant must be present at all times while entrants are in the Confined Space.

The duties of the attendant(s) outside the confined space are:

(1) To maintain a record of numbers and names of people in the Confined Space and their time in and out of the confined space.

(2) To monitor the Confined Space from outside at all times while entrants are inside, and maintain

communication with the entrants.

(3) When breathing apparatus is in use, to ensure that the air supply from outside is maintained and safeguarded against contamination. (When a BA trolley is in use, the attendant must monitor the usage of air also)

(4) The Fire & Safety officer is responsible for the maintenance of the BA apparatus through

approved contractor and ensure that it is fit for use. He is responsible for the filling of air bottles with air that meets the specified requirements concerning quality and pressure.

The requirements detailed in the Standard are summarised as follows:

Parameter Requirements

Oxygen 21% ± 1 %

Lubricant – droplet or mist < 0.5 mg/m3

Odour and taste No significant amount

Carbon dioxide < 500 ml/m3



Carbon monoxide < 15 ml/m3

Pressure dewpoint 11° C

The volume flow and the quality of the compressed breathing air supply should be tested at least every 3 months or whenever a mobile compressor is moved as the intake air is now being drawn in from a new location.

(5) To stop the work and evacuate the Confined Space if ventilation systems fail, contaminants exceed agreed limits, conditions become unsafe, or other emergencies at the site require evacuation.

(6) Activate the Emergency Response Team in the event of emergency.

The Attendant must not attempt a rescue unless it is conducted as defined in the rescue plan. Format of the Confined Space Work rescue plan is given in the Appendix 3.

Where language differences exist, at least one attendant must be capable of communication in English and in any other language necessary to be understood by all the persons in the confined space.

In circumstances where it is not possible for the attendant(s) to keep the person(s) inside under continuous observation, reliable telecommunications equipment or suitable personal alarms must be used to maintain continuous communication.

Arrangements must be made for any necessary recovery operation to be carried out without leaving the space unattended from the outside.

Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with applicable Oman LNG Regulations. For

confined space entry, where atmospheres might be contaminated with materials for which dust respirators are not suitable, breathing apparatus of the positive pressure demand type should be used except where particular types of gas respirator are allowed by the Oman LNG Management for specific cases.

Where vapours might be present at concentrations which would be immediately hazardous to life or harmful to health in the event of accidental displacement of the breathing apparatus, additional safeguards are necessary, (See Appendix 2: Inert Gas Entry).


All persons required to enter confined spaces must trained in confined space work and those who will use Breathing Apparatus (BA) must be physically fit and trained for BA use and trained in the confined space work.

Persons required to wear breathing apparatus for confined space entry must be certified and experienced both in confined space entry and in the wearing of breathing apparatus. They must be familiar with the particular type of breathing apparatus specified.

In cases where the user has extensive facial hair, the facemask selected must be capable of making a gas tight seal. Attendants on duty outside during confined space entry work must be competent and physically capable of duties required.



Persons who will be working in the Confined Space should be physically, mentally and technically capable of working in Confined Spaces. Where applicable, they have demonstrated competence in the wearing of the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) to be used for confined space entry/access at least to the following levels:

• passed a Claustrophobic test for RPE in confined spaces,

• passed the confined space entry course

• Demonstrated the correct donning, operational use and doffing of the RPE to be used. This

includes demonstrated an understanding of the safety features and wearer limits and warning devices provided within the equipment certified/re-certified as having these competencies.

Those persons who will be expected to be engaged in any Emergency Response/Rescue activity in a Confined Space should have additional competences which include but are not limited to being physically, mentally and technically capable and having the practical training/ experience to engage in emergency response/rescue situations in Confined Spaces.

2.12. HOT WORK IN CONFINED SPACE

(1) Use Alternatives – Whenever possible, avoid hot work and consider alternative methods.

(2) Analyze the Hazards – Prior to the initiation of hot work, perform a hazard assessment that identifies the scope of the work, potential hazards, and methods of hazard control.

(3) Monitor the Atmosphere – Conduct effective gas monitoring in the work area using a properly

calibrated combustible gas detector6 prior to and during hot work activities, even in areas where a flammable atmosphere is not anticipated.

(4) Test the Area – In work areas where flammable liquids and gases are stored or handled, drain

and/or purge all equipment and piping before hot work is conducted.7 When welding on or in the vicinity of storage tanks and other containers, properly test and if necessary continuously monitor all surrounding tanks or adjacent spaces (not just the tank or container being worked on) for the presence of flammables and eliminate potential sources of flammables.

(5) Use Written Permits – Ensure that qualified personnel familiar with the specific site hazards review

and authorize all hot work and issue permits specifically identifying the work to be conducted and the required precautions.

(6) Train Thoroughly – Train personnel on hot work policies/procedures, proper use and calibration of

combustible gas detectors, safety equipment, and job specific hazards and controls in a language understood by the workforce.9

(7) Supervise Contractors – Provide safety supervision for outside contractors conducting hot work.10

Inform contractors about site-specific hazards including the presence of flammable materials.

2.13. CLEANING OF CONFINED SPACES INCLUDING STORAGE TANKS The following hierarchy of control is adopted for proceeding with tank cleaning:

First: Minimise the need for or reduce the frequency of tank cleaning. Second: Use Online Cleaning methods that do not require the opening of, or entry into, tanks. Third: Use mechanical cleaning options that do not require people to enter tanks.



Fourth: Allow personnel entry and manual cleaning of tanks where supported by a documented

Risk Assessment. Reference Confined Space Work.

Cleaning of confined space activities in Oman LNG are carried out in accordance confined space entry requirements. In addition;

For potential contact with chemicals: All chemicals with potential to come into contact with personnel must be assessed through specific risk assessment methodologies (Health Risk Assessment and translated to Job Hazards Analysis). Personnel monitoring against contaminants exposure accumulation within the body performed as prescribed based on the health risk assessment

For cleaning; specialist contractors shall be sought in line with contractors HSSE management.

All activities shall be done through specific risk assessment in line with industry standards specifically IP16 tank cleaning safety code. Refer to paragraph 3 Tank Cleaning Guide of this chapter for specific guidance related to tank cleaning.

When use of specialist contractor is needed for tank cleaning, selection of the contractor shall be in line with NG-P063 OLNG Contractors' HSE Management Procedure.

2.14. REFERENCES

• Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework; Personal Safety Manual; Confined Space Work section; Version 2, December 2009

• Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework; Personal Safety Manual; Cleaning of Storage Tanks section; Version 2, December 2009

• QOP-P107 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROCESS ISOLATIONS.

• CSB - Seven Key Lessons to Prevent Worker Deaths During Hot Work In and Around Tanks

• JOIFF Standard – Guideline on Confined Space Entry

• IP16_tank_cleaning_safety-code

• API 2015_Requirements for Safe Entry and Cleaning of Petroleum Storage Tanks

• API RP2016_Guidelines and Procedures for Entering and Cleaning Petroleum storage Tanks



APPENDIX 1: CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS

This section describes the hazards that are commonly found in confined spaces. They should be taken into account when assessing the risks and establishing the controls for CSE activities.

Oxygen Deficiency

The normal, naturally occurring atmospheric concentration of oxygen is 20.8% vol. at sea level. Atmospheres containing less than 20% vol. oxygen are considered to be oxygen-deficient.

Oxygen deficiency in an atmosphere can result in asphyxiation. Loss of consciousness can occur without warning. This can happen even in circumstances where only a person’s head is inside a confined space.

Oxygen deficiency can result from:

• Displacement of air from low points in a confined space by heavier gases such as hydrocarbons or

carbon dioxide;

• Purging of the confined space with an inert gas to remove flammable or toxic gases, fumes, vapours or aerosols;

• Naturally occurring biological processes that consume oxygen, which can occur in sewers, storage

tanks, etc.;

• Leaving a vessel completely closed for some time, since the process of rust formation on the inside surface consumes oxygen. Newly fabricated or shot blasted carbon steel vessels are especially vulnerable to rusting;

• Burning and welding, which consume oxygen;

• Gradual depletion of oxygen as workers breathe in confined spaces and where provision of

replacement air is inadequate.

Entry into confined spaces containing less than 16% vol. oxygen shall not be allowed, except under inert gas entry conditions.

Oxygen Enrichment

The normal, naturally occurring atmospheric concentration of oxygen is 20.8% at sea level. Atmospheres containing more than 21.5 % vol. oxygen should be treated as oxygen enriched.

Oxygen enrichment will significantly increase flammability of clothing, grease and other combustible materials.

Oxygen enrichment can result from:

• Leaks from oxygen containing equipment such as gas cylinders, valves, hoses and welding

torches;

• Inadvertent use of oxygen instead of air for ventilation or breathing air;

• Deliberate addition of oxygen to increase the level of an oxygen deficient atmosphere.

The most common oxygen containing equipment is that used in gas cutting operations. Cylinders, gas hoses, valves and welding torches should be handled with care and should be daily inspected for damage. Gas cylinders should not be taken into confined spaces. All cutting and welding equipment should be removed from confined spaces during breaks and at the end of the working day.


Fire and Explosion

Fires and explosions can result from accumulations of flammable vapours, fumes or dust in the presence of a source of ignition. Mixtures of flammable vapours and air will only ignite if the hydro– carbon to air ratio is between the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL).

Flammable vapours or fumes typically result from:

• Materials previously processed or stored in the vessel or tank;

• Sludge or other deposits disturbed during cleaning;

• Material left under scale, even after cleaning;

• Material leaking through the tank floors;

• Material leaking from behind vessel linings (rubber, lead, brick, refractory etc.) or from vessel

fittings • Materials leaking from flanges or vents on process pipes running through the confined space

• Solvents brought into the space for cleaning, painting, dye penetration tests or in adhesives;

• Gases brought into the space for welding or gas cutting, including leakage from cylinders, valves

and hoses; • Vapour or fumes that build up in sewers, manholes, contaminated ground or excavations.

A source of ignition can be any heat source having enough energy to ignite a flammable vapour air mixture, or to raise the temperature above the auto-ignition temperature.

Toxic Hazards Toxic atmospheres may occur due to the presence or ingress of hazardous substances. Such substances may be present in confined spaces for a number of reasons e.g. • Substances remaining from previous processing/storage; • The disturbance of sludge or other deposits e.g. during cleaning; • Substances trapped under scale or in brickwork that are released as a result of the work process; • The presence of a fire or smoldering within the space or an adjoining space; • Seepage from improperly isolated adjoining plant; • Formation of such an atmosphere during the work processes carried out in the space. Such an atmosphere may cause various acute effects on humans including impairment of judgment, unconsciousness and death. Toxic substances can be solids, liquids or gases. They can cause harm by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. They can affect the tissue at the point of contact, or organs remote from the point of contact. Toxic substances can cause injury, acute or long-latency illness, or death, depending on the characteristics of the substances, the concentration and the duration of exposure. Toxic hazards in confined spaces can result from the same sources as the flammable hazards described in Fire and Explosion section. Additional hazards are:

• Contamination of personal protective equipment;

• Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are present in the exhaust of combustion engines;

Common toxic substances in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry are:

• Acute toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia and chlorine;

• Narcotic gases and vapours such as butane, pentane, hexane, gasoline and gas condensate;


• Catalyst dusts, such as nickel, platinum, and molybdenum.

Entry into confined spaces containing a concentration of toxic vapour, fume or dust between the OEL and the IDLH value shall be allowed only by exception when and it is not practical to ventilate the confined space or otherwise remove the hazard to reduce the toxic concentration. In this case it shall only be allowed when the source, nature and concentration of the toxic hazard is understood and exposure is adequately controlled by other means.

Entry into confined spaces containing a concentration of toxic vapour, fume or dust above the IDLH value shall not be allowed, except under inert gas entry conditions.

Corrosive Hazards

Corrosive substances are harmful by skin or eye contact, by inhalation of a corrosive mist or vapour or by ingestion. They destroy the tissue and may leave permanent injury or scars. Common corrosive substances in the oil and petrochemicals industry are sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid and hydrofluoric acid.

Physical Hazards

Typical physical agents that are hazardous in confined spaces include:

• Excessive noise levels from tools or machinery, which tend to be magnified by the walls of a vessel

or tank. • Heat stress, resulting from inadequate cooling of vessel or from ambient heating. It can be made

worse by the PPE being worn. • Electric shock from hand lamps and other electric tools.

Structure and Layout: The structure and layout of the confined space may present the risk of entrapment. Certain confined spaces, e.g. sewers, may be of such a convoluted structure as to present a risk of occupants becoming lost or disorientated.

A confined space may also present the risk of claustrophobia. It is strongly recommended that personnel who are to enter/work in confined spaces should be checked for claustrophobia before initially being allowed to enter and on a regular basis after that. Those who show signs of being affected by claustrophobia should not be allowed to enter.

Unsafe Conditions

Typical causes of unsafe conditions in confined spaces include:

• Structural failure, e.g. the internal floating cover or roof may not support a worker’s weight;

• Falling tools and materials,

• Restricted working space and obstructions (including insufficient head room);

• Interaction between and incompatibility of different types of work,

• Access and escape openings that are too small;

• Slippery floor surfaces and tripping hazards;

• Poor visibility;

• Noise;

• Free flowing solids that can engulf, suffocate, drown a person and prevent escape, e.g. catalysts;



• Flow of liquids into a drain or excavation leading to drowning or other serious injury;

• Improper shoring of excavations leading to collapse

• Contact with live electrical sources – this may also come from the tools used inside the confined

space;

• Contact with moving parts and mechanically powered equipment

• Presence of radioactive sources;

• Dust & powders in sufficient quantities that are disturbed in a confined space can result in asphyxiating atmosphere or static discharge;

• Excessive heat or cold would affect workers inside the confined space. The risk may be enhanced

by the PPE used, work load and the ventilation set-up.



APPENDIX 2: INERT GAS ENTRY RANGE OF APPLICATION This Appendix covers the special precautions necessary for work in and around confined spaces which contain inert gas atmospheres. The precautions laid down in this Section 5 Chapter 2: Confined Space Entry, also apply to entry into an inert gas atmosphere.

Work inside a space containing an inert gas atmosphere may be required where:

(1) Materials such as catalysts are present which would be damaged if exposed to air.

(2) It is impracticable to clear the space of flammable vapours and therefore inert gas is used to avoid the presence of a flammable atmosphere

Similar precautions should be applied in other situations where safety is crucially dependent upon the continuous wearing and effectiveness of breathing apparatus.

NOTE: This type of work will by its nature usually be performed by highly trained specialist contractors supplying their own equipment, at least for personnel protection purposes. Their technical knowledge and standards will be required in drawing up a ‘method statement’ or similar document.

HAZARDS

The particular hazards for persons working in and around spaces containing inert gas atmosphere are:

(1) Immediate risk to life should a person working within the space remove breathing apparatus or loses air supply for any reason.

(2) Additional difficulties faced by rescues required to recover persons from inert gas atmospheres. (3)

The risk of life of persons overcomes by asphyxiant atmospheres when close to vents and openings from spaces containing inert gases.

(4) The risk of development of a flammable atmosphere should the inert gas become excessively

diluted with air.

(5) The use of carbon dioxide from cylinders to produce an inert gas atmosphere in a space containing flammable vapours which can give rise to risks from static electricity discharges.

MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

Inert gas entry should be allowed only when there is no reasonability practicable alternative.

The Permit to Work system regulations must designate special levels of authority for approval of Permits allowing entry to inert gas environments (ref: .QOP-P109 Permit To Work).

Before Inert Gas Entry starts, there should be a Team Briefing between all those directly involved in the work, including the Safety Certificate Signatories, the Authorised GENERAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE Signatory, the Work Supervisor and members of the team as appropriate, to ensure that all safety precautions and emergency provisions are properly understood.

A work programme and method statement should be developed.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS



The supplementary Certificate which is necessary must be prepared by the Authorised Safety Inspector and counter-signed by the designated special level of authority as defined in QOP-P109. Permit to Work procedure.

SAFEGUARDS AGAINST HAZARDS OTHER THAN ASPHYXIATION

Arrangements are necessary to:

(1) Clear the confined space of process materials, particularly liquids.

(2) Isolate the space, as for Confined Space Entry, from all sources of heat, fluid, power, ionising radiation and mechanical movement other than may be specially allowed by the permit for the work.

(3) Control the oxygen concentration within the space and avoid excessive ingress of air as

necessary to avoid flammable atmospheres and hazardous chemical reactions.

(4) Give safe access to and within the space, including adequate ladders, platforms and lighting.

(5) Facilitate body recovery from the space in an emergency.

If it is planned to ventilate the space with air on further entry after completion of the Inert Gas Entry work, procedures should be followed as for Confined Space Entry, including the issue of a separate gas test certificate.

SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ASPHYXIATION • Protection of Personnel Outside Inert Gas Filled Spaces Vents and openings from spaces filled with inert gas should, as far as is reasonably practicable, be located well away from places where personnel have access.

Persons required to work near vents and openings must wear appropriate breathing apparatus.

Arrangements must be made to keep persons not protected by breathing apparatus away from places around vents and openings where concentrations of inert gas might be high. These must include:

• Inert Gas Area Safety Signs and Barriers Safety signs and barriers must be places across all access ways and at a sufficient distance from the inert gas filled space to ensure that, whatever the wind conditions and whatever the status of the openings from the space, personnel outside barriers will be safe from the asphyxiant effects of the inert gas in use.

• Vessel Access Safety Signs Safety signs must be placed at appropriate positions to ensure that the compressed air breathing apparatus is worn by everybody approaching vessel access points.

• Vessel Access Covers When not required for entry and before being left unattended, openings must be fitted with tamper-

proof and, if reasonably practicable, gas sealed covers and warning signs.

• Protection of Personnel within Inert Gas Filled Spaces

(1) The persons entering to wear full life support sets.

(2) At least two rescue personnel, also wearing full life support sets, to stand by at the entrance ready to enter if necessary for a rescue.

(3) An attendant to be wholly concerned with maintaining the breathing air supplies and the line of

communications to those within the inert gas filled space.

(4) Adequate means to be provided for the attendant to raise the alarm in an emergency.



(5) An adequate number of additional personnel to be to be immediately available to operate

rescue equipment from the outside should it be necessary for the rescue personnel to enter.

(6) Breathing apparatus and body recovery equipment to be immediately available for the personnel working outside.

(7) Resuscitation equipment to be immediately available for any person affected by the inert gas.

Specialist contractors may be very much more experienced than OLNG staff.

This knowledge should be utilised in developing a plan for safe practice for each occasion on which this occurs

Careful plans must be made for the co-ordination of emergency procedures between the contractor and the OLNG.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Contractors working in the business of inert entry will supply their own PPE for such entry. This is a developing technology and it is unwise to be over-prescriptive as to how such equipment must work. Users of such contractors should seek to understand certain issues, however:

(1) The life support system will normally incorporate positive pressure demand-type breathing apparatus. It must be clear how the air supply system works and how it is backed up.

(2) The equipment needs to incorporate fool proof / fail-safe devices to prevent ‘human error’ incidents, such as removal of helmet.

(3) How the system copes with a total failure of air supply from outside the confined space.

(4) How the safety harness and lifeline are operated.

(5) How the (essential) voice communication between outside attendants and operatives works.

Personnel required to approach the confined space work, but not actually enter a space containing an inert atmosphere, must be, as a minimum requirement, wearing positive pressure demand-type breathing apparatus.

COMPETENCE AND TRAINING

The competence and fitness of the contracting crew should be reviewed as follows:

(1) Are they physically fit?

(2) Are they adequately trained for the work and in the use of the particular equipment?

(3) Is the supervisor adequately trained and experienced in the particular field of inert entry?



APPENDIX 3 CONFINED SPACE RESCUE PLAN

1. Space Designation/Location (Unit / Vessel Name / Tag or Equipment No.):

2. Permit To Work No:

3. Number of Personnel likely to be in the Confined Space:

4. Means of Communication (Attendant ↔ Entrants):

Audible Signal Whistle Radio Other: . *This is for routine activities. For TA activities, to be included in the Shutdown Manual. 5. Means of Communication (Attendant to CCR):

Radio: Channel # Other:

Clearly describe communication protocol below:

2.

*This is for routine activities. For TA activities, to be included in the Shutdown Manual. 6. Possible Potential Scenarios (Conditions of Persons to be Rescued):

Injured by fall Electrocuted Injured by falling objects

Unconscious Others

7. Layout of Confined Space (attach internal layout/sketch if applicable): 500082265 8. Likely Methods Of Rescue:

Hauling system required Victim-Lowering system required

Winches/retrieval systems Others .

9. Rescue Equipment Requirements:

BA System Harness Winches System

Rescue Rope Tripod Others

10. Medical Response

• Are there needs to alert the medical personnel? Yes or No:

• How far is the CSE area to the site Clinic? (Approx.) :

• How long will it take to evacuate the victim from the CS? (Approx.): ._

3. Prepared & Agreed by Engineering Rep:

Position & Ref Ind.:

Date:

4. Prepared & Agreed by Operations Rep:

Position & Ref Ind.: Date:

5. Prepared & Agreed by Job Supervisor (Site): Position & Ref Ind.:

Date:

6. Verified & Approved by QHSE/2: Position & Ref Ind.:

Date:



3. TANK CLEANING GUIDE

3.1. PREPARATION FOR DE-GASSING AND PURGING TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS

OLNG currently has the following types of storage tanks: - fixed roof

- Double Deck floating roof tanks (T3301/2)

- Spherical tank (T1602)

- Cylindrical tank (T1601).

Fixed Roof Tanks Fixed roof tanks roofs have vents, roof fittings, accesses and ladders that penetrate the roof and serve various operational functions.

External Floating Roof Tanks

The basic components of external floating roof tanks include, but are not limited to, the following: • A cylindrical shell and pontoon, pan-type or combination steel or aluminium floating

roof

• Primary and / or secondary annular rim seals attached to the floating roof perimeter

• Vents, foam systems, roof fittings, shunts, anti-rotation devices, movable stairways and ladders that are attached to or penetrate the roof

1.2 Decommissioning Prior to the degassing and purging the Operations Team and the Contractor, if applicable, shall

determine the responsibilities for decommissioning the tank, including setting legs (floating

roof) and removing, handling, storing, and disposing of recoverable and non-recoverable

product, sludge and residue.

1.2.1 Setting Floating Roof Legs (Only applicable for floating roof tank) When work on the tank cleaning is first scheduled and the tank still contains product,

Operations shall assure that the legs on the floating roof are properly adjusted (preferably in

the high position) to allow room for entrants to work underneath the roof after the tank is

emptied. Ref to API RP 2016 for additional information on setting roof legs.

Before emptying the tank, a qualified person shall assure by visual or other means of

inspection, that all roof legs are pinned at the same height, either high or low.

Operations shall establish the criteria for entry upon a floating roof as permit required confined

space entry; non permit required confined space entry or non-confined space entry.

NOTE: It is petroleum industry practice to normally consider entry upon an open-top floating

roof that is within five (5) feet or 1.5 meters of the top of the tank to be non-confined space

entry provided that (1) no physical hazards are present and (2) testing has been conducted to

assure that no hazardous flammable or toxic atmospheric is present on the roof top.



1.2.2 Recoverable Product The tank shall first be emptied of all recoverable products through the tank discharge nozzle, sample line, water draw off or other suitable fixed connections without opening the tank openings (manholes). 1.2.3 Tank Flushing Where possible the tank shall be flushed through to remove as much residue remaining in the tank. Flushing shall be drained to a closed / open drains system or removed by vacuum tanker or similar for treatment offsite if required. 1.2.4 Removal of Sand / Sludge After several years in service sludge settles at the bottom of most storage tanks. Such residual generate vapor and gases, therefore sludge must be removed prior tank degassing or purging. 1.2.5 Tank Isolation Reference shall be made to OLNG approved methods for isolation. Operations shall determine the responsibilities for isolating the tank, including, but not limited to, product lines, sample and gauging lines, alarm systems, heating and mixing devices, foam lines, appurtenances, relief and vapour recovery lines, energy sources. 1.2.5.1 Isolating Lines Operations shall assure that the tank is isolated from all lines connected to the tank, including, but not limited to, product, vapour, relief, gauging and sampling, and water draw off. A qualified person shall inspect the blinds and blanks prior to use, to assure they have no cracks, pits, or holes. 1.2.5.2 Isolating Energy Sources Operations shall review the lockout / tag out program and determine and implement the applicable requirements necessary to safeguard the tank during isolation. The Responsible Supervisor shall assure that all energy sources (including, but not limited to, electrical, hydraulic and mechanical) and all tank equipment and appurtenances (including, but not limited to, tank mixers, heaters, sensors, and other instrumentation) are isolated by disconnecting, and blinded, blanked, or double blocked and bled. Operations shall also check alarms and determine whether or not isolation is necessary. Isolation devices shall be locked / tagged out and tested (where required or appropriate) before beginning tank cleaning operations. 1.2.5.3 Foam Lines If the tank has a fixed or semi-fixed fire protection foam system, a qualified person shall inspect and test the foam lines to assure that no liquid product, hydrocarbon vapour, toxic material, or toxic atmosphere is present within the system. The system shall be checked to assure that it is in proper operating condition and the lines shall remain connected in the event of a fire within the tank. 1.2.6 Control of Ignition Sources Responsible Supervisors shall assure that all ignition sources in the area are eliminated or controlled before permitting any work to be conducted that might involve the potential release of flammable vapours into the atmosphere around or inside the tank. 1.2.6.1 Motorized (Internal Combustion) Equipment Motorised equipment shall be restricted to designated safe areas (such as outside the tank bund area) away from sources of flammable vapours, by notation on the permits and, if necessary, by posting signs and / or barricading access to the area. 1.2.6.2 Electrical Tank Equipment The responsible supervisor shall assure that all electrical equipment and appurtenances that a qualified person has determined may create sufficient energy to be a source of ignition, and that are in, attached to and around the tank, are disconnected and locked or tagged out before issuing a PTW. Such equipment and appurtenances include, but are not limited to, metering devices, alarms, sensors, overflow protection systems, cathodic protection systems, and electrical heating coils.



7. 1.2.6.3 Electrical Bonding and Grounding (Earthing)

Bonding and grounding cables and clamps shall be inspected by a qualified person to assure good condition, adequacy and integrity prior to the start of work and periodically, as necessary, during the work. Responsible supervisors and qualified persons shall assure that equipment capable of creating an ignitable spark upon disconnection is properly bonded and grounded (earthed) before issuing PTW. Refer to API Std. 2015 for more detail.

8. 1.2.6.4 Ignition Sources from Compressed Air Operations shall require and responsible supervisors shall assure that air compressors are equipped with appropriate filters to remove moisture, scale, rust, and oil from the compressed air, so as not to generate static electricity which may become a source of ignition. Entry supervisors shall assure that any compressors used to provide fresh air (non-breathing air) into a tank for vapour and gas freeing, degassing and ventilation are grounded (earthed) and bonded to the tank.

9. 1.2.6.5 Pyrophoric Iron Sulphide Deposits Responsible supervisors shall assure that procedures are in place and adequate precautions are required and taken to prevent pyrophoric iron sulphide deposits (often found in tanks petroleum products containing hydrogen sulphide) from becoming an ignition source.

3.2. GAS-FREEING AND PURGING OF HC STORAGE TANKS

Gas-freeing involves the removal of flammable and / or toxic vapours and gases from a tank’s atmosphere by mechanical or natural displacement and dilution with fresh air. Vapour and gas freeing may also be accomplished by purging the tank with inert gas, or displacing the vapour or gas with water. After flammable and toxic vapours and gases have been removed from the tank, ventilation is required to provide an appropriate amount of fresh air inside a tank to maintain the atmosphere within acceptable permit limits for entry and work. The amount of fresh air required is normally five (5) air changes per hour (replace the volume of air in the tank every 12 minutes) except where regulatory agencies or facilities have established different requirements. Operations shall evaluate the specific ventilation and air change requirements needed for very large (200 foot diameter and over) storage tanks as five (5) air changes per hour may be difficult to achieve. In such cases, supplemental local ventilation in the work areas may be required. Site Precautions during Gas-Freeing The area around the tank should be regarded as potentially hazardous during the gas-freeing operation and a number of precautions should be taken. Roads should be closed, area roped off and warning signs posted as appropriate. Special consideration should be given to low-lying areas where hydrocarbon vapours may collect. The use of combustible gas indicators for checking concentrations in tank bunds and the surrounding area during critical stages of opening the tank (removing man ways etc.), and of continuous monitoring during entry for inspection/sludge removal, are recommended.

GAS-FREEING REQUIREMENTS Before any gas-freeing operations commence Operations shall determine the applicable requirements and the method to be used to remove vapours from the tank. The selection of an appropriate and effective gas freeing and degassing (where required) method depends on, but is not limited to, the following:

• The product or material (hydrocarbon) stored in the tank, the amount remaining in the tank after removal of recoverable product, the potential for hazardous toxic and exposures during vapour and gas freeing and regulatory requirements for degassing vapours.

• The size, design, type, configuration, location and condition of the tank, including tank openings, relief devices, vents, seals, pontoons, flotation devices another applicable appurtenances and tank characteristics such as inlet and outlet locations.

• Regulatory and environmental considerations and requirements for the release, recovery or treatment of liquids, gases and vapours.



• The availability of inert gas or water for displacement or purging.

• Requirements for and availability of vapour recovery, burning and treatment facilities.

• The surrounding area and activities taking place therein that could impact on, or be impacted upon, by vapour and gas freeing (degassing) operations.

• The amount and nature of the vapours in the tank and the degree of stratification.

Tank to be Ventilated

SMALL Is Tank Large or Small?

LARGE

Consider

Mechanical ventilation

Natural ventilation Steam ventilation

Use Mechanical Ventilation

YES e.g. Fan

Does Air Mover have Moving Parts?

NO e.g. Eductor

Will vented vapours be NO Flammable? Connect Suction or

Discharge to Tank

YES

Connect Discharge side ONLY to Tank

Connect Suction or Discharge to Tank

Figure 1 – Tank Gas-Freeing Guide

MECHANICAL GAS-FREEING Mechanically introducing fresh air into a tank is the preferred method of removing vapours or gas from a storage tank, provided that the tank design, size, type, configuration, condition and location and the product stored in the tank permit this method of gas freeing. In most cases OLNG adopts the mechanical method (i.e. artificial air ventilation) of gas-freeing tanks. Figure 1 can be used to determine the most appropriate method to use.



MECHANICAL GAS-FREEING FIXED (CONE) ROOF TANK There are two basic methods of mechanical vapour and gas freeing. In the first method, eductors pull vapour and gas out of the tank, creating a slight negative pressure inside the tank that draws in fresh air. The second method used air blowers to push fresh air into the tank, creating a slight positive pressure inside the tank that forces vapour or gas out of the tank. Eductors and air blowers may be operated by compressed air or approved explosion proof electrical motors. Vapours expelled or extracted from the tanks can be vented to a safe area or sent to some form of vapour recovery system for treatment. CAUTION: Electric powered equipment shall not be used unless specifically approved

Figure 2 – Commonly used Methods for Mechanically Gas-Freeing Tanks

Figure 2 (courtesy of API RP2016) details two methods of gas-freeing a fixed cone roof tank possibly containing light vapours. The vapours are extracted through the high point on the tank roof.

MECHANICAL GAS-FREEING FLOATING ROOF TANK For the condensate storage floating roof tanks, the removal or displacement of flammable vapours and gas (or toxic gas) from the tank is carried out by filling the tank with water up to the level when the roof legs just start to touch off the ground. The water is then drained, man- ways opened and mechanical ventilation of the tank space beneath the roof from low point manholes is carried out as shown in Figure 3.



There is other alternate method for gas freeing using inert N2 gas as described in the following section 2.5. .

Figure 3 – Gas-Freeing Floating Roof Tank through Shell



NATURAL VENTILATION GAS-FREEING Natural ventilation requires the removal of all roof and shell manhole covers and allowing the tank to stand open and idle until it becomes vapour or gas free. The atmosphere inside the tank expands as the tank warms up during the day, emitting vapours and gas and cools at night, creating a negative pressure in the tank that draws in fresh air. Wind sails or scoops may be used to direct air into the manholes.

PURGING OR INERTING Gas-freeing of a tank may also be achieved by purging the tank with an inert N2 gas. This method requires a readily available supply of inert N2 gas.

Purging Methods

The removal of flammable vapours and gas (or toxic gas) from the tank by purging with inert N2 gas is accomplished by either dilution or displacement. Dilution occurs when the air and flammable vapour and gases in the tank mix with the incoming purge gas to form a homogeneous mixture throughout the tank. As dilution progresses, the concentration of the air, flammable vapour (gas) and toxic gas in the tank’s atmosphere decreases. As the air, vapour and gas mixture is pushed out of the tank, the atmosphere in the tank becomes increasingly inert.

• When using the dilution method, the purge gas must be injected into the bottom of the tank at a sufficient velocity to mix with heavier vapours accumulating in the lower portion of the tank.

• The purge gas, air, flammable vapour (gas) and toxic gas mixture must be expelled from the tank as high as possible (minimum 12 feet [3.7 meters]) above ground level (using flexible ducting if necessary) or to a degassing system (if required).

Displacement requires the purge gas to be lighter than hydrocarbon vapours; it must be injected into the top of the tank in order to push the heavier hydrocarbon vapours out of a bottom connection.

• The displacement method requires that the purge gas be injected at a very low entry velocity so as to develop a stable interface between the purge gas and the flammable vapour in the tank (a small amount of dilution will occur at the interface).

• Using flexible ducting, the air, toxic gas and flammable vapour mixture is expelled from the tank as high as possible (minimum 12 feet [3.7 meters]) above ground level or to a degassing system (if required).

DISPLACEMENT USING WATER Displacement of flammable vapours and gas and toxic gases by filling a tank with water is an appropriate method of vapour and gas freeing small fixed (cone) roof tanks, horizontal tanks and spheres. CAUTION: The tank shall require to be ventilated on completion to make the atmosphere compatible for internal work to be undertaken.

3.3. REINSTATEMENT OF PETROLEUM STORAGE TANKS REINSTATEMENT PLANS AND PROCEDURES In order to return the tank to service plans and procedures similar to those used to remove the tank from service shall be implemented.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS Applicable government regulations; industry standards and OLNG Standards shall be reviewed to determine what inspection, testing, recordkeeping and reporting is required when returning a tank to service.



If major repair, alteration or reconstruction work was performed, Operations shall assure that testing, inspection and certification requirements have been satisfactorily completed to ensure the mechanical and physical integrity of the tank prior to re-commissioning. Regulatory requirements prior to re-commissioning include, but are not limited to, hydrostatic testing, seal inspection and visual inspection for leakage. Where tank inspection is required for environmental or other compliance, prior to re- commissioning the Static Equipment Inspection Team shall notify the appropriate regulatory agencies.

RE-COMMISSIONING PREPARATION

General

Operations shall assure that operations elsewhere in the facility do not subject any part of the re-commissioning process to hazardous conditions.

Tank Inspection and Closing

The responsible supervisor shall designate a competent person to thoroughly inspect the tank prior to the reinstallation of tank opening (manhole) covers including, but not limited to, the following items:

• Conduct a check and verify that all entrants and workers have exited the tank.

• Inspect and verify that all tank cleaning repair and maintenance equipment, tools, materials and debris have been removed from inside the tank.

• Check and verify that all internal connections and appurtenances have been

reconnected or attached.

• Assure that the tank inspection and verification results are entered on the Inspection Memo.

• All related Permit to Work are closed (logged in).

Reactivating Isolated Equipment Operations shall assign qualified persons to reactivate all equipment, piping and appurtenances that were deactivated or isolated when the tank was decommissioned.



Purging and Inerting Tank Prior to hydrocarbons being allowed to the tank the atmosphere should be purged or inerted. This can be achieved by purging (displacement) the tank with water or an inert gas or diluting the atmosphere with inert gas to reduce it below the LEL. The method adopted shall be decided after consideration of the risks and logistics.

REFILLING TANK Qualified persons shall be assigned to conduct visual examinations or use other equivalent methods to inspect the tank and check for leakage upon initiation of filling and periodically throughout the filling operation, until the tank has reached operating capacity. Should leaks occur, the qualified persons shall immediately notify Operations so that product receipt can be stopped. The emergency plan shall be activated in event of a major leak, large spill, or release of flammable or toxic vapours.

Filling Rate

The initial flow rate (velocity) of product into the tank shall be at a reduced rate until the inlet opening of the fill line is covered with liquid, in order to minimize the creation of static electricity. The initial fill velocity will vary depending on the product, pump capacity, size of the fill line and tank configuration, but is recommended that it should be not more than 3 feet (1 meter) per second.

Filling Floating Roof Tanks

When petroleum products are pumped into empty floating-roof tanks, the vapours occupying the space between the liquid surface and the floating roof are usually expelled from under the floating roof into the atmosphere immediately above the floating roof. Due to the potential for a flammable vapour-in-air atmosphere to exist in these spaces during the filling of floating roof tanks, this refilling activity shall be reviewed and proper precautionary measures developed and implemented. Employees shall observe the precautions concerning pumping rates and prevention of splashing to prevent static generation and to minimize vapours when filling either external floating roof tanks or internal floating-roof tanks, until the roofs are floating. Employers (owners/operators and contractors) shall establish procedures that require significant reduction of fill rates as product nears the pontoons and / or lower deck surfaces of floating roofs as damage might result (especially to roofs made of aluminium) if the liquid rises too fast. Employers shall establish safe procedures for filling tanks in accordance with industry standards including, but not limited to, filling rates to reduce static generation, overfill protection and the possibility of emitting vapours during lightning storms.

3.4. HAZARDS Gas-freeing (and degassing) is one of the most hazardous tank operations. Operations shall assure that responsible supervisors, qualified persons, testers, entrants, attendants, standby persons, rescuers and workers are aware of the potential flammable and toxic hazards and establish appropriate prevention and control measures during gas-freeing (and degassing) operations.

FIRE HAZARDS Tanks that have contained flammable gas and low flashpoint flammable liquid products will have high concentrations of flammable gas and vapours, and their atmospheres will initially be above the upper explosive (flammable) limit (for the product stored). During the mechanical gas-freeing process, as fresh air is introduced into the tank, the vapours and gases will be diluted. The atmosphere in the tank will change from being “too rich,” into the explosive (flammable) range and ultimately fall below the lower explosive (flammable) limit or become “too lean to burn,” as the vapour-in-air (gas-in air) mixture becomes increasingly diluted.



The responsible supervisor or qualified person shall assure that the vapours or gases discharged from the tank do not create hazardous conditions outside the tank. Since some hydrocarbon vapours are heavier than air, discharging teapots at the top of the tank or at a high elevation provides for quick dispersion (where degassing is not required or used).This precaution prevents flammable vapour or gas from settling at ground level and flowing to an ignition source, being ignited and flashing back into the tank. During the initial stages of vapour and gas-freeing (degassing), while the tank still contains high concentrations of flammable vapour and gas, the responsible supervisor or qualified person shall restrict all maintenance work in the immediate area surrounding the tank and on top of the tank roof. All sources of ignition in the area should be prohibited during vapour and gas freeing and degassing. A hot work permit shall be issued by the responsible supervisor or qualified person and continuous monitoring for flammable vapours or gases shall be conducted in order for any hot work to be performed during vapour and gas-freeing (degassing) operations.

TOXIC HAZARDS Operations, responsible supervisors and qualified persons shall be aware of the potential for exposure to toxic and hazard vapours, dust or gases emitted from the tank during the vapour and gas-freeing (degassing) process and develop and establish measures to control or prevent exposure of workers to these substances.

PHYSICAL HAZARDS Prior to the start of operations, the employer (owner/operator or contractor) shall review the method selected for vapour and gas freeing and degassing and the condition and construction of the tank in order to determine the potential hazards, including, but not limited to, the following: A qualified person shall assure that the induced air, water, or inert gas does not pressurise the tank in excess of its maximum design pressure during gas-freeing (degassing) operations. When displacing vapours or gas with water, a qualified person shall determine that the tank is structurally able to hold the weight of water. If tanks are connected by a common venting or vapour recovery system, a qualified person shall assure that the tank being vapour or gas freed is isolated from the other tanks.

ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS The potential exists for drawing flammable vapours, toxic fumes or exhaust gases into the tank during vapour and gas freeing and ventilation operations when tanks are located near areas where internal combustion engines may be operating or if tanks are located in low lying areas below the surrounding ground level (where vapours may accumulate). Responsible supervisors and qualified persons shall be aware of such situations and implement appropriate measures to assure that only fresh, uncontaminated air enters the tanks.



4. AREAS CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS

4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION

This Chapter covers the safeguards which are necessary for controlling sources of ignitions as part of plant design and operations with respect to area classified as Hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres

4.2. HAZARDS

Inevitably, flammable atmospheres occur from time to time in and around installations handling flammable liquids and gases; these are normally transient and of limited extent. Ignition is normally avoided by application of adequate design and engineering practices on equipment that could produce sources of ignition in the neighbourhood.

When a source of ignition occurs, there is some risk of an explosion or a flash back to a source of flammable vapour and some risk of this leading to a more serious fire.


The principles of Area Classification were originally developed to rationalise the selection and location of fixed electrical equipment in areas where flammable atmospheres might be present. Experience in the industry has shown that this classification of areas is also valuable as a basis for the control of sources of ignition other than fixed electrical sources.

All areas where flammable liquids and gases are continuously or frequently handled should be classified using the principles outlined in BS 5345: Part 2, and amplified for the petroleum industry by the institute of Petroleum Model Code of Safe Practice and by the European Model Code of Safe Practice in the Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products.

Reliable Area Classification Drawings should be available for the use of authorised persons in the ‘Permit to Work’ system.

The Fire Permit Control Areas, designated for the control of Hot Work, must include all areas classified as Hazardous and all adjacent areas from which hot work might introduce sources of ignition into Hazardous Areas.



4.4. AREA CLASSIFICATION

Area Classification is the division of an installation into Hazardous Areas and Non- hazardous Areas in relation to flammable atmospheres and the subdivision of Hazardous areas into Zones.

A Hazardous Area is an area in which flammable atmospheres are or may be expected to be present in quantity such as to require special precautions for the construction and use of electrical apparatus. Three zones are recognised as follows:

Zone 0 Understood to be present only within vessel, tanks, pipes which contain flammable gases

Zone 1 That part of Hazardous Area in which a flammable atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation.

Zone 2 That part of a Hazardous Area in which a flammable atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it occurs, will exist only for a short period.

Non- Hazardou

Non Hazardous area where flammable atmosphere can never occur in normal operation

s

A Non-hazardous Area is an area in which flammable atmospheres are not expected to be present in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction and use of electrical apparatus.

The Institute of Petroleum Model Code of Safe Practice recommends procedures which take account of:

(1) The characteristics of all the sources and potential sources of release of

material which could produce flammable atmospheres in the area.

(2) The properties of the flammable materials concerned.

(3) The ventilation conditions, whether natural or artificial.

These procedures lead to the production of an Area Classification drawing which shows both in plan and in elevation, the extent of all Hazardous Areas and Constituent Zones. (Reference should be made to the Area Classification procedure for modifications to designated areas)PERMIT REQUIREMENT

A Fire Permit must be obtained for any work which might introduce a source of ignition into a Hazardous Area except as may be allowed by OLNG Regulations for the normal use of specified Ex equipment, low power, electronic equipment. The conditions laid down by the associated permit must take account of the Classification of the area.

4.5. REFERENCES

DEP Area classification: DEP-80.00.10.10-Gen.



5. HOT WORK

HOT WORK CATEGORIES

Category 1: Hot work – open flame or normally generating source of ignition

1. Work involving naked flames (Welding, Cutting, Grinding)

2. Electrical welding

3. Induction pre-heating/stress relieving and high temperature calibration

4. Use of heat shrink blowers and electric drills

Category 2: Hot work – potentially generating source of ignition

1. Grit/shot blasting

2. Mechanical de-scaling

3. Use of non-intrinsically safe or EX rated equipment (including soldering irons)



4. Use of battery operated cameras, video recorders or computers in hazardous areas

5. Opening of live junction boxes in hazardous areas

6. Use of air/hydraulic powered tools

7. Use of cartridge operated fixing tools

8. Operation of internal combustion Engines


This Chapter covers the safeguards which are necessary against fire and explosion when hot work is carried out within or adjacent to an area classified as Hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres.

5.2. HAZARDS

When a source of ignition occurs, there is some risk of an explosion or a flash back to a source of flammable vapour and some risk of this leading to a more serious fire. Controlling sources of ignition enables to significantly reduce the risk of fire and/or explosion.


The Fire Permit Control Areas, designated for the control of Hot Work, must include all areas classified as Hazardous and all adjacent areas from which hot work might introduce sources of ignition into Hazardous Areas.

All equipment used that provide potential source of ignition must be in accordance with procedure for control of source of ignition (reference: QCM-P002 Procedure for the Control of Ignition Source)

5.4. HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS FOR HOT WORK IN AREAS ADJACENT TO

HAZARDOUS AREAS Apply the following Hierarchy of Controls:

• First: Carry out work when the Classified Area is free of Flammable Materials or at a different place (outside the Classified Area).

• Second: Eliminate ignition sources by selecting alternative work methods or equipment.

• Third: Implement controls to avoid co-existence of Flammable Materials and ignition sources during Hot Work.

Each Hot Work activity in the manufacturing area shall be in line with Permit to Work procedure (QOP-P109), and include a job specific Risk Assessment and identification of Controls as part of planning the work. Equipment which could contain Flammable Materials must be gas free and isolated in line with Safe Isolation - Lock Out Tag Out before the hot work begins.

5.5. HOT WORK IN AREAS ADJACENT TO HAZARDOUS AREAS

Hot work which includes the use of open flames and unprotected internal combustion engines(See Section 7, Chapter 2, Mobile Internal Combustion Engines) may be allowed in an area adjacent to a Hazardous Area provided that it is:

(1) Continuously attended.

(2) Adequately safeguarded by first-attack fire-fighting equipment.



(3) Located at sufficient distance from the boundary of the Hazardous Area,

considering the wind conditions, to ensure that no spark, flame or fire from it is likely to reach the Hazardous Area.

5.6. HOT WORK IN ZONE 2 AREAS

Hot work which can be stopped and cooled quickly may be allowed in Zone 2 areas provided that adequate arrangements are made:

(1) To seal off all continuous sources of flammable vapour in the vicinity (e.g. wet

sacks over drains).

(2) To watch for leaks and spills this might produce flammable vapours.

(3) To test the atmosphere in the vicinity continuously or as frequently as necessary to anticipate the occurrence of any flammable atmosphere.

(4) To stop instantly all hot work in the event of vapour release or a pre-arranged

alarm signal.

For the precautions necessary when using diesel engines in Zone 2 areas refer to Section 7.

Types of hot work which cannot be stopped and cooled instantly (e.g. open fires) may be allowed in Zone 2 areas only if the area is sufficiently cleared of flammable materials and isolated from the source of the flammable material to enable it to be treated temporarily as non-hazardous.

5.7. HOT WORK IN ZONE 0 AND ZONE 1 AREAS

Before work of any kind which might produce a source of ignition in a Zone 0 or Zone 1 area, the area must be sufficiently cleared of flammable materials and isolated from sources of flammable material to enable it to be treated temporarily as Non-hazardous.

5.8. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF HOT WORK

• Hot Work on lines or equipment that still contains Flammable Material (e.g. hot

tap) shall require a specific risk assessment addressing process controls as well as engineering controls throughout the activity. The Risk Assessment shall be approved by Operations Manager and Head of Inspection & Integrity. The controls shall be in compliance with DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen (Hot tapping on pipelines, piping and equipment).

• Hot Work in Confined Spaces shall be done in accordance with Permit to

Work procedure (QOP-P109). Provision shall be in place to extract welding fumes to protect the workers or provide adequate personal protective equipment.

• Entry and use of vehicles and other mobile equipment in Classified Area is

managed through QOP-P105 Access of personnel and vehicles to site.


Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in accordance with the OLNG PPE Regulations.




Persons employed in defining or implementing controls related to hot work must be appropriately experienced to the satisfaction of Oman LNG management and must have attended the Oman LNG permit to work programme.

5.11. REFERENCES

HSSE Control Framework, Hot Work section

6. DIVING OPERATIONS


This Chapter covers the operations necessitating the use of divers and their equipment, working at depths not greater than 50 metres, typically in culverts, sewers, drains and jetty areas.

A diving operation runs from the time the diver commences to prepare to dive until the time the diver has left the water, has returned to the place from which the diving operations are being carried out, is no longer subject to raised pressure and is unlikely to need therapeutic recompression.

6.2. HAZARDS

During diving operations, the hazards are:

1. Failure of the diver’s equipment, e.g. loss of air supply or communication.

2. Worsening of the weather conditions, strengthening of normal water currents and adverse tidal effects.

3. Mechanically induced water movements, e.g. ships passing, water flows in ducts increasing.

4. Impacts from moving parts, e.g. ship’s propellers, pump blades.

5. Contamination of the water by hazardous substances.

6. Entanglement of supply and lifelines around underwater objects.

7. Electric shock from underwater cathodic protection systems.

8. Narcosis from being down too long or to deep or coming up too quickly


OLNG will designate special levels of authority for the use of diving permit covering diving operations.

All underwater activities must be co-ordinated in collaboration with the Marine Section who is sponsors for the diving contract.


A diving permit is required for every diving operation.

Any diving operation requires a dive plan to be prepared before entering the water

A Fire Permit is required to support the diving permit for the use of underwater flame cutting equipment in a Fire Permit Control Area.



6.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

All equipment used in the diving operation must be properly designed, of adequate strength, of sound construction and suitable for the conditions in which it is to be used.

Breathing air cylinders must be legibly marked with the cylinder capacity and mechanical test details.

Inspection Equipment subject to mandatory inspections and tests must be accompanied by test certificates.

Diving equipment must not be used unless it has been examined by a competent person within six hours before the diving operation commences.

6.6. PREPARATION FOR WORK

The dive plan must be completed before commencement of the diving operations and the time of permit issue. The dive plan must incorporate details of:

(1) The work to be carried out.

(2) Estimated time to be spent under water.

(3) Specialised equipment required.

(4) Diving support facilities required.

Supervision Divers must not commence the dive without supervision by a qualified diving supervisor.

The dive plan and the procedures required during the dive must be fully explained by the supervisor and must be understood by all divers, attendants and Permit Signatories.

Diving Attendants Attendants must be fully conversant with all the equipment being used during the dive and with the communication signals that may be used from the surface to the diver.

Communication and Procedures An effective means of communication must be set up between:

(1) The diver and the attendant.

(2) The attendant and the supervisor.

(3) The supervisor and the control room.

Diver’s Emergency procedures must be noted on the Permit to Work.

Isolation For diving operations within confined spaces, all sources of contamination from hazardous substances must be positively isolated and all sources of hazardous water flow must be blocked by reliable valves or sluices which must be locked. Pump motors must be isolated



from all sources of motive power. Properly designed mechanical stops must be fitted if entry is required between moving parts.

For diving operations in open water, passing ships must be kept at a safe distance by means agreed with the Marine Section. The propeller drives of stationary ships in the vicinity of the operation must be securely immobilised.

When working in or around Jetty piles, the cathodic protection must be isolated and noted on the permit to work.

Warning Notices and Signals

Diving signals must be displayed in the most conspicuous position relative to the diving operation. The area of the diving operation must be clearly defined with the international flag ’A’, Diver Below, and where applicable mast head lights or mast head symbols. (see figures 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3)

A rigid replica of the international Flag ‘A’, minimum dimension one square metre, must be displayed adjacent to the diving site in no-wind situations.

Figure 6-1International Flag 'A' (Diver Below)

Three around lights, placed in line vertically, equally spaced at two metres.

Figure 6-2 International Mast Head Lights

Top and bottom lights to be RED, middle light to be WHITE.

These lights to be lit when necessary

Three shapes, placed in line vertically, minimum two feet, equally spaced at two metres. Top and bottom shape to be spherical and BLACK, middle shape to be diamond and BLACK.



Figure 6-3 International Mast Head Signals

Warning notices to avoid accidental or unauthorised entry of personnel must be displayed at all landward approaches, indicating that Diving Operations are in progress.

They must be illuminated when necessary using lighting appropriately certified for any Hazardous Area concerned.

6.7. PRECAUTIONS DURING WORK

Compressed natural air can be used as a breathing mixture in any diving operation at a depth up to 50 metres but must not be used at depths exceeding 50 metres except where the use is for therapeutic purposes.

Lifting and scaffolding activities on the surface within 100 metres of the diver is not permitted due to the risk of falling objects hitting the diver.

6.8. PRECAUTIONS ON COMPLETION OF WORK

The Diving Supervisor must be reasonably satisfied that the diver, on completion of the dive, does not need therapeutic recompression.

On completion of the operation all diving log books must be completed and kept for at least two years from the date of the last entry.


Divers should wear the equipment most suited for the work in-hand.

Personal protective equipment must be worn, in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE regulations, by all attendant personnel involved in the diving operation.


The diver must be competent to carry out safely the work required below.



Diving operations must only be carried out by divers with a valid certificate of training and a valid certificate of fitness to dive. Certificates of training must be obtained from an Approved body. Medical certificates must be obtained from a doctor.

Divers must maintain a personal Log.

6.11. REFERENCES

HSSE & SP Control Framework, Diving Operations section, Version 2 of December 2001 OGP “Diving Recommended Practices” report No: 411 June 2008 Oman LNG Diving Procedure QOP-P311

7. EXCAVATION

7.1. PURPOSE To manage the risks of excavation activities

7.2. SCOPE This chapter covers safety in excavation and work below ground.

Excavation means any breaking of ground or cutting into floors. It includes the driving of piles, stakes or posts into the ground. It includes breaking into walls, floors or ceilings.

7.3. HAZARDS During excavation, whether or not below ground, the particular hazards are:-

1. Production of sparks in hazardous areas when using power driven or un-wetted tools, or when breaking concrete.

2. Damage to buried electric cables.

3. Damage to buried pipes or equipment containing hazardous materials.

4. Damage to structures of foundations.

5. Any noise produced which might drown the sound of emergency alarms.

6. Injury to personnel from shock, burns etc.

Additionally when working below ground, hazards can arise from:-



(1) Accumulation of liquids or vapours which might lead to explosion, asphyxiation or harm

to the health of personnel.

(2) Contact with underground services.

(3) Hazardous substances, particularly near the site of current.

(4) Contaminated ground.

(5) Collapse of the walls due to inadequate shoring or to over loading around the edges of the excavation (by close proximity of materials or vehicles)

(6) Subsidence to adjacent areas.

(7) Flooding.

(8) Objects falling into the workings.

(9) Personnel falling into the workings.


Oman LNG applies the following hierarchy of risk reduction for each excavation

First: Eliminate the need for excavation.

Second: Apply maximum allowable slopes or benching.

Third: Use shoring or trench shields based on the job risk assessment

7.5. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Refer to QOP-P109 Permit To Work Procedure.

If the depth of the excavation will be greater than 1.5 m, a confined space certificate is required.

Drilling or any building structure, floor or wall will be assessed as excavation work. Where drilling is done on metal cabinets, junction boxes where it’s clear that there are no cables or utilities on the other side; excavation certificate is not required.

The Confined Space Work procedure must be applied when the excavation work is in a Confined Space.

Consideration must also be given to whether associated work entails a need for other types of Permit to Work support documents as described in the PTW procedure QOP-P109.

7.6. STANDARDS OF CONSTRUCTION OF EARTHWORKS DEP 34.11.00.11-Gen: SITE PREPARATION AND EARTHWORKS

7.7. PREPARATIONS FOR EXCAVATION The AE specifies the required precaution at suspected areas, before any excavation is allowed. The precise location of any buried pipework, structures, foundations, electrical equipment or hazardous



materials should be established and identified on site by markers. The AE must take in consideration overhead structures (pipes, cables…)

The permit covering the work must give warning of all known hazards and of any uncertainties over the hazards which might be present. Any exploratory digs must be carefully specified.

Initial excavation to locate known or suspected underground hazards must be made by hand digging, so far as is reasonably practicable. The point at which it will be considered safe to proceed using powered equipment must be clearly specified in the enabling permit.

Wherever practicable, electric cables which might be damaged by excavation work should be de- energised before work commences, and pipework which might be damaged should be de-pressured and cleared of hazardous materials.

Where noisy equipment might make existing site emergency alarms inaudible, arrangements must be made to ensure that personnel working in the area are made aware of any site emergency alarms which might occur during the work.

The requirement for the rescue plan and rescue equipment shall be specified for the excavation work during the job risk assessment.

7.8. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING EXCAVATION These must include provision for:-

(1) Constraints on the types of tools and the equipment allowed.

(2) Limitation of the extent of the excavation.

(3) Protection of persons below ground from caving in and falling objects, particularly where excavations are deeper than 1.2 metres by applying slopping, or shoring or shielding.

The maximum allowable slopes or benching or shoring for excavations greater than 1.5 metres deep must be defined in the permit where applicable.

(4) At all stages of the excavation, a competent person must supervise the work and the workers must be given clear instructions on working safely in the excavation.

(5) Vehicles should be kept away as far as possible using warning signs and barriers. Where a vehicle is tipping materials into the excavation, stop blocks should be placed behind its wheels.



(6) Safe access and egress for personnel and vehicles to, and around the excavation.

(7) Temporary crossing over excavations. These should be constructed at least 0.7 metres wide and be sufficiently strong for the span. There must be a railing on one side it there could be a fall of more than one metre or if the trench is more than 0.7 metres wide.

(8) Adequate shoring of the sides of the earthworks.

(9) Avoidance of excessive loading on the sides of earthworks. A minimum distance between the toe of any earth pile and the edge of the trench is required. This should be at least 1.5 times the depth of the trench.

(10) Dewatering and avoidance of flooding where applicable.

(11) Adequate gas testing and ventilation.

(12) Daily inspection of earthworks.

(13) Inspect Excavations and Shoring, including areas adjacent to the Excavation, for signs of ground instability, before each shift and before resuming work after adverse weather conditions

(14) Clearance of unauthorised personnel from the area and the erection of suitable warning signs and barriers.

(15) Personal protective clothing (including head protection)

(16) All service crossing the excavation must be supported. Underground service detectors or metal detectors may also be used, giving due regard to the appropriate electrical certification.

(17) At points where vehicles and excavation machinery may approach the excavation, stop logs must be placed at a safe distance and use a flagman when manoeuvring near an excavation.

(18) Use hand probing and hand tools only (i.e. no powered excavators) within 1 metre of a live line, pipeline or power cable, to prevent damage.

The permit holder must inspect Excavations and Shoring, including areas adjacent to the Excavation, for signs of ground instability, before each shift and before resuming work after adverse weather conditions.

Refer to the Area Engineer in case of unforeseen conditions or problems with the planned work.

7.9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal protective equipment must be worn, in accordance with the Oman LNG regulations. Hearing protection must be worn when the equipment noise levels are likely to exceed the 85 dB(A), the upper exposure action level.

7.10. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Personnel must be trained and competent to operate mechanical excavators before they undertake work.

Only competent persons may supervise the erection and alteration of earth supports.

7.11. REFERENCES Shell HSSE Control Framework, Personal Safety Manual, Excavation Section, Version 2, December 2009

DEP 34.11.00.11-Gen: SITE PREPARATION AND EARTHWORKS



8. DEMOLITION

8.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers the safety precautions generally required when buildings, plant or structures are to be dismantled or demolished.

8.2. FORMS OF DEMOLITION

There are two forms of demolition:

1-Piecemeal – where the demolition is done using hand and mechanical tools such as pneumatic drills and demolition balls.

2-Deliberate controlled collapse – where explosives are used to demolish the structure. This technique should be used only by trained, specialist competent persons and it requires a comprehensive risk assessment.

8.3. HAZARDS Demolition is one of the most hazardous construction operations and is responsible for more deaths and major injuries than any other activity.

When carrying out demolition work, the particular hazards are:-

(1) Premature collapse or springing apart of the facility concerned, causing injury to personnel or damage to property.

(2) Damage to remaining live plant services causing release of materials, electricity or radiation.

(3) Dust and fumes.

(4) Manual handling.

(5) Noise and vibration from heavy plant and equipment.

(6) Fire or explosion arising from residual flammable materials.

(7) Residual toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic or other biologically active materials which might cause immediate or long term harm to health of personnel.

(8) Falls of personnel arising from inadequate means of access.

(9) Falls of materials onto personnel arising from inadequate clearance of debris.

(10) Future hazards arising from facilities left behind.

(11) Additional pollution of earth or water due to release and/or distribution of contaminants during demolition.

(12) Dangers posed by the use/movement of heavy equipment during the demolition activity.


Any piece of demolition work must be carried out in accordance with a Method Statement describing the safe system of work. Demolitions are considered plant changes if the asset is de-commissioned and not reinstated (as like to like meeting original specifications) to operations as part of maintenance.

8.5. METHOD STATEMENT

A method statement for the work should be produced jointly between the demolition engineer and a person with full knowledge of the last and, where possible, previous uses of the facilities concerned. Every effort should be made to gather information of past events so that they can be considered when developing the scope and methodology of the project.

The method statement should cover:-



(1) Provisions for supervision of the work and communication with the demolition personnel. This includes access controls/restrictions and signs.

(2) The sequence and method of demolition, with details of personnel access and machinery requirements.

(3) Any restrictions to be placed on flame cutting or any other hot work in the demolition area.

(4) Specific details of any weakening of facilities which are to be pulled down, knocked down or demolished with explosives.

(5) Arrangement for the protection of personnel and the public and for the exclusion of unauthorised persons throughout the work.

(6) Areas outside the worksite boundaries that may occasionally need to be controlled for safety during critical stages of the work or during adverse weather conditions.

(7) Details for the removal or making safe of site service systems including electricity, gas and drains.

(8) Details of temporary services available or required for the contractor’s use.

(9) Details of methods to establish the presence of flammable materials and substances hazardous to health. All process fluids, chemicals and utilities positively isolated from accessing the demolition structure or equipment

(10) Details of methods for dealing with flammable materials and substances hazardous to health, including the materials which might be resent in process machinery, pipework, storage or underground spaces such as cellars sewers and drainage. The methods must include any protective equipment required.

(11) Arrangement for the safe storage and legal control of the transport user for the removal and for the legal disposal of demolition products.

(12) A clear statement of what will not be done, particularly in relation to the condition of the ground and any sub-surface facility should be included.

(13) Engineering assessment of the structure and/or affected equipment to assess the possibility of an unplanned collapse of the structure

(14) Debris spread, collection and disposal including provision of chutes and protection boots

(15) Requirement for provision of bracing and supports for adjacent

(16) In case the work is performed from a higher point, or from any part of a building, or any other constant building, jacks or stairs shall be provided and fixed at the work place and maintained. Such jacks, or stairs must be adequate, suitable and safe to perform the required work.

(17) Details of PPE which must be worn 8.6. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Permits to Work must be provided for demolition activities as they would be for maintenance of the asset, projects and plant changes, construction.

All relevant Safety considerations apply including but not limited to excavation, confined space entry, chemical handling, hot works. The demolition engineers are to detail in the method statement the work steps/stages in order to support identification of all relevant controls and Permit to Work aspects.




All equipment used for the demolition work must be in good condition and suitable for the work.

8.8. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE AND DURING WORK

The precautions required for demolition work to be carried out will be very much dependent upon the type of facility being demolished but will normally include the following

Maintenance of Safe Access and Egress

Wherever access for personnel continues to be required during the demolition process, it must be safeguarded to normal operational standards against fall, trip and falling debris hazards. Unsafe access routes which are not to be made good before demolition and access routes to places which might be unsafe should be removed or barred.

All necessary means of emergency escape must be maintained at all times throughout the work.

Safety Signs and Barriers

Barriers must be erected to avoid accidental and unauthorised entry of personnel into areas where they might suffer injury from the demolition work.

Safety signs indicating that demolition work is in progress must be displayed at all approaches (see figure 3.1). A ‘NO AUTHORISED ENTRY’ sign should also be provided.

DEMOLITION WORK IN PROGRESS !

Figure 6.1: RECOMMENDED ‘DEMOLITION WORK IN PROGRESS’ SIGN Notices must be illuminated in reduced lighting conditions, where necessary using lighting appropriately certified for the classification of the area in relation to flammable atmospheres.

Decontamination

Before any major demolition work starts and as far as is reasonably practicable, the facility should be cleared of hazardous materials and of sources of flammable vapour. A decontamination unit should be provided. Where complete clearance is not practicable or cannot be guaranteed, special precautions will be necessary under specific Permits to Work .

Isolation Before any major demolition work starts, the area should be isolated, as far as is reasonably practicable, from all active facilities, service fluids and electricity. Where complete isolation is not practicable or cannot be guaranteed, special precautions will be necessary under specific Permits to Work.



Demolition Procedures

During demolition the integrity and stability of the remaining structure must be maintained wherever there is access for personnel. Shoring and guy wires might be necessary from time to time.

Care must be taken in the removal and setting down of materials and components to avoid harm to personnel and equipment.

Components must not be thrown to the ground from a height. They must be lowered in an orderly fashion by crane, gin wheel or other suitable means. Small items should be lowered in bags or baskets.

When flame cutting is allowed during the demolition work, gas cylinders should where practicable, be situated at the ground level. The cylinder valve keys must be left in position while in use.

All materials must be removed from the site as soon as is reasonably practicable to ensure that the site is free from trip hazards.

Emergency Provisions

Appropriate provision must be made in the vicinity of the demolition work for fire watching, fire fighting, first aid and personnel decontamination (e.g. eye baths and s showers) and alarm calls.

Alternative warning arrangements must be made if the noise from the work is likely to mask existing alarm signals.

Health Care Where the demolition area might be contaminated with substances hazardous to health, medical tests might have to be carried out and records kept of workers’ health, both before they start work at site and at regular intervals during work.

8.9. PRECAUTIONS ON COMPLETION OF THE WORK Inspections and tests must be carried out when reinstating services that have been isolated or disconnected during demolition work.

The site must be left in a clean and tidy condition after demolition work and all access routes must be made good.

Records must be kept of any foundations and equipment left underground.

8.10. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal protective equipment / clothing in accordance with Oman LNG, “Site Safety, Security and Traffic Rules” must be used when working on demolition sites . See Personal Protective Equipment procedure.

There will be occasions when safety nets must be used and safety harnesses worn by demolition workers. Safety harnesses should be attached by lanyards to safe anchorages.


Persons employed in demolition work must be appropriately experienced to the satisfaction of Oman LNG management and must have attended the Oman LNG site induction programme.

8.12. REFERENCES

Shell DEP34.51.90.10-GEN: Demolition of Storage Tanks. Regulation of Occupational Safety and Health (MD 286/2008)



9. CHEMICAL HANDLING


This Chapter covers the safeguards which are necessary for the safety handling ad use of chemicals

9.2. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES 1. ANY chemical substance must be approved for introduction to Oman LNG activities using

QHSE-P103 Procedure for the Acquisition of all Substances.

2. All tasks associated with the handling and use of chemicals shall be subject to the Health Risk Assessment

3. MSDS shall be associated to the chemical movement and location

9.3. SAFETY PROVISIONS 1. Make sure that a MSDS is available with the chemical or at the work location

2. Familiarize yourself with the content of the MSDS, especially the safety precautions and

emergency response in case of exposure to the chemical, spill…

3. When handling/using chemical in a group of people, carry out a TBT on the subject chemical

4. Make sure that appropriate PPE is worn and that relevant spill control kits are available

5. When handling/using chemicals, localize the nearest safety showers / eye wash stations

6. Ensure that chemical drums to be stored on pallets and that a secondary containment is in

place

7. maintain good housekeeping at the location of chemical storage/usage

8. Do not mix chemicals or put different chemicals in the same containers unless approved by

work instructions or permit to work as they may react and cause harm/injury

9. All chemicals must be well labeled

10. Removal, collection and disposal of chemicals shall only be carried out by approved appointed

personnel or contractors.



CHAPTER 4: TASK CONSIDERATIONS


1.1. SCOPE This section covers the safety considerations which are task related. The tasks concerned are all those which commonly occur within Oman LNG.

1.2. APPLICATION Many tasks will fall within the scope of this Section, however users will often, in addition, need to refer to Section 5, ‘Working Environment Considerations) and to Section & (Tool Considerations).

Where a task is not specifically covered in this Section, guidance should be sought from:-

1) Chapters covering similar tasks

2) QHSE department

3) The more General Sections of these regulations relation to flammable atmospheres.

2. WELDING AND FLAME CUTTING

2.1. WELDING AND FLAME CUTTING This chapter covers safety in the processes of welding, flame cutting and gouging with either electric arcs or high temperature gas torches. It does not cover control of the quality of the work

2.2. HAZARDS The particular hazards arising from welding, flame cutting and gouging are:-



(1) Burns from radiation, hot metal splatter or the accidental handling of hot objects

(2) Damage to the eyes from radiation or flying particles.

(3) Toxic fumes from the hot work, particularly when working in confined spaces or with contaminated

objects.

(4) Welding and cutting fumes contain nitrogen oxides and ozone from the air, metal oxide fumes from the burning of the base metal and the welding rods, and fumes produced from the burning of the fluxes and any coatings or deposits present.

(5) Oxygen deficiency from welding or flame cutting in confined spaces.

(6) Noise from gouging and from certain types of welding process.

(7) Electric shock from certain types of equipment.

(8) Fire or explosion from hot work or stray electric currents in areas containing flammable or combustible materials.

(9) Damage to equipment caused by stray electric currents.

(10) Fire or explosion from inadequate control of the welding or cutting gases used.

(11) Spurious activation of flame detectors by radiation disturbing plant controls or protective systems.

2.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Welding of process plant or equipment may be allowed only under the direction of an appropriately qualified person who must take the necessary measures to ensure that the weld quality meets all the technical and safety requirements.

Whenever reasonably practicable, welding, flame cutting and gouging should be carried out in a place designated for the purpose.

In certain strictly controlled circumstances, welding, brazing or soldering may be allowed on the outside of a piece of equipment which contains a flammable substance, but for any such activity a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ might be required.

A method statement should be produced before any welding, brazing, or soldering is allowed on the outside of equipment which contains or might contain a hazardous material or might be under pressure.

A HRA and JHA assessment are required for welding activities in confined spaces: a JHA statement specific to the job may be required.

2.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS HOT WORK OPEN FLAME PERMIT (RED COLOUR-CODED FORM) is required for any hot work on a piece of equipment which contains pressure. Reference should be made to the DEP on hot tapping.

A fire permit is required for any welding, flame cutting or metal gouging work is allowed:

(1) On a piece of equipment, tank or vessel which contains or might contain flammable a material.



(2) In a Fire Permit Control Area


Arc Welding equipment Electric arc welding equipment and accessories must conform to BS-638 or equivalent and be in good condition.

DC welding is preferred in view of the fact that an open circuit will be 70 - 80 V only. This is less than the internationally considered “safe to touch” voltage of 100Vdc. However, some materials or certain welding jobs can only be done by AC current, e.g. welding on aluminium. For those applications, it is preferred to use a welding machine that automatically transfers to DC when welding is stopped. For extremely heavy current welding jobs or when the above-mentioned welding set with AC/DC transfer is not available, an acceptable alternative is to use the common welding transformer equipped with a voltage-reducing device which reduces the no-load voltage below 50Vac.

Summarising, the following methods should be used in preference:-

(1) Welding with DC only.

(2) Welding machine with AC/DC transfer.

(3) Welding transformer with voltage-reducing device.

Where a mains supply is used, there must be a readily accessible switch near to the transformer or rectifier to cut off the mains supply.

Welding leads and return leads must be robust and well protected against mechanical damage.

The electrode holder must be properly constructed, well balanced and electrically insulated throughout so that there is no bare metal other than the electrode itself. The welder should have means at hand to disconnect the holder from the supply.

Flame welding and Cutting Equipment The gas cylinders, valve fitting and hoses used must meet British Standards or equivalent and be in good condition.

A flashback arrestor must be fitted in each gas supply system immediately downstream of the pressure regulator and a non-return valve should be fitted in each gas supply system at the torch.

No silver, copper or copper alloys containing more than 63% copper may be used in acetylene supply systems.

Where hoses are colour coded, red should be used for fuel gas and green or black for oxygen.

Inspection User should check regularly and arrange for replacement as necessary of:-

(1) Damaged insulation on welding leads, electrode holders and connectors.

(2) Faulty earth clamps and earth leads.

(3) Worn insulating mats and cradles

(4) Faulty gas pressure gauges, pressure reducers, flash back arrestors and torches.

(5) Worn or damaged hoses.

All systems, particularly the safety devices, must be inspected regularly by a competent person other than the user.

2.6. PREPARATION OF THE WORK PLACE Non- reflecting flame-resisting screens must be provided to protect passers- by and personnel working overhead from flash and radiation. They must be arranged so as not to inhibit the natural ventilation



The area around and below the work must be cleared and kept clear of all flammable and combustible materials, other than any fuel necessary for the work.

A fire watcher should be employed to give warning if there is concern that a fire might be started by sparks out of the sight of the welders or that a fire might start during the absence of the welders.

There must be procedures for stopping the work without delay in emergencies.

Adjacent equipment must be protected as necessary from radiation and sparks by fire-resistant sheets or blankets, wetted with water if necessary.

The work piece and any adjacent piece of equipment which might be heated by the welding should be cleared of and isolated from all materials which might give rise to fire or pressure during work.

If the work piece contains lead, cadmium or other toxic volatile material, special precautions might be necessary to protect the worker against fumes.

Designated Welding Bays Designated welding bays must be located well away from areas classified as hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres. They must be well ventilated.

Natural ventilation may be sufficient for welding bays in the open air or within a very large workshop space. Welding booths with extract ventilation are required where welding is allowed in smaller workshop spaces.

Hazardous Areas Welding and flame cutting should be avoided, as far as is reasonably practicable, in areas classified as Hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres and in adjacent areas from which sparks or flames from the hot work might enter the flammable area.

The additional precautions necessary when hot work is allowed in areas classified as Hazardous are covered by Section 5 Chapter 4. This applies to welding and cutting work. Particular care is necessary to ensure that the whole space affected by sparks or hot metal spatter is kept clear of flammable vapour throughout the work.

Any welding machines necessary should be located in non-hazardous areas.

Confined Spaces Additional ventilation, preferably extract ventilation from the neighbourhood of the welding or cutting operation, should be provided, where reasonably practicable, both to minimise the need for respiratory protection and to avoid excessive workplace temperatures.

For electric arc welding in a space with conductive walls or floors, the welder should be provided with an insulating mat or cradle to avoid bodily contact with the walls.

Direct current welding equipment should be preferred for work in confined spaces and particularly in hot and humid conditions where the risks of electric shock to the welder are high. Alternatively, alternating current welding equipment with open circuit voltage limiting relays may be considered.

2.7. PRECAUTIONS DURING ELECTRIC ARC WELDING The metal frames and cases of mains-powered welding rectifiers, transformers and voltage regulators and of engine driven welding machines must be positively earthed locally throughout the work.

Welding leads and return leads must be protected against physical damage.

Insulated electrode holders and cable lugs / protectors must be used.

The return lead must be attached to the work piece as close as reasonably practicable to the welding point.

If mains power is used, the work piece must be positively earthed using a well-protected earth wire connected at both ends by bolted lugs or secure screw clamps.

Bolted joints in pipelines and structures must not be relied upon to provide adequate electrical continuity for welding currents.



Electric arc welding should not be carried out on equipment suspended from a crane because of the risk of damage to lifting wires from uncontrolled stray currents.

Welders must not wear metal rings, bracelets or necklaces during the work as these might be heated by induced currents from the welding equipment.

Dry, non-conductive gloves should be worn.

The welder must always disconnect the electrode holder from the supply before attempting to replace an electrode.

The welder should not lean against an earthed conductor whilst manipulating live electrodes.

Welders working with electrodes fed from different phases of a three phase supply should not work in close proximity to one another.

2.8. PRECAUTIONS DURING FLAME WELDING AND CUTTING Gas cylinders must be secured in the vertical position to prevent them being knocked or pulled over.

Long lengths of hose should be avoided, but;-

(1) Cylinders must be kept far enough away from the welding or cutting

(2) operations to prevent contact with sparks, flames and metal splatter.

(3) Cylinders must be placed where they are unlikely to be damaged by stray electric currents or falling objects.

(4) Cylinders must not be taken into confined spaces.

For further advice on the handling of gas cylinders, see Section 7 Chapter 8:Gas Cylinders.

The torch must always be lit from a lighter provided for the purpose. There should be no attempt to light it from hot metal.

For work in a confined space:

(1) The torch must always be lit outside the space unless specifically allowed by a Permit to Work specifying the precautions necessary to avoid accidental accumulation of unburned gases.

(2) The torch and supply hoses must be removed from the space or disconnected from the cylinders when left unattended.

(3) When left unattended, torches should be isolated by closing the gas cylinder valves, removing the valve keys and depressurising the hoses.

2.9. WORK ON EQUIPMENT CONTAINING HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OR

UNDER PRESSURE (1) There must be no welding, brazing, soldering or similar application of heat on a piece of equipment, tank or vessel which contains or might contain:-

(2) Any mixture of gases or vapours within their flammable range or which might enter the flammable range as a consequence of the hot work.

(3) Compressed air or an oxygen enriched atmosphere in the presence of flammable or combustible materials.

(4) A substance which might undergo decomposition or chemical reaction causing a dangerous increase of pressure or dangerous weakening of the container.

(5) An oxygen concentration which might be sufficient to cause uncontrolled burning of the metal.

(6) A partial pressure of hydrogen exceeding seven bar(g) in a ferric steel container.

(7) A material which might give rise to stress corrosion cracking of the container.



In any case no welding is allowed when the wall thickness of the pipe / equipment is less than 5mm.

Where welding, brazing or soldering is allowed on the outside of a piece of equipment which contains a hazardous material or is under pressure, as might be for hot tapping or patching, the Method Statement must cover:-

(1) The requirements of any certificate of exemption which is necessary.

(2) The proposed sequence of activities.

(3) The preliminary inspection of the work piece to ensure that it is in a condition to retain the necessary strength throughout the hot work.

(4) The arrangements to keep the bulk of the work piece cool. An internal liquid flow might be necessary

(5) The hot work technique to be used and the control necessary to avoid unacceptable weakening of the work piece during the work.

(6) The control of any trepanning work required.

(7) Contingency plans in case the work piece should fail during the work.

(8) Inspection and testing of the finished work.

The precautions necessary to keep the area of the work clear of flammable vapours during the work must be covered by the Permit.

Where maintenance work includes the cutting into the liner of a column or vessel, care should is necessary in case there is a hazardous material trapped behind the liner. Cold tools should be used initially to establish that there are no such materials present.



2.10. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in accordance with Oman LNG Safety Instructions. (see section 8 for guidance)

Welders and personnel working close to them must be protected against direct radiation to the skin. Protection may include ultra-violet barrier cream.

The eyes must be protected by dark lenses of a type appropriate to the particular type of welding or flame cutting in use. Appropriate welding goggles or welders face shields must be worn when welding or cutting operations are taking place.

Fire-retardant overalls should be worn. Welders must additionally be protected by gauntlets, arm guards, shoes and aprons resistant to metal splatter and electric shock.

Safety helmets must be worn in accordance with the Site, Security, Safety and Traffic rules.

Hearing protection should be worn when metal gouging and for noisy welding processes.

Respiratory protection is normally not necessary for protection of the welder against welding fumes when working in the open air or with good ventilation indoors.

Where respiratory protective equipment is required for welding in confined spaces and poorly ventilated spaces, breathing apparatus should be worn. Dust and fume masks do not provide adequate protection.

Welding activities within a confined space may require a job specific JHA assessment to be completed.

2.11. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Safety training must form an integral part of the technical training provided for welding and flame cutting operatives.

Managers and supervisors employing welding and flame cutting operatives must have sound appreciation of the hazards and the precautions necessary for the work.

2.12. REFERENCES

3. PRESSURE AND LEAK TESTING

3.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the application of pressure and leak tests to equipment. It does not give advice on the need for such tests.

Pressure testing means subjecting a system or a piece of equipment to an internal fluid pressure which might be in excess if its design pressure, for the testing of its integrity. The test entails observing whether there is any loss of pressure when the system is isolated from the pressure source.

Leak testing means subjecting a bolted or screw jointed system to a pressure or vacuum sufficient to show up any inadequate seal. The test might entail observing whether there is any loss of pressure or vacuum, as the case may be, when the system is isolated. It might entail soap testing to make leaks visible when gas pressure is used.

3.2. HAZARDS The hazards arising from pressure testing and to a lesser extent, from leak testing are:

1) Failure of the equipment during the test causing immediate release of hazardous materials or dangerous amounts of energy.

2) Fire or explosion arising from the use of flammable fluids for testing

3) Damage to the equipment during test causing a weakness, which might result in failure later.

4) Failure to vent the system completely before opening up.

Failure or damage to the equipment during the test might arise from: -



1) Use of an excessive test pressure due either to faulty calculation or faulty pressure control

equipment.

2) Testing at too low a temperature.

3) Local over-pressurisation due to water freezing.

4) Over-pressurisation due to solar or other heating during a hydraulic test.

5) Overloading due to weight in the test medium.

6) Drawing an unacceptable vacuum when removing a hydraulic test medium.

7) Internal explosion from pressure testing using air contaminated with oil and excessively heated by compression.

3.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Leak testing of joints after opening is an OLNG requirement.

Pneumatic pressure testing, with air or any other gas, should be avoided as far as is reasonably practicable because of the dangerous amount of energy entailed.

Where hydraulic pressure testing is not practicable or not sufficient e.g. in systems which cannot stand the hydrostatic pressures involved, pneumatic pressure testing and other non-destructive examinations and tests may be considered as alternatives.

Pneumatic leak testing may be preferred to hydraulic leak testing provided that the pressures used are below 50% of the normal operating pressure of the equipment involved.

3.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Pressure and leak testing are normally carried out as part of a wider activity that is covered by a GENERAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE.

Any pneumatic pressure testing allowed must be covered by a JHA and, reference should be made to QEN-P212 Procedure for Pressure Testing of Equipment and Pipework

3.5. PREPARATION FOR PRESSURE TESTING The system or part of the system to be tested must be positively isolated from all other parts of the plant, particularly those parts that are rated for pressures lower than the test pressure.

Normal service relief valves, expansion bellows and any other fittings not designed for the full test pressure, must be removed or positively isolated from the system.

Relief valves set for test pressure should be installed if necessary to give protection to the system against risks of over-pressurisation during the test.

Duplicate, highly reliable, pressure gauges should be fitted to the system near to the test medium entry point. All vents and drain valves that are to remain in service during the test must be leak free.

Although not a problem for OLNG with its high ambient temperature, carbon steels and certain ferritic alloys are subject to the risks of brittle fracture when tested at low temperatures.

3.6. HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TESTING In order to avoid the risks of pneumatic pressure arising during hydraulic pressure testing, care is necessary to ensure that all the air and other gas in the system is displace by the liquid used for the test before the vent valves are closed.

Water may be used for the test provided that: -

http://olngportal/controldocuments/Control%20Documents/QEN-P212%20Procedure%20%20for%20Pressure%20Testing%20of%20Equipment%20and%20Pipework.pdf



− The system can take the weight.

− The lower parts of the system are not over-pressurised by the hydrostatic pressure.

Water is acceptable to the system, considering corrosion and subsequent drying out problems. Plant containing austenitic stainless steels must not be tested with water containing more than 30ppm of chloride ions.

Whichever medium is used the system should be checked for leaks throughout the filling process.

The equipment must be adequately vented before the liquid is withdrawn to avoid damage due to vacuum.

Environmentally acceptable means must be used for disposal of the test liquid after the test.

3.7. PNEUMATIC TESTING Before pneumatic pressure testing of systems which have not been pressure tested in any other way, thorough examination of all suspect areas must have been carried out using X-ray and ultra-sonic techniques as appropriate.

Pneumatic testing should only be carried out when the minimum number of personnel is around.

Barriers should be erected with notices to keep out all personnel except those directly concerned with the testing. A “NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY” sign may also be required.

These should be placed at all normal access points at a safe distance from the equipment under test. This might be as much as 25 metres.

Air should be used unless natural gas is specifically required. If a portable compressor is used it must be oil free and well cooled to avoid the risk of explosion in the system under test.

The rate of pressure increase should be such as to give plenty of time for recognition of major leaks in the early stages. Pressurisation should be suspended at intervals on the way up to the test pressure to allow time for inspection to find leaks.

It is recommended that, for test pressures up to 20 barg inspections should be carried out at 3 barg (or 15% of the test pressure, whichever is the least), 6 barg (or 30%of the test pressure, whichever is the least) and 12 barg (or 60% of the test pressure, whichever is the least. For test pressures above 20 barg there should be at least three further inspections before the test pressure is reached.

During pressure testing there must be no tightening of joints against brittle materials (e.g. glass, cast iron) without first completely depressurising the system. Where no brittle materials are present, there may be tightening of joints up to 30% of the test pressure. If leaks occur at a higher pressure, the pressure should be reduced to below 30% before the joints are tightened.

The system must be depressurised without delay but at a steady rate, if material cracks or faults are discovered at any inspection stage.

Care is necessary, after pneumatic testing and before mechanically breaching of the system for any purpose, to ensure that the arts to be breached have been completely depressurised, particularly downstream of nay non-return valves.

3.8. PNEUMATIC LEAK TESTING The pressure used for leak testing of equipment normally operated at pressure up to 20 barg should not be more than 6 barg or 50% of the operating pressures whichever is lower.

Equipment normally operated at 20 barg or operated under full vacuum should be leak tested under vacuum.

3.9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PPE must be worn in accordance with the OLNG Site Safety, Security and Traffic Rules.

Eye protection must be worn particularly for pneumatic pressure testing.



3.10. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Appropriately qualified personnel must carry out both pressure and leak testing. Pneumatic testing must be carried out under the direct supervision of an Authorised Engineer

3.11. REFERENCES DEP 74.00.10.10-Gen: SHOP AND FIELD PRESSURE TESTING OF PIPING SYSTEMS



4. BLAST CLEANING

4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety when blast cleaning using abrasive panicles in a stream of air or other gas.

The abrasive material used may be synthetic grit, a ground slag, ground corundum, iron or steel shot. It must not contain sand or any form of silica

The cleaning might be in preparation for inspection, painting or coating of the work piece.

4.2. HAZARDS The particular hazards of blast cleaning are:

(1) The production of dusts which are hazardous to health when inhaled or ingested,

(2) Electrostatic charging giving rise to electric shocks and incendive sparks,

(3) Airborne grit and debris affecting the eyes and skin,

(4) Noise affecting the hearing and masking emergency alarms,

(5) Overheating of the metal surface causing ignition on the other side,

(6) Holing of the work piece,

(7) Thermite sparking of aluminium alloy cleaning lances against rusty surfaces,

(8) Loose grit fouling equipment and also producing a slip hazard.

4.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Only items of equipment for which it is not reasonably practical to move to a permanent cleaning bay may be blast cleaned in situ.

In order to avoid electric shock to operatives and incendive discharges arising from electrostatic charging during blast cleaning, special care is necessary to ensure electrical continuity between all external metal pans of the cleaning equipment and all metal pans of the plant and equipment in the vicinity of the cleaning lance.

Inevitably, there will remain some risk of incendive discharge and for this reason, precautions are also necessary to avoid flammable atmospheres in the area where the blast cleaning is taking place.

Blast cleaning may be allowed on the outside of equipment containing flammable materials only if adequate precautions are taken to avoid overheating of the metal by the blast.

4.4. INSPECTION The cleaning team must check daily at the start of work and whenever the cleaning equipment is moved:

1. That the provisions made for bonding and earthing of the equipment and the workpiece are intact

2. That hoses and equipment are not worn or faulty.

3. The cleaning equipment should be inspected by a competent person not less frequently than six monthly and a record kept of the results.

4. Equipments and parts that can be damaged by blasting (e.g. sight glasses) are covered



4.5. PREPARATION FOR THE WORK

Precautions Against Dust, Grit and Debris Before blast cleaning, an assessment must be made of the hazards to health which might arise from the dust produced both by the grit and from any surface coating present. Appropriate respiratory protective equipment must be specified for use by the operatives.

Blast cleaning must not be applied to surfaces containing asbestos.

Surfaces should be mechanically cleared of loose paint and deposits before blast cleaning so as to minimise the risks from large pieces of debris.

Sheeting should be erected to shield access areas and adjacent equipment from grit and debris provided that:

1. It is of a type appropriate for any fire risk.

2. It does not increase the dust risks to the cleaning operatives,

3. It does not increase the risks of accumulation of flammable atmospheres.

Precautions against Damage to the Work Piece Before blast cleaning is allowed, the work piece must be examined to determine where there are risks of unacceptable thinning by the blast cleaning operation and where there are risks that the cleaning grit might foul equipment. Sensitive areas must be masked and taped against damage during the work. Such areas would be local equipment cables, instruments, open line work, sight glass, etc.

Precautions Against Flammable Atmospheres Blast cleaning must be considered as a type of hot work. The precautions necessary against the risks of flammable atmospheres are therefore generally as indicated in : Areas Classified as Hazardous.

Precautions must be taken to ensure that the air intake to the blast cleaning compressor does not become contaminated by flammable vapours or vapours hazardous to health.

Precautions Against Surface Overheating Prolonged grit blasting can raise metal surface temperatures. Because of the thermal conductivity of the metal the peak temperatures reached are rarely sufficient to cause ignition of any flammable material on the inside. However, there is some risk of this if there are solid deposits on the inside, which might be pyrophoric, and there is an atmosphere, which might be flammable.

Before blast cleaning the outside of a piece of plant which contains flammable material and might contain a flammable atmosphere, the piece must either be cleared of flammable materials and sufficiently well ventilated to avoid flammable atmospheres throughout the period of the work or it must be filled with liquid to a level above that at which the blast cleaning is to be carried out.

Blast cleaning on the outside of a piece of plant which is not sufficiently clear of flammable materials and sufficiently well ventilated to avoid flammable atmospheres throughout the period of the work may be carried out only on pans which are at least one metre below the liquid surface.

Precautions Against Electrostatic Discharges The metal casing and frame of the compressor must be properly earthed.

All metal pans of the work piece must be electrically bonded together and checks must be made that the electrical resistance to earth of all pans of the work piece is not more than 25 ohms.

All other metal equipment in the area, including scaffolding, whether fixed or suspended, must be earthed.

Alarms Additional visual alarms must be provided where noisy equipment might make emergency alarms inaudible.



4.6. PRECAUTIONS DURING THE WORK The blast cleaning team must include at least one person wholly concerned with the operation and maintenance of cleaning material supplies to the lance operator(s).

In circumstances where breathing apparatus must be worn, there must also be an attendant wholly concerned with maintaining breathing air supplies.

All the cleaning equipment must be located where it can be kept under constant observation by the cleaning team.

The blast-cleaning compressor must not be left operating unattended.

Working floors must be kept clear of obstructions and loose grit.

4.7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Safety helmets, overalls, gloves and shoes should be worn in accordance with generally applicable Location Regulations.

Overalls should be taped at the ankles, cuffs and collars to exclude grit and dust.

Everyone in the vicinity of the blast cleaning operations should wear goggles for eye protection.

Ear protection should be worn by blast cleaning operatives.

Respiratory protection must be worn by the lance operator(s) appropriate to the type of dust likely to be present and the circumstances of the work. For work in open, well ventilated spaces,

Dust masks might be sufficient but for work in confined spaces, breathing apparatus should be worn.

4.8. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Blast cleaning may be carried out only by personnel trained and experienced in the technique and under the supervision of personnel knowledgeable about the process and its hazards. Experienced personnel must support any trainees involved in the work at all times.

4.9. REFERENCES Health and Safety Executive commission

EH-44: Dust in the Workplace: General Principles of Protection.

Respiratory Protective Equipment: Legislative requirements and lists of HSE approved



5. CHEMICAL CLEANING

5.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the cleaning of equipment using chemical solutions or solvents.

The cleaning might be to remove: -

1) Inorganic salts from water heat transfer surfaces.

2) Organic growth from cooling water pipe walls.

3) Catalyst fines or polymeric by-products from process systems

4) Scales produced by corrosion at metal surfaces.

The agent’s uses are usually solution of acids or alkalis with corrosion inhibitors or they are organic solvents. They are often used at elevated temperatures.

Contact with the cleaning might be achieved by immersion, brushing, spraying or piped circulation.

5.2. HAZARDS The particular hazards of chemical and solvent cleaning arise from: -

1) The damage to eyes and skin and hazards to health that can arise from contact with the cleaning agents used.

2) Corrosion leading to weakening of the equipment that can arise from the wrong choice of cleaning agent, inadequate inhibition of cleaning solutions or use of excessive temperatures.

3) The production of flammable and toxic gases that can arise from chemical reactions involved. 4) Pollution of the environment by spent cleaning agents.

5.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Only items of equipment, which it is not reasonably practicable to move to a permanent cleaning bay, may be chemically cleaned in situ.

Specialist contractors will carry out chemical cleaning in situ. The HSE requirements in relation to the work must be written clearly into the contract and audited in the event.

The contractor must provide a qualified chemist to supervise, monitor and test the process.

Chemical cleaning of one side of a piece of equipment whilst the other is on stream should not be allowed, because the temperature is unlikely to be optimum for the cleaning operation and there are risks of cross contamination.

5.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS A COLD WORK PERMIT (Green colour-coded Form) is required to cover any chemical or solvent cleaning work other than work carried out in a permanent cleaning bay following written safety procedures.

A HOTWORK SPARK POTENTIAL PERMIT (ROSE COLOUR-CODED FORM) is required if mobile diesel or electrically driven equipment is to be used in the restricted area of the plant.

5.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS Cleaning agents, inhibitors and neutralising agents must be transported and stored in correctly marked closed containers.

All cleaning equipment must be in good condition and good working order.

Circulating pumps must be fitted with automatic pressure controls or equivalent to avoid possibility of their causing over-pressurisation of the system being cleaned.

Quick release fitting on hoses must be fitted with safety retaining clips.




Selection of the Cleaning Medium Before the cleaning medium is selected, a survey of the system must be carried out to determine the range and variety of construction materials present.

If there are any doubts over the suitability of the cleaning medium for particular components, corrosion tests must be carried out on samples in advance (see DEP 70.10.80.11 Gen).

The cleaning medium must be selected with full understanding of the hazards to health that might arise from it, and clear agreement as to the personal protective equipment to be used when working with it.

The System to be Cleaned Before a cleaning medium is introduced: -

1) The system must be cleared, as far as practicable by flushing and purging, of materials that will react or interfere with the cleaning process.

2) Any part of the system that cannot tolerate the selected cleaning medium must be isolated or removed from the system.

3) In any case where the evolution of gas is to be expected during cleaning or where gas or air is to

be injected to agitate the cleaning solution, provisions must be made for safe and environmentally acceptable disposal of the gas. A high level vent or scrubber may be required.

4) Arrangements must be made either to exclude from the system, pockets and dead legs within

which circulation is not possible or to provide for alternative agitation in these areas.

Disposal of the Cleaning Medium Before work starts, arrangements must be made for: -

1. The neutralisation as necessary of the spent cleaning agent.

2. The clean-up of any spilt cleaning agents.

3. The safe and environmentally acceptable disposal of all remnants and flushing materials.

Safety Signs and Barriers The area of operations, including all areas where cleaning fluid might leak from circulating systems, or fumes might occur, must be clearly defined by tape barriers.

Warning notices must be displayed at all approaches.

When cleaning agents used might be corrosive or otherwise damaging to the skin, the Corrosive Substances symbol must be used in the Warning Notice.

The notices must be illuminated in reduced lighting using lamps suitable to the area classification in relation to flammable atmospheres. A “ NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY” sign may also be required.

Emergency Provision Where corrosive liquids are used for cleaning, sealed eyewash bottles and clean water showers must be provided with easy access from the area of operations.

Additional visual alarms must be provided where existing alarms might be rendered by noisy equipment.

The medical centre should be aware of the types of cleaning material in use.

If hydrofluoric acid is used, special medical provisions are necessary and the Sur hospital should be made aware.


5.7. PRECAUTIONS DURING THE WORK

Corrosion monitoring The cleaning progress monitoring and test coupon arrangement must be adequate to ensure that the equipment being cleaned is not damaged. The equipment must be fully inspected and tested after cleaning to confirm that the cleaning process has not damaged it.

Leak Control The cleaning fluid circulation system must be inspected daily for leaks whilst in operation and kept under constant observation by the cleaning team. Leaks must be repaired without delay.

Hoses must be routed and sheathed as necessary to avoid physical damage.

Pumps must be stopped and the system depressurised before it is left unattended.

Gas Monitoring Monitoring to protect against accumulations of flammable, asphyxiant and otherwise hazardous gases arising from the cleaning operations might be necessary particularly where the work is carried out near confined or poorly ventilated spaces.

Equipment Location Any piece of equipment not certified as suitable for use in an area classified as hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres must not be located in a hazardous area unless special precautions are taken to avoid the development of flammable atmospheres. See: “Areas Classified as Hazardous” in Section 5. of these regulations

Gas Agitation Air agitation of the cleaning fluid must not be allowed in situations where there are risks of hydrogen or other flammable materials being released during the cleaning process.

Housekeeping The working area must be kept clean of trip hazards and chemical spills during the work and cleared of all chemicals and cleaning equipment when the work is complete.

5.8. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PPE must be worn in accordance with the OLNG Safety Regulations.

Protection is additionally required against splashes and leaks of the cleaning agent. This normally includes.

1) Waterproof and chemically resistant over-clothing, gloves and footwear.

2) Waterproof hood and full-face shield.

Respiratory protective equipment may be required for particular types of chemical cleaning.

5.9. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Only trained and experienced personnel must carry out chemical cleaning.

REFERENCES

Shell: - DEP 70.10.80.11 Gen: Cleaning of Equipment manual.


6. HIGH PRESSURE WATER JETTING

6.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety during high-pressure water jet cleaning work. It does not cover the use of abrasives in the water for cutting purposes.

High-pressure water jet cleaning means cleaning with water discharged in jets from nozzles at pressures above 13.6 bar(g). Pressures in excess of 1000 bar(g) are sometimes used.

High-pressure water jets may be used to remove oil, scale, dirt, carbon and other residues from plant and equipment.

6.2. HAZARDS When high-pressure water jet cleaning is in progress, the particular hazards are:

(1) Piercing of the skin by a water jet,

(2) Flying debris from the cleaning operation,

(3) Release of hazardous materials into the atmosphere from deposits disturbed,

(4) Noise, masking the sounds of existing emergency alarms and damaging hearing,

(5) Difficulty in breathing in confined spaces due to the water vapour in the air,

(6) Electrostatic charging of nozzles and lances,

(7) Breathing and/or ingestion of vapours or mists.

6.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Only items of equipment for which it is not reasonably practicable to move to a permanent cleaning bay, may be cleaned in situ.

Contractors undertaking high-pressure water jet cleaning on OLNG premises should be given copies of the Shell DEP – Procedures for the Safe Use of HP Water Jet Cleaning of Plant and Equipment, and are required to abide by its provisions.

The need for a JHA assessment should be considered.

6.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS A GENERAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE is required for any work emailing high-pressure water jet cleaning.

A JHA is required to support the GENERAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE for any work which entails high-pressure water jet cleaning of equipment which either contains hazardous substances or is not in a permanent cleaning bay.

6.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS The standards of construction, maintenance and inspection required for the equipment used in high- pressure water jet cleaning are given in DEP 70.10.80.21.9 UK.


Selection of the cleaning Team Where a team of only two persons is used, one member must control the cleaning nozzle and the fail- safe valve whilst the other:


(1) Attends the pump, ready to stop it if necessary,

(2) Watches for signs of difficulty or fatigue in the nozzle operator,

(3) Guards against intrusion by any other person into the work area.

Additional team members are necessary if:

(1) It is impracticable for the nozzle operator also to control the fail-safe valve. In this case, the additional member must watch continuously the nozzle operator and be concerned only with operation of the valve,

(2) Assistance is required for the manipulation of a long cleaning lame,

(3) The nozzle operator is out of sight of the pump operator.

Team Work Plan The cleaning team must agree clearly beforehand upon:

(1) The division of duties between the members,

(2) The system of signals to be used between the members,

(3) A plan for rotation of the duties as necessary to minimise the risks of boredom and fatigue.

Access Provision must be made appropriate to the circumstances to keep working surfaces clear of obstructions and non-slip throughout the period of the work.

Shields Shields should be located within the working area to limit, where practicable, the risk to personnel from stray water jets and flying debris. Shields are necessary to avoid the hazards where a jet is expected to emerge from the far end of a long tube being cleaned.

Where acceptable from the ventilation point of view, nozzles and openings from vessels being cleaned internally should be covered by shields.

Safety Signs and Barriers Safety Signs (see Fig. 5.9.I) and substantial rope barriers or equivalent must be placed normally not less than six metres from the place where the high-pressure jets are to be used and all around the work area. A ‘NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY' sign may also be required.

All open mesh flooring and every gap in the flooring above and below the work must be suitably covered to prevent harm from stray jets. If this is not practicable, the areas of the floors above and below likely to be affected must also be roped off.

Location of the Equipment Appropriate precautions must be taken (see Section 7 Chapter 2: Internal Combustion Engines and Chapter 12: Portable Electrical Equipment) if an internal combustion engine or electric drive is to be located in a Fire Permit Control Area.

All high-pressure piping must be protected against damage, particularly where it crosses roads and access ways and process pipework. Hoses should not create obstructions.

Whilst in operation, all the high-pressure equipment must be within view of a member of the cleaning team.

Testing of Equipment Before cleaning work starts, the high-pressure water system, including the pump, the pipework and the cleaning lance, when assembled, must be tested as a whole at a water pressure equal to the design test pressure of the lowest rated component.

All high-pressure equipment must be electrically-bonded and earthed before work starts and throughout the work to avoid the development of electrostatic discharges between the lance and the work piece.



General The conditions of all high-pressure equipment must be checked daily by the operating team before work starts. Any defective parts must be withdrawn immediately and replaced.

Team members must work strictly to their pre-arranged work plan.

Equipment Selection Nozzles and operating pressures should be selected to allow effective cleaning at as low a pressure and flow rate as practicable.

The types of nozzle and lance used must be appropriate for the type of work and all operators must be experienced in the use of the particular combination chosen.

Work in Confined Spaces

Entry of personnel into confined spaces for cleaning should be allowed only when there is no reasonably practicable alternative. If entry is allowed, it must be subject to the precautions described in Section 5 Chapter 2: Confined Space Entry.

Where high-pressure water jet cleaning is allowed within a confined space, whether the operators are to work from within or from outside the space, consideration must be given to the possibility that harmful materials might accumulate in the atmosphere as deposits are dislodged during the cleaning process.

The wearing of breathing apparatus and precautions against the development of flammable atmospheres might be necessary. '

6.8. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS

Alarm Systems Where noise levels are high and the operators are wearing hearing protectors without radio communication, a system of visual communication must be provided to convey any site emergency alarms.

First Aid Any person struck on the skin by a high-pressure water jet must receive immediate medical attention.

The internal injury can be more severe than is apparent at the surface.

The medical attendant will need to know not only that the injury was caused by a high-pressure water jet, but also details of any contaminant which might have been present in the water at the time.

6.9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Cleaning operators working with high-pressure water must wear:

Full waterproof suit,

(1) Hood incorporating safety helmet and face visor,

(2) Heavy duty waterproof gloves,

(3) Rubber boots with steel toe caps and upper foot protection, ~

(4) Hearing protection is required if the noise levels in the working environment exceed 85dB(A)

Breathing apparatus may be required for work in confined spaces.

The requirement for additional personal protective equipment, as identified by a job-specific JHA assessment, must always be considered (e.g. respiratory protection).


6.10. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING High-pressure water jet cleaning must be carried out by fully-trained personnel working as a team with adequate supervision. Guidance on the training required and upon the method of working necessary to maintain mental concentration within the team is given in DEP70.10.80.21.9.UK.

Trainees must be supervised by experienced staff at all times.

A register of the training given to each operator, including any refresher courses, must be kept by the employer and must be available for inspection on request.

6.11. REFERENCES Health and Safety Executive

Guidance Note PM-29: Electrical Hazards from Steam/Water Pressure Cleaners etc.

Shell

DEP 70.10.80. 11-TGen: Cleaning of Equipment.

DEP 70.10.80.21.9-UK: Procedure in the use of HP Water Jet Cleaning for plant and equipment.

7. PAINTING

7.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers the safety of painting work in industrial premises. It includes hand preparation for painting but not blast cleaning (see Section 6 Chapter 6 Blast Cleaning).

7.2. HAZARDS During painting work, the hazards are:

(1) Harm to the painter from plant activities,

(2) Painters interfering with plant systems,

(3) Paint affecting the operation of the equipment,

(4) Fire hazards arising from paints, paint spraying operations, cleaning and thinning fluids,

(5) Falls by Painters,

(6) Panicles in the eyes from surface chipping, and wire brushing,

(7) Inhalation of the paint mist and vapours from spraying operations,

(8) Inhalation of the paint vapour from brushing operations,

(9) Paint and solvents on the skin causing skin diseases,

(10) Noise from paint-spraying equipment masking existing alarms.

7.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES It is frequently necessary to allow painting to continue around plant and equipment which is in operation. It is particularly important, in these circumstances, which the painting contractors selected and the individual painters have experience of work in the situations concerned.

The need to carry through a lead-specific JHA assessment must always be considered.

The potentially damaging effects of spray-applied paints must be assessed.


Painters must not be allowed to work in areas where timely withdrawal cannot be ensured in the event of a plant emergency or where, in close proximity to the equipment as they need to be for painting, they might:

(1) Be at ask from small leaks of hazardous materials or accumulation of hazardous gases,

(2) Cause serious plant upset or harm to themselves by accidental damage to or movement of delicate equipment,

(3) Cause fire by use of paints and solvents near to sources of ignition.

7.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS COLD WORK PERMIT (Green colour-coded Form) is required for painting in any area where the painting might interfere with or be hazardous to normal plant operations.

A Fire Permit is required if equipment is to be used which might produce sparks in a Fire Permit Control Area.

7.5. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS All equipment must be in a good condition. Power-driven equipment must be in good working order.

Only paint, solvents and chemical cleaning agents fully covered by adequate health and safety literature may be used. These materials must be kept in properly marked containers in controlled locations. See also Section 4: Temporary Access.

7.6. PREPARATION FOR WORK Painters should never need to use equipment other than permanent access ways, platforms or ladders for access or support.

Ladders, steps, trestle platforms, scaffolding, painters ‘cradles or vehicle-mounted access equipment may be provided (see Section 4, Temporary Access). Painting from ladders may be allowed only for small tasks and in circumstances where the painter has one hand free to hold on to the ladder.

Places where paints, equipment, solvents and chemical cleaning agents may be held during the work and stored overnight must be specified by the Permit to Work.

Accessible areas below the work into which paint or tools might fall should be delineated by tape barriers and marked by Men Working Overhead warning notices.

A procedure for withdrawal of painters in an emergency must be established between the plant operators and the painters.

Painters must be informed of any particular hazard in the area where they are working.

7.7. PRECAUTIONS DURING WORK No more paint, solvent or chemical cleaning agent may be kept at the site than is necessary for the work.

All painting materials must be cleared away at the end of each day.

No piece of plant or equipment should be moved for painting except as specifically allowed by the Permit to Work. This applies to equipment safety guards and covers, flooring panels, windows and doors.

There should be no painting within one metre of a piece of sparking equipment, the cooling intake to an electric motor or the air intake to any ventilation system.

7.8. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal protective equipment including head protection must be worn in accordance with Oman LNG Safety Instructions.

Painters working from ladders or mobile platforms from which they might fall more than two metres must wear safety harnesses or fall arrestors attached by lanyards to suitable anchor points.


Suitable eye protection must be worn when using wire brushes, scrapers or chipping hammers.

All hammer handles shall have a steel or steel / composite reinforced core with a functioning

non-slip grip to avoid falling, the wooden handle hammers are prohibited to use as the wood

handle deteriorates and breaks from the point that can’t be seen through pre-use visual

inspection.

Suitable respiratory protection must be worn when paint spraying.

Contamination of the hands by paint or solvents should be minimised by the wearing of gloves.

7.9. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING Painters employed to paint industrial plants must be experienced in that type of work, have received general location safety induction training and be familiar with the particular hazards of the area.

7.10. REFERENCES


CHAPTER 5: TOOL CONSIDERATIONS


1.1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

Scope This section covers safety considerations which are related to types of equipment and machinery commonly serving as tools.

Application

The Permit to Work for any task should specify all the tools which may be used other than cold tools and must include the safety precautions necessary for the tools which are to be used.

Where a tool is not specifically covered by this Section, guidance should be sought from Chapters covering similar tools and from the more general Sections of the Regulations.

2. MOBILE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

2.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the use of mobile internal combustion engines in areas where flammable dusts or vapours might be present. It includes diesel, petrol and gas engines, whether used solely to drive vehicles or for other types of work.

2.2. HAZARDS

When operating an internal combustion engine in an area where flammable dusts or vapours might be present, the particular hazards are:

(1) Ignitions of any flammable dust or vapour that might be present in the vicinity,

caused by sparking, flame emission or auto-ignition at hot surfaces.

(2) Over-speeding of the engine caused by flammable vapours in the air supply.

(3) Noise, affecting personal hearing and/or the audibility of the site alarm.

(4) Fire, resulting from liquid spills or vapour emissions during refuelling operations.

(5) Exhaust fumes contaminating breathing air.

(6) Vehicular impact.

2.3. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Within those parts of Oman LNG site which are classified as non-hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres, the Safety regulations designate areas where the normal use of motor vehicles is allowed subject to specified precautions. A Fire Permit is required for every other use of an internal combustion engine within the Fire Permit Control Area of the site. A pre-printed list of safety instructions may be attached, forming part of the Permit to Work (See Appendix 2.1).



Standard Production Model Internal Combustion Engines A standard production model internal combustion engine, when in use, must be treated as a continuous source of ignition for any flammable atmosphere which might be present.

Depending upon the conditions of the engine, ignition might arise from:

Electrical sparks from the starter motor, its switches and solenoid.

(1) Electrical sparks from the electric dynamo or alternator, control box, switches and any lighting system.

(2) Mechanical sparks from faulty fan blades.

(3) Static electrical discharges from fan belt drives.

(4) Sparks / electrical discharges from fan belt drives.

(5) Flash back through the air induction system.

(6) Excessive exhaust gas or exhaust pipe temperatures causing ignition of oil or other materials in contact.

(7) Overheating of the engine due to failure of the cooling system or loss of lubricating oil pressure.

(8) The brakes running hot.

(9) Over-speeding of the engine due to induction of flammable gas or vapour.

(10) Relief to atmosphere of explosions occurring in the crank cases.

(11) Flame transmission to atmosphere by opening of the decompression ports. In the case of a spark ignition engine, ignition might arise from external sparks from the spark ignition system.

In order to minimise the likelihood of ignition arising from these causes:

(1) The engine must be kept clean and free from oily deposits.

(2) The electrical connections and wiring must be kept in good condition,

(3) The engine must be kept well-tuned, cooled and lubricated.

(4) Any spark arrestor fitted to the exhaust must be kept in good condition.

Automatic Over speed Shutdown Devices (shut-off valve) Devices can be added to standard production model diesel engines which, in the event of overspeed due to contamination of the air intake by flammable vapours, will automatically cut off the air supply or inject an extinguishing agent into the induction.

These devices can be used to avoid damage to the engine but cannot be relied upon to shut down the engine quickly enough to avoid ignitions of any flammable atmosphere which might envelope it.

Manual Shutdown Switches

Manual shutdown switches for stationary engines should be easily accessible and instructions for their use should be prominently displayed on the engine.


Only engines in good mechanical and electrical condition will be allowed entry to Oman LNG site.

Spark arrestors on exhausts may be specified for particular circumstances, but in poor conditions, these can in themselves become sources of ignition from incandescent


particles and as a general rule they can give a false sense of security. Where spark arrestors are fitted provision must be made to ensure that they are kept clean and in good condition.

The engine fuel tank must not be refilled while the engine is running.

In Areas Classified as Non-hazardous

Normal Use of Motor Vehicles OLNG Regulations allowing the normal use of motor vehicles in areas of the site classified as non-hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres provide for:

(1) Drivers to be made aware of the limits of access for their vehicles on site.

(2) Vehicle engines not to be left running unattended within the site.

(3) Vehicle entry to be stopped in an emergency.

10. Other Uses of Internal Combustion Engines The Fire Permit necessary for any other use of an internal combustion engine in any part of the Fire Permit Control Area classified as non-hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres must provide for:

(1) Frequent operational checks on the condition of the engine when

running.

(2) Immediate shutdown of the engine in the event of any contamination of the atmosphere by flammable materials. (This might entail the fitting of an automatic overspeed shutoff device for any engine to be left in a remote area).

In Areas Classified as Hazardous

Protected Diesel Engines Diesel engines meeting fully the recommendations of EEMUA No 107 or HSE PM-58 as appropriate for the Zone concerned, may be considered for use during normal operations in areas classified as hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres. Exceptional care is necessary, however, to ensure that such engines continue to meet the necessary standards and unless this can be guaranteed, they should be treated as Non-protected internal combustion engines. The use of Protected diesel engines during normal operations in Zone I areas may be contemplated only there is no reasonably practicable alternative.

Internal Combustion engines other than Protected Diesel Engines

An internal combustion engine meeting the general standards required for entry into the site but less than fully protected, may be used in an area classified as hazardous in relation to flammable atmospheres only if provisions are made to keep the area effectively non-hazardous for the perceived of use of the engine.


Mobile equipment powered by internal combustion engines requiring entry in operational area to be fitted with exhaust spark arrestor and air shut-off valve. Exceptions will require QCM approval. Ignition sources must not be left switched on or in operation unsupervised within the Fire Permit Control Area. They must be switched off immediately in an emergency or on the instructions of any Operating Technician or other authorized personnel.

The Fire Permit for the use of a non-protected or an incompletely protected diesel engine must provide for: (1) Reduction of the likelihood of release of flammable gases and

vapours in the area throughout their period of engine operations.

In a Zone area this condition will entail cessation of normal operations and gas freeing of the area.

In a Zone 2 area this condition might be achieved by restriction of normal operations.

(2) Monitoring of the atmosphere in the vicinity of the engine, particularly upwind, for the presence of flammable gases and vapours (this might entail frequent or continuous gas testing). '

(3) Stopping the engine without delay in the event of an incursion of flammable gases or vapours.

(4) The engine not to be left unattended whilst running.

Noise Safeguards Alternative warning arrangements should be made if the noise from the work is likely to mask existing alarm signals.


Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE Regulations. Hearing protection might be necessary for work close to internal combustion engines.

2.7. COMPETENCE AND TRAINING The person directly in charge of an internal combustion engine on site must be aware of the geographical constraints to its movement. All persons concerned with work in which a mobile internal combustion engine is in use should know how to stop the engine in an emergency. The person directly in charge of an engine operating in a Hazardous Area should be capable of assessing the general mechanical and electrical condition of the engine and its ancillary equipment and of deciding when its condition is such that its operation should be discontinued for safety reasons.

2.8. REFERENCES

Health and Safety Executive Guidance Guidance Note: PM-58: Diesel-engine, fork lift trucks in hazardous areas. Industry Recommendations for the Protection of Diesel Engines Operating in Hazardous Areas. The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association Publication No 107.


3. CRANES

3.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the use of Mobile and Temporary Cranes for static lifting and carrying duties, whether used singly or as multi-crane units and, in the case of static lifting duties, whether used with outriggers or Free on Wheels. Free on Wheels means the use of the wheel-mounted cranes for static lifting duties without the use of outriggers, not to be confused with the use of the wheels simply for carrying duties.

3.2. HAZARDS

The particular hazards are: (1) Collision of the crane jib or its load with personnel, equipment or location

facilities.

(2) Contact with live overhead electric cables.

(3) Overturning of the crane during a lift.

(4) Introduction of a source of ignition to a Hazardous Area,

(5) Damage to underground services,

(6) Uneven weight distribution causing instability.

3.3. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS The Permit to Work system designates areas where a Clearance Certificate is required for the entry of a mobile crane

A Safety Certificate is required for a mobile crane to be used: (1) For Free on Wheels duties, if the crane is designed for use with outriggers.

(2) To carry out multi-crane lifts. In this case a full written procedure must be attached to the Safety Certificate.

(3) In a Fire Permit Control Area, A HOTWORK SPARK POTENTIAL PERMIT (ROSE COLOUR-CODED FORM) is required for a mobile Crane to be used in close proximity to overhead electric cables or vulnerable equipment.

A Fire Permit is required for entry of a crane into a Fire Permit Control Area.


Inspection Records Prior to a crane being used at an Oman LNG, the following up-to-date documentation must be made available to a competent Oman LNG representative for checking:

(1) The weekly record of inspection of lifting appliances.

(2) Load radius indicator and automatic safe load indicator, record of test (automatic ‘safe load indicators).

(3) The fourteen-monthly thorough inspection report.

(4) The reports of results of thorough examination of lifting appliances after substantial alteration or repair.


Hired Cranes

(5) The four-yearly certificate of test and thorough examination of crane.

(6) The mandatory 6-monthly inspection certificates of all other lifting equipment associated with the crane.

Additionally, for cranes whether hired by the Oman LNG or by a Contractor for work at the site, it must be confirmed that:

(1) The crane complies with the conditions stipulated by the contract for the hire of the cranes,

(2) The supply company has been vetted for its safe working procedures.

(3) The crane has a current insurance certificate. Additional insurance may be required for special lifts.

The Crane Mechanism Checks must be carried out before the crane is operated at the site to confirm that:

(1) The exhaust is in a good condition,

(2) Hydraulic hoses do not show signs of excessive wear.

(3) The tyres are all at the correct pressure and within the legal limits.

(4) The battery terminals are clean and tight.

(5) The electrical wiring is in good condition.

(6) The lights and warning devices function correctly.

If the crane is to operate in a Fire Permit control area, the recommendations and requirements of Section 7 Chapter 2: Mobile Internal Combustion Engines, must be followed.

Operational checks must be carried out when the crane is first operated and the engine is running, to confirm that:

(7) There are no leaks of lubricating oil, fuel oil, hydraulic oil or cooling water.

(8) All the crane functions and controls are working correctly.

Ancillary Equipment Every crane must be fitted with a Load Radius Indicator and an Automatic Safe Load Indicator.

Every variable radius jib-crane must have a load/radius table in the crane cab.

Where there is frequent use of mobile cranes, a test weight should be available at the location.

This should be used at the discretion of the Authorised Engineer to check the Automatic Safe Load Indicators.

Every crane hook must be fitted with a safety catch or be of the special shape necessary to prevent displacement of the sling or the load from the hook.

Painting of crane hooks with fluorescent paint is recommended.


Planning The type of crane must be suitable to carry out the proposed lift with respect to the:


(1) Weight to be lifted.

(2) Centre of gravity of the load.

(3) Nature of the load.

(4) Suspension points on the load.

(5) Working Radius required.

(6) Jib head height required.

(7) Rigging arrangements required.

(8) Slew limitations.

(9) Ground conditions. There must be sufficient room to erect the crane on site if it cannot travel completely erected.

A route for the movement of the crane through the Site must be planned in advance, with due consideration for road loading constraints, overhead movement constraints and avoidance of any hindrance to emergency traffic.

Lifting in congested areas Must include rigging plan – to ensure proper hazard control

Travelling with Extended Jibs

When it is necessary to travel around the area with an extended jib or fly-jib, the distance must be short and a competent attendant must accompany the crane and assist the crane operator to avoid potential hazards.

When travelling to and from the place of work, the crane operator must keep to any Safety Clearance ‘Goal Posts' provided. (See Fig.3.1).

Figure 3-1 Use of Safety Clearance Goal Posts

Any jib projecting beyond the body of the crane by more than one metre must carry projection markers (See fig.3.2).



Figure 3-2: Projection Markers for Road Vehicles Precautions When Positioning

Care is necessary to ensure that the weight of the crane is well spread over the ground on which it stands and that the ground is firm enough in the area to take the crane and any load it might carry.

Precautions might have to be taken to avoid damage to the surface and underground services or structures.

A Mobile Crane should not be operated on a gradient. Where this cannot be avoided, the chassis on the crawlers must be correctly 'blocked' to achieve a level position.

A visual check must be made to ensure that, when slewing or luffing, the crane will not foul any obstructions. A clear space at least 0.6 metres wide must be maintained between any slewing or moving part of the crane and any fixed or stationary object.

Wind Restrictions

The Manufacturer's Operating Instructions must be strictly obeyed with regard to wind velocities during erection, operation and dismantling. Measurements of the wind speed (See Table 6.3.I ) should be made as necessary within the erection and the operating areas. An anemometer might be required.



Table 3.I - Wind Speed Conversions

Beaufort Scale Wind Speed Average

mph

Nautical description

Meteorological Terminology

0 0.1 Calm Light 1 1.3 Light air Light 2 4.7 Light breeze Light 3 8.12 Gentle breeze Gentle 4 13.18 Moderate breeze Moderate 5 19.24 Fresh breeze Fresh 6 25.31 Strong breeze Strong 7 32.38 Moderate gale Strong 8 39.46 Fresh gale Gale 9 47.54 Strong gale Gale 10 55.63 Whole gale Whole gale 11 64.72 Storm Whole gale 12 73.82 Hurricane Hurricane

Note that Meteorological Office weather reports normally refer to wind speeds at 10 metres above ground level. These are normally about one-third greater than those at three metres above ground level.

Work Near Overhead Cables2

WORKING OR TRAVELLING NEAR OVERHEAD CABLES MAINTAIN A SAFE WORKING DISTANCE

6m

OMAN LNG

Minimum safe sistance fully extended jib length

PLUS 6m

Figure 3-3 Minimum Safe Distance When Near Overhead Power Cables When working near overhead cables, the Electrical Engineer must be contacted and should advise on the safe working clearance. A minimum of six metres is required 'in plan' between the tip of the extended crane jib and the line of the nearest overhead cable (See Fig.3.3).

All plant and equipment to be used must be of such construction or be so restricted that the safe working clearances cannot be breached. In difficult cases it is usually possible to make the overhead cables 'Dead' for a certain period of time so that work can proceed.


The area within which lifting operations are taking place should be roped off if necessary to prevent accidental access. Only trained and competent crane operators may move or operate the crane.

2 Probably not applicable to Oman LNG site



The crane must not be left unattended whilst the engine is running or a load is attached, except where unavoidable during an emergency.

Signals to the Crane Operator

If the crane operator, at any stage of the operation, has not got a clear and unrestricted view of the load and its vicinity or, where there is no load, the point of attachment for a load, a competent person must be appointed as the banksman.

The banksman must then give all the necessary signals to the crane operator.

Communication between the banksman and the crane operator may be by hand signals, light signals, voice direct or verbal two-way radio contact. Any radios used in a Hazardous Area must be appropriately certified to a BASEEFA or equivalent standard.

Any hand signals used should be to the British Standard Code or equivalent.

The banksman must stand in a safe position from which to see the load being worked and where practicable be seen by the crane operator.

If the banksman has not got a clear and unrestricted view of the load, a second competent person may be appointed to give information to the banksman.

Attaching the Load

Loads must not be dragged along the ground by the crane as severe overloading might result.

Where the crane alone cannot make the lift without this, independent lifting equipment should be used to get the load to the correct position for the main lift.

Slewing on the Ground

Loads must not be dragged along the ground by the crane as severe overloading might result.

Where the crane alone cannot make the lift without this, independent lifting equipment should be used to get the load to the correct position for the main lift.

Lowering of Loads

Loads must be lowered under crane power except where a chain block system is attached between the crane hook and the load.

Suspended Loads A crane carrying a suspended load must not be left unattended at any time.

Free on Wheels Duties The following precautions must be taken when cranes are operated Free on Wheels:

(1) The manufacturers recommendations for ‘Free on Wheels' operations

must be followed and lifts must be kept strictly within manufacturers 'Free on Wheels' limits.

(2) The condition of the tyres, including treads must be within statutory limitation.

(3) Tyre pressures are critical and must be checked regularly and adjusted as necessary.

Travelling with Loads Not all wheeled cranes are suitable for travelling with loads attached. The following precautions must be taken before a crane is allowed to travel carrying a lead:



(1) The manufacturer’s recommendations for travelling with leads must be

followed.

(2) The load must be secured to stop it swinging during transit.

(3) The load must be clearly marked to avoid collision with personnel and other traffic. If necessary it should be accompanied by a walking attendant or provided with a sound alarm, as appropriate, to warn personnel in the area.

Multi-crane Lifts Lifting operations using more than one crane require careful planning and extra supervision.

The procedure for each multi-crane lift must be written and attached to the Permit to Work.


Site Emergency Alarm In the event of any site emergency necessitating evacuation by the crane operator, the suspended load should be left in a safe, stable condition. The operator and attendants should then proceed to their designated muster points.

Contact with Electrical Cables

In the event of contact between the crane and electrical cables, the following action should be taken:

(1) The operator should:

a) Remain in the cab.

b) Keep still.

c) Not touch any part of the crane.

d) If the crane catches fire :

i. Jump as far clear of the crane as possible.

ii. Not contact any part of the crane and the ground at the same time.

(2) Other personnel should :

a) Summon a Competent Electrical Person.

b) Keep well clear and not touch any part of the crane until the power has been switched off.

Any incident where the crane comes into contact with live electrical cables in which the Voltage exceeds 200V is reportable as a Dangerous Occurrence.

Collapse, Overturning or Failure

The collapse or overturning of a crane, or the failure of any load-bearing part of a crane, is reportable as a Dangerous Occurrence.


Personal protective equipment / clothing in accordance with Oman LNG PPE Regulations must be used when working with cranes. Banksmen and slinger should be clearly identifiable at all times. The wearing of fluorescent jackets is recommended. . Crane operators and banksmen may need to be provided with tinted safety spectacles to reduce sun dazzle during lifting operations.




Personnel responsible for planning the lift must be adequately qualified. The crane operator must have been suitably trained and must be experienced in the operation of the particular type of crane to be used. Both the crane operator and the banksmen must be over 18 years of age and be familiar with and practised in the use of the British Standard hand signals and the local, open channel, radio procedures. Slingers and riggers must be persons trained and competent in slinging and rigging before they undertake this work.

3.10. REFERENCES

Legislation Sultanate of Oman MD 19/82 – Occupational Health & Industrial Safety Precautions – article 11

Health and Safety Executive PM-42: Excavators used as Cranes. British Standards BS-5744: Code of practice for the safe use of cranes. BS-381O: Part 4 Terms used in connection with cranes. CP-301O: Safe use of cranes (mobile cranes, tower cranes and derrick cranes).

4. LIFTING EQUIPMENT

4.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the use of Lifting equipment. Lifting equipment includes Lifting gear and Lifting appliances. Lifting gear, sometimes called lifting tackle, means equipment used to connect a load to a Lifting appliance. It includes any rope, chain, sling, shackle, eyeball, hook, lifting lug, lifting frame, Lifting beam, plate clamp or beam clamp. Oman LNG considers that a lifting appliance is a machine which can be used to raise, lower or suspend a load, apply tension to a rope or apply pressure between two points. It includes any winch, pulley block, gin wheel, hoist, crane, hydraulic jack, aerial runway or aerial cableway. It might or might not include a source of power. (See Section 3, Chapter 5 and 6). Cranes, Mobile Access Equipment and Suspended Access Equipment are covered more specifically by other Chapters.

4.2. HAZARDS

When using lilting equipment, the hazards are: (1) Failure of the equipment under load.

(2) Failure of the fixed plant caused by the application of excessive forces from Lifting appliances.

4.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Oman LNG has a system of colour coding to be used as an alternative to Examination Date marking, particularly for small items of Lifting equipment. This system is applied both to Oman LNG gear and to contractors gear in use at the site for more than a single task or short period. Extra care is necessary to ensure that items of equipment brought to the site for short periods or for single tasks, meet Company requirement.

4.4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS OLNG Standards for lifting equipment are such that Permits to Work are not necessarily entailed in the use of lifting equipment.



Lifting equipment may be the subject of safety requirements specified by a Permit to Work.


All lifting equipment used must meet the appropriate British Standard or equivalent and must be in good condition. Each item must be permanently marked with a unique identification code and indelibly marked with its Safe Working Load (SWL). The Safe Working Load should be expressed in kilograms if less than one tonne, and tonnes if one tonne or more.

4.6. INSPECTION

Lifting gear in use must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once every 6 months. Items found to be satisfactory must either be marked with the date of the examination or colour coded to indicate the period during which the examination took place. Colour coding is to be preferred for small items for which date marking is tedious and less effective. A register and examination records for all lifting equipment in use at the site must be kept by the owner of the equipment. A record of the latest examination should be readily available for checks at the site. Defective lifting equipment must be durably labelled 'DEFECTIVE', 'DO NOT USE', 'UNSERVICEABLE' or ‘SCRAP' as appropriate and removed from the working area without delay for repair or disposal.

Colour Coding

Colour coding entails marking each item with a clearly visible and durable patch of the appropriate colour and removing or obliterating any colour applied more than six months previously.

For equipment on a 6 monthly schedule, the colour coding is detailed in the inspection department’s procedure for the control of lifting gear.

Notices must be prominently displayed around the Site indicating the colour(s) 'in date' at the time.

Where colour coding is also used for ladders, steps or trestles, the same colours and system of coding applies.

Notices must be prominently displayed around the Site indicating the colour(s) 'in date' at the time.

Where colour coding is also used for ladders, steps or trestles, the same colours and system of coding applies.

4.7. PRECAUTIONS IN USE

All lifting equipment must be checked by the user for damage immediately prior to each occasion of use. If it is more than 6 months since the last thorough examination or there is any reason to doubt the safe condition of the equipment, it should be withdrawn from service and subjected to examination by a competent person.

Wire Ropes and Slings

Wire ropes and slings must be removed from service if any one or more of the following defects are observed:



(1) There are more than two broken wires in any single leg.

(2) The rope diameter has been reduced to less than 95% of its nominal value.

(3) The rope is distorted due to kinking or crushing, or from core collapse. (4)

There is any damage or distortion immediately adjacent to the termination.

(5) There is any damage, apart from superficial surface marking, to the ferrule on a ferrule- secured eye-terminated sling. .

(6) The thimbles are loose or deformed.

4.8. STORAGE After use, all lifting equipment must be stored in a dry place free from chemical contamination. Prior to being placed in storage, the equipment must be maintained, cleaned and dried. Ropes should be removed from lifting appliances and stored separately. Equipment with hydraulic reservoirs should be checked and refilled as necessary.

4.9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE regulations. Hand protection should be worn, especially when handling wire ropes.


Lifting equipment may be used only by personnel trained to use the particular type of lifting equipment concerned

4.11. REFERENCES

Legislation Sultanate of Oman MD 19/82 – Occupational Health & Industrial Safety Precautions – article 11

Health and Safety Executive PM7: Lifts: Thorough Examination and Testing. PM-16: Eyebolts. PM-24: Safety at Rack and Pinion Hoists. PM-26: Safety at Lift Hoists. PM-27: Construction Hoists. PM-46: Wedge and Socket Anchorages for Wire Ropes. PM.54: Lifting Gear PM.63: Inclined Hoists used in Building and Construction Work. British Standards BS.302: Specification of wire ropes for cranes, excavators and general engineering purposes. BS-330: Specification for standard wire ropes for haulage. BS.1290: Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs for general lifting purposes. BS.1663: Specification for high tensile steel chain grade 40 (short link and pitched or calibrated) for lifting purposes. BS.2052: Specification for ropes made from manila, sisal, hemp, cotton and coir. BS.2902: Higher tensile steel chain slings. BS.2903: Specification for high tensile steel hooks for chains, slings, blocks and general engineering. BS-3243: Specification for hand operated chain pulley blocks. BS.3367: Specification for fire brigade and industrial ropes and rescue lines. BS.3481: Specification for flat lifting slings.



BS.4048: Specification for combined wire for lifting purposes. BS.4278: Specification for eyebolts for lifting purposes. BS.4928: Specification for man-made fibre ropes. BS.6166: Lifting Slings Part 2 Specification for marking. BS-62 10: Code of practice for the safe use of wire rope slings for general lifting purposes. BS.6570: Code of practice for the selection, care and maintenance of steel wire ropes.



5. CARTRIDGE OPERATED TOOLS

5.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the use of cartridge-operated tools. Cartridge-operated

tools are tools used for the following purposes : (1) To secure instantly a nail, a stud, eyelet or other type of pin into a hard surface,

without drilling or cementing.

(2) To spike high voltage cables in order to prove that they are 'Dead' before cutting.

Not all materials will accept cartridge-driven pins.

5.2. HAZARDS When using cartridge-operated tools, the particular hazards are: (1) Accidental firing of a pin in the open.

(2) Ricochet or turning back of a pin against the working surface.

(3) Total penetration of the working surface by a pin, resulting in onward free flight.

(4) Shattering of the working surface by a pin.

(5) Explosion resulting from misuse of cartridges.

(6) Explosion or fire from use of a cartridge-operated tool in a flammable atmosphere.

(7) Forceful ejection of the empty cartridge during removal procedures.

(8) In the case of cable spiking, explosive ejection of the tool on spiking a 'Live' cable.

(9) Noise from the equipment affecting hearing.

(10) Loss of process material results from damage to plant.

5.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Where cartridge-operated tools are held, one or more persons, as necessary, should be trained and designated as competent to: (1) Supervise work with cartridge-operated tools.

(2) Clean and inspect the tools.

(3) Maintain records of tools, inspections and faults.

(4) Maintain records of all cartridges issued and all misfires. Contractors employed for work with cartridge-operated tools at Oman LNG site must provide evidence of their competence before work starts. Tools and cartridges may be stored only in secure places specifically designated for the purpose. They should be stored in the manufacturer's boxes. The loss or suspected theft of cartridge-operated tools or cartridges must be reported at once to the Police.


A HOTWORK SPARK POTENTIAL PERMIT (ROSE COLOUR-CODED FORM) is required to support the Clearance Certificate for the use of cartridge-operated tools.


Cartridge-operated tools must meet the requirements of BS-4078 or equivalent.



This British Standard covers: (1) Direct-acting tools; those from which the pin is driven directly by a cartridge, fired

by a spring and trigger action, like a pistol.

(2) Indirect-acting tools; those from which the pin is driven by a cartridge-driven piston, allowed only limited axial movement. Indirect-acting tools may be spring and trigger operated or manual hammer blow operated.

Hammer-operated tools are all of low power. Spring-operated tools may be of high or low power.

All direct-acting and high power indirect-acting tools must be fitted with splinter guards, normally at least 100mm in diameter. Special provisions by the manufacturer are necessary where the working surface is not flat over the whole of the area covered by the splinter guard.

All direct-acting tools and high power indirect-acting tools must be constructed in such a way that they can be fired only if: (1) They are pressed forcefully against the working surface.

(2) They are held within seven degrees of the perpendicular to the working surface (to reduce the likelihood of ricochets).

(3) The splinter guard is in position.

They should not fire when dropped a distance of three metres on to a hard surface. Low

power indirect-acting tools must be provided with splinter guards of sufficient area to stabilise the tool at right angles to the working surface.

Cartridge-operated cable-spiking equipment should be operable from a safe distance using a firing lanyard.

Cartridges

Only the cartridges recommended by the tool manufacturer may be used with the tool.

A range of cartridge strengths is normally available for each tool.

Each cartridge must be marked with a type number and a distinctive colour. The cartridge strength must be marked on each cartridge package.

Special care is necessary over the interpretation of the colours because the colour Coding system recommended by BS-4078 is not followed by all manufacturers.

All cartridges must be securely stored on site. A daily record of cartridges consumed must be kept by the contractor concerned.

Pins Only pins meeting the tool manufacturer's specifications may be used. They must always be kept in the box marked with their characteristics.


Selection of the Pin and the Cartridge Before any cartridge-operated tool is used, it must be established that the working surface is suitable for cartridge-driven pins. The type of pin and the strength of cartridge to be used must be specified by a competent person after due consideration of:



(1) The nature and thickness of the working surface.

(2) Any possible inconsistencies or changes of material beneath the surface which might cause the material to shatter or the fastener to ricochet or to pass right through.

(3) The constraints necessary for the use of pins near to the edges of working surfaces and where the working surfaces are not flat.

If there are any doubts about the hardness of the working surface or the hardness of the pins to be used, they must be dispelled by hardness tests.

Erection of Shields A competent person with experience of the particular tool and pins which are to be used, should see that:

(1) Appropriate shields are erected in the area of the work to minimise the

risk of harm to personnel from possible ricochets.

(2) An area of operations is defined from which all but the personnel directly concerned with the use of the cartridge-operated tool(s) can be excluded.

For work where pins could conceivably pass right through the working surface and fly free on the other side, a shield might be necessary to protect the area behind.


Work with cartridge-operated tools should be carried out, when practicable, at times when no other personnel are needed in the vicinity.

The area of operation should be marked by personnel barriers.

Warning notices (See Fig 5.1), must be displayed at all approaches, indicating that cartridge-operated tools are being used. Barriers and notices must be illuminated in reduced lighting conditions.

The lighting must be appropriately protected and certified for the flammable vapour hazard classification of the area in which it is to be used. A ‘NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY' sign may also be required.

Figure 5-1 Cartridge Operated Tool Sign

Access A considerable force has to be applied perpendicular to the working surface when using cartridge-operated tools and some recoil occurs as the cartridge is fired. The footing provided for the operator must be suitable to take any side loading which might result from these forces.

Working direct from ladders should be avoided.

5.7. PRECAUTIONS DURING THE WORK The manufacturer's instructions for the use of the tool must be followed strictly.



Care is necessary to ensure that all the pins and cartridges used are of the type specified for the work.

Tools must not be loaded until immediately before they are required for use and, in the event of any delay, must be unloaded before they are laid down. All pins should be fired, as near as practicable, perpendicular to the working surface and in all cases well within seven degrees (7°) angle from the perpendicular.

Pins should not be fired: (1) Into an existing pin hole.

(2) Less than 13mm from the edge of a steel plate or any hole in the plate.

(3) Less than 63mm from the edge of concrete or brickwork surface or into a corner brick.

(4) Less than 50mm from an existing pin hole in the concrete or brickwork.

Before the back of the cartridge-operated tool is opened to remove the spent cartridge, the barrel pressure might have to be released by partially unscrewing the barrel.

Cable-spiking equipment operators must stand well back as it is fired. The tool manufacturer's instructions for dealing with misfires must be followed closely.

All defects and misfires must be reported to the issuing authority without delay. Cartridges must not be carried loose in pockets. They must always be kept in the manufacturer's box.

Tools and cartridges may be left unattended only in places specially secured for the purpose.

5.8. PRECAUTIONS ON COMPLETION OF WORK

The equipment must be cleaned, checked and returned to store as soon as possible after use.


Personal protective equipment must be worn, in accordance with Oman LNG PPE regulations.

Hearing protection and appropriate eye protection must be worn by the cartridge tool operator and other personnel in the near vicinity.


It is a requirement that explosives may be handled or used only by, or under the immediate control of, a competent person with adequate knowledge of the dangers connected with their use.

Personnel must be trained and competent to use cartridge-operated equipment before they undertake work. Training must cover the procedures for loading, cleaning and misfire. The manufacturer of the tool can provide the necessary training.

Additional training is necessary for the person or persons at the site who will supervise work with, and take care of stocks of, cartridge-operated tools and equipment.

Complete dismantling of equipment should only be done by the manufacturer or by a person specially trained to do this.



5.11. REFERENCES

Health and Safety Executive PM-14: Safety in the use of cartridge-operated tools. British Standards BS-4078: Specification for cartridge-operated fixing tools. OLNG Personal Protective Equipment procedure.

6. GAS CYLINDERS

6.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in the use of cylinders for the supply of the fuel gases, inert gases and oxygen as variously required for welding, flame cutting, burning, space heating and other industrial purposes. It does not cover the cylinders used for breathing apparatus, medical purposes or fire fighting. The cylinders referred to are portable, refillable containers of up to 150 litres water capacity.

6.2. HAZARDS

The particular hazards arising from the use of cylinders containing pressurised gases are: (1) Gas leakage, from fittings and ignition or accumulation in poorly ventilated

places.

(2) Damage to fittings causing gas release.

(3) Damage to the integrity of the cylinder due to impact, fire or corrosion.

(4) Faulty labelling, leading to wrong use of the gas.

(5) Accidental discharge of liquid instead of gas.

(6) Hazards specific to the particular gases concerned.

(7) Physical injury to personnel or damage to equipment from manhandling and falls of cylinders.

6.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The controls and working procedures throughout the site are designed to ensure that all cylinders in use are secure against abuse and that all full and empty cylinders are kept as far as reasonably practicable, in designated storage places. Particular care is necessary to ensure that contractors bringing their own cylinders on the site have similar working procedures and adequate provisions for storage and security of cylinders.


All cylinders must be designed to BS-5045 or equivalent. Permanent markings on the cylinder must include: (1) The manufacturers mark and serial number together with an indication of the

specification to which the cylinder was constructed and its year of manufacture.

(2) The latest test date.

(3) The test pressure.

(4) The water capacity.

(5) The tare weight, including permanent fittings but excluding the valve cover.



Durable markings on the cylinder or the crate, if the cylinder is always kept in the crate, must include:

(6) The name of the product contained.

(7) The hazard markings.

Colour coding of cylinders, other than cylinders covered by the medical or the diving codes should follow the recommendations of BS-349 but this is not a legal requirement and might not always be enforceable. Arrangements must be made to draw the attention of users to any cylinders allowed within the site which do not conform to the recommendations of BS-349.

To prevent misuse of fittings, the valve outlets must be screwed with left-hand thread for combustible gases and right-hand thread for non-combustible gases.

6.5. STORAGE

All full and empty cylinders, other than those in use and in transit to and from the points of use, must be kept in designated cylinder storage areas.

Cylinder storage areas must be: (1) Well ventilated, preferably open to the atmosphere.

(2) Above ground level.

(3) Not in direct sunlight or subject to heat from any other source.

(4) Secure from tampering.

(5) At a safe distance from all public boundaries and all sources of ignition. Storage areas for flammable gas cylinders should be classified as Hazardous Zone 2. HSE guidance Note CS4 gives distance recommendations for LPG.

(6) Away from emergency access routes

(7) Constructed of fire-resistant material.

(8) Clear of unnecessary combustible materials and rubbish.

(9) Marked with appropriate hazard warning signs and 'NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY' signs.

(10) Marked with 'NO SMOKING' signs and located outside Fire Permit Control Areas when containing flammable gases.

Within storage areas, full and empty cylinders must be kept apart with storage area markers to avoid confusion.

General fuel LPG’s should be stored apart from welding and flame cutting gases, preferably in separate storage areas.

Gas cylinders which contain liquids must always be stored upright to avoid the possibility of deposits affecting the valves. Cylinders which contain only permanent gases, e.g. oxygen, nitrogen, argon, etc., may be stored either upright or horizontal.

Full cylinders should be stored with protective caps fitted to keep the outlet nozzle clean.

6.6. TRANSPORT

Gas cylinders must always be restrained against falling and violent contact with one another.



The main cylinder valve must be closed and the key removed before a cylinder is transported. If a cover is necessary to protect the valve from mechanical damage it must be in place during transportation.

A cylinder may be moved with hoses and equipment attached only if it is light enough to be lifted by hand or properly fitted into a properly built manual trolley. Individual cylinders may be lifted by lifting lugs designed for the purpose.

Cylinders not fitted with handles for lifting by hand or with lifting lugs, should be moved by purpose built manual trolleys for lifting on platforms or by purpose built cradles.

Cylinders must not be lifted by electric magnets.

There must be no attachment of lifting gear to the cylinder valve or any pipework attachment.

Cylinders carried on vehicles must not project over the sides or end of the vehicle.

Cylinders must not be transported in closed vehicles without special provision for continuous ventilation.


Gas cylinders, when in use, must: (1) Be mounted in a vertical position and secured to prevent them from falling over.

(2) Be located away from sources of impact including falling objects and passing vehicles.

(3) Be located away from sources of heat, sparks, flames and live electrical conductors.

(4) Be kept out of confined and poorly ventilated spaces.

(5) In temporary situations, be mounted on trolleys for ease of removal if necessary in an emergency.

Cylinder valves must always be operated by hand using the standard valve keys without extra leverage.

Cylinder valves must be closed throughout all breaks in the work and when the cylinder is empty.

Cylinders with faulty valves must be kept in the open air, well away from sources of ignition, and returned to the suppliers as soon as is reasonably practicable.

The pressure regulators fitted must be marked with the name of the gas for which they are to be used and the control pressure. Once in use for a particular gas, they should not be used for another gas unless reconditioned by a competent person.

A portable, powder-filled fire extinguisher should be readily accessible in the vicinity of any flammable gas cylinder in use.

Empty cylinders should be suitably marked and returned without delay to the storage area. Cylinders may be refilled only by the suppliers or persons authorised by the suppliers. They must not be used for any other purpose than the supply of the gas for which they are labelled.



Oxygen Systems

Oxygen systems, including the cylinder valves and regulators, must be safeguarded against contamination by grease and oil. Personnel handling them must not wear oily clothes.

Acetylene Systems Copper and silver alloys must not be used in systems handling acetylene.

6.8. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of fire, the person in charge must be informed of the locations of any cylinders in the area of the fire. Where practicable, cylinder valves should be closed and cylinders removed from the vicinity of the fire. Cylinders which have been subject to fire or have become overheated for any other reason, should be cooled by deluging with cold water. Provided that all the cylinders concerned can be kept cool, leaks which are alight should be allowed to continue to burn until such time as the cylinder valve can be closed, bearing in mind that once a leak is extinguished, the cloud of flammable gas produced might be even more hazardous than the flame.

6.9. INSPECTION

Before use, gas cylinders and their fittings should be visually inspected by a competent person for any sign of damage which might affect the gas tightness. Each gas cylinder should be used and the empty returned to the supplier within the inspection interval recommended by BS-5430 or BS-6071 as appropriate. Recommended inspection intervals range from two years to ten years depending upon the nature of the gas stored.


Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE Regulations Eye protection is necessary when blowing out cylinder connections and hoses before use. Additional personal protective equipment is required for many of the operations employing gas cylinders (See Section 5, Chapter 4, Welding and Flame Cutting).


Personnel should be given appropriate instruction before being allowed to handle gas cylinders. The training of personnel for activities employing gas cylinders must include training on the safe use of cylinders.

6.12. REFERENCES

Health and Safety Executive CS-4: The Keeping of LPG In Cylinders and Similar Containers. CS-4: The Storage and Use of LPG On Construction Sites. Booklet No 50: Welding and Flame Cutting Using Compressed Gases. British Standards BS-341: Specification for valve fittings for compressed gas cylinders BS.349: Specification for identification of the contents of industrial gas containers. BS-2718: Specification for gas cylinder trolleys. BS-5045: Transportable gas containers. BS-5120: Rubber hose for gas welding and allied processors. BS-5355: Specification for filling ratios and developed pressure for liquefiable and permanent gases.



BS-5430: Specification for periodic inspection, testing and maintenance of transportable gas containers (excluding dissolved acetylene containers). BS-6061 : Specification for transportable acetylene containers. BS-6071 : Specification for periodic inspection, testing and maintenance of transportable dissolved acetylene containers.



7. PORTABLE AND MOBILE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

7.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in use of portable and mobile electrical equipment. It includes work with electrically-driven tools, temporary electric lighting and electronic equipment, whether mains, battery or generator-powered. It does not cover Fixed Electrical installations, Electric Arc Welding or Static Electricity.

7.2. HAZARDS

When using portable and mobile electrical equipment, the particular hazards are: (1) Electric Shock due to personal contact with live pans of the equipment or

damaged cables.

(2) Ignition of flammable vapours caused by electrical sparks or hot surfaces, occurring either as normal characteristics of the equipment or from faults.

(3) Ignition of flammable vapours caused by mechanical sparks from the use of power tools.

(4) Damage or personal injury from power tools.

7.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Oman LNG Electrical Safety Procedure set minimum standards for the construction and maintenance for all portable and mobile electrical equipment allowed onto the site. Special plant operational precautions are necessary when any item of portable electrical equipment, which is not of type certified for use in hazardous areas.


A Fire Permit or equivalent is required for the use, in a Fire Permit Control Area, of any portable electrical equipment other than equipment certified for use in hazardous areas.


Electric Shock Protection

Portable Cables, Connectors and Feeders Considering electric shock but not the risk of flammable atmosphere ignition:

(1) All portable cables and cords must be flexible heavy duty

neoprene rubber.

(2) The cable conductors must be electrically insulated and sheathed against any mechanical damage foreseeable considering the circumstances of use.

(3) For light duties in clean dry interiors, tough rubber and sheathed cables are normally adequate.

(4) For outside use, where cables are vulnerable to abrasion and mechanical damage, flexible armouring, protective braiding or other superior form of sheathing is necessary.

(5) The plugs and sockets used must be non-interchangeable between different voltage circuits.



(6) Residual earth fault current protective devices must be

provided for all supplies to 230 Volt portable equipment. These should be designed to break the circuit within 30 milliseconds whenever the leakage current rises to 30 milliamps.

Portable Lighting Considering electric shock but not risk of flammable atmosphere ignition:

(1) Portable hand lamps should be rated at not more than 230

volts. They shall be of the double insulated design.

Portable Tools Considering electric shock protection but not considering the risk of flammable atmosphere ignition, BS-2769 classifies portable electric motor-operated tools as indicated in Table.8. I.

TABLE 7.1: CLASSIFICATION OF PORTABLE ELECTRIC MOTOR- OPERATED TOOLS

Class O Mains-operated tools without earth connections. This class of tool is safe only in an earth-free environment.

Class I Tools having provision for earthing of all external metallic pans but having, in some pans, functional insulation only.

Class II Tools operated at mains voltage and: Class llA having all metallic pans enclosed within a durable and

continuous insulated enclosure Class llB having functional insulation and additional insulation or

reinforcement as a safety precaution against shock, should the functional insulation break down.

Class III Tools designed for extra Low Voltage (50V maximum) from the mains supply through a safety isolating transformer. No means of earthing is provided.

Unclassified Tools operated by compressed air or by their own generators or batteries.

Classes O and I tools are not suitable for use in industrial areas.

For work in industrial areas:

Mobile Generators

(1) Class Il tools should be used where practicable..

(2) Lock-on features should be disabled.

Any mobile generator winding and frame used for temporary installations comprising power and lighting must be earthed, preferably by attaching the generator earth to an existing suitable earthing system or, if this is not available, by connecting to a maximum 4 Ohm earth electrode.

The generator must be protected against overload and short circuit by the installation of an appropriate device in the main feeder cable, e.g. MCB.

All outgoing circuits and auxiliary outlets (230 V ac max) must be protected by 30 mA earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB)..

Flammable Atmosphere ignition Protection

Portable electrical tools must not be used in areas where flammable atmospheres are continuously present or present for long periods.

All electrical equipment for use in areas classified as Hazardous Zone 1 or 2, or where flammable atmospheres might be present for short periods, must be certified for the classification of the area, (see IEC79),



The following types of portable electrical equipment are examples of equipment available in protected types certified to IEC equipment standards:

(1) Battery-powered hand lamps.

(2) Portable two-way radios.

(3) Some types of portable instrument.

(4) Power cable couplings and splitter boxes.

(5) Mains powered lights.

(6) Compressed air powered lights.

(7) Electric motors for such items as fans, pumps and winches.

Electrically-driven mechanical tools, capable when in use of producing mechanical sparks (e.g. grinding machines, drilling machines, electric saws) cannot be provided in IEC79 types.

Electronic calculators, battery-operated cameras and similar types of battery-powered electronic equipment are considered not safe for use in Hazardous Areas.

The use of low-powered electrical/electronic devices, such as watches, hearing aids, pacemakers, etc., in hazardous areas is generally considered to be safe.

7.6. PRECAUTIONS DURING USE

All Areas Portable electrical equipment, by nature of its mobility, is vulnerable to mechanical damage and must be inspected at regular intervals. Users must visually check each item immediately before use to ensure that:

(1) There is no sign of corrosion or contamination.

(2) There is no sign of mechanical damage or electrical fault.

(3) The plug and flexible cable are in good condition. The cables should not be longer than necessary for the work and must be kept orderly to minimise wear and tear and to avoid trip hazards.

Areas Classified as Hazardous

(See Section 6 Chapter 4: Areas Classified as Hazardous).

Care is necessary to ensure that the hazardous area certification is not invalidated by deterioration due to wear or damage. Cables and the enclosures for light fittings are particularly vulnerable.

When an item of portable electrical equipment, to be used for work in a Hazardous Area, is of a type which is neither certified to an appropriate IEC standard nor specifically allowed by Oman LNG Electrical Safety Procedure for use in the area, special precautions must be taken both:



(1) To reduce the risk of occurrence of flammable atmospheres in the area

by controlling more tightly or curtailing plant operations for the duration of the work.

(2) To stop the work if the risk of occurrence of flammable atmospheres increases for any reason.

11. Spaces Temporarily Cleared of Flammable Vapours For work inside spaces which have been temporarily cleared of flammable vapours but which could become re-contaminated, any temporary lights required must be certified for Hazardous Area Zone I operation.


Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE Regulations.

Eye protection is required to give protection from flying particles when using portable electrical tools.


All users must be trained in the use of the type of tool concerned, be able to recognise when the tool is worn or defective and be aware of the importance of not using uncertified tools in Hazardous Areas.

7.9. REFERENCES

Health and Safety Executive

PM.32: The safe use of Portable Electrical Hand lamps.

PM-38: Selection and use of Electrical Hand lamps.

GS.37: Flexible leaks, plugs and sockets.

International Standards

IEC 79: Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres.

BS.2769: Portable electric-motor operated tools.

IEC 742: Isolating transformers and safety isolation transformers.

IEC536: Classification of electrical and electronic equipment with regard to protection against electric shock

BS.4363: Distribution units for construction building sites.

BS.4533: Specification for hand lamps.

Oman LNG

DEP 33.64.10.10-Gen Electrical engineering guidelines

8. IONISING RADIATION

8.1. RANGE OF APPLICATION This chapter covers safety in work on plant and equipment and with tools which incorporate sources of ionising radiation. It refers to sealed radioactive sources, unsealed radioactive sources and X-ray equipment.

8.2. HAZARDS When working with radioactive sources and X-ray equipment the hazards are:



(1) Exposure of personnel to radiation.

(2) Radiation interfering with the operation of control devices such as flame detectors, level detectors, smoke detectors, analysers and any other device which is sensitive to radiation.

These hazards might arise from:

(1) Inadequate shielding of sources.

(2) Leakage of sealed sources or spillage of unsealed sources.

(3) Damage to sources by fire or explosion.

(4) Loss or theft.

8.3. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES All radioactive sources kept on site must be covered by a Certificate or Certificates of Registration limiting the number, strength and disposal procedures. Oman LNG will appoint Radiation Protection Supervisors wherever sources of ionising radiation are in use. • To restrict, as far as is reasonably practicable, the exposure of personnel to

ionising radiation.

• To designate areas where specified exposure levels might be exceeded and take specified precautions for work within them.

• To appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser where there is an area designated as a 'Controlled Area'.

• To provide written rules for the conduct of work with ionising radiation.

• To designate as a Classified Person (ionising Radiation) any employee who might in the course of his work receive a dose of radiation in excess of three tenths of any relevant dose limit and to provide dosimeter and medical surveillance for such persons.

• To monitor ionising radiation levels.

• To assess the risks of accidents or incidents causing increased radiation exposures and to provide emergency procedures against foreseeable incidents.

• To notify and investigate accidents and incidents.

Oman LNG will establish a Radiation Advisory Committee consisting of the Radiation Protection Adviser, the Medical Officer and Radiation Protection Supervisors with, between them, knowledge of all the uses of ionising radiation at the site.

Where a Contractor’s employees are engaged in radiological work on Oman LNG premises, they must observe both Sultanate of Oman and Company Regulations. This should be stated as a condition in the contract.

Although the responsibility for the health of the Contractor's employees must rest with the Contractor, Oman LNG Management must take steps to ensure that the Contractor fulfils his obligations. If the Contractor fails to do so, he should be advised in writing of a breach of contract.

Unsealed radioactive sources may be used for plant investigative work only when there is no reasonably practicable alternative. The handling of such sources should be carried out only by specially equipped and trained personnel or from an outside contractor specialising in the type of work.



The Radiation Protection Supervisor should approve the safety precautions to be applied, after consultation with the Radiation Protection Adviser if necessary. Whenever practicable, work with ionising radiation sources should take place inside walled enclosures specially designed for the purpose.

8.4. DOSE LIMITS AND DESIGNATED AREAS

Dose Limits Dose limits for exposure to ionising radiation are specified both in relation to the whole body and in relation to particular parts of the body.

Dose limits are expressed in millisieverts (msv) per calendar year and differ according to whether the person concerned is an employee aged over 19 years, a trainee aged between 16 and 18 years or a person other than an employee.

For example, the whole body dose limit for an employee aged over 18 years is 50mSv in any calendar year.

More stringent limits are applicable for exposure of trainees, pregnant women and women of child-bearing age.

Designated Areas

An area must be designated as a Controlled Area if doses of ionising radiation within the area are likely to exceed three tenths of any Dose Limit specified for employees aged over 18 years or if instantaneous dose rates within the area are likely to exceed 7.5Sv/h (micro-sieverts per hour).

An area, not being a Controlled Area, must be designated as a Supervised Area if doses of ionising radiation within the area are likely to exceed one tenth of any Dose Limit specified for employees aged over 18 years or if instantaneous dose rates within the area are likely to exceed 2.5 psv/h.


A HOTWORK SPARK POTENTIAL PERMIT (ROSE COLOUR-CODED FORM), supported by a Radiation Protection Certificate, is required for any work with an ionising radiation source, other than a normal operational activity for which there are written safety procedures.


Storage of Radioactive Sources Each radioactive source must be kept in a specially designed container with proper shielding, shutter and lock. The container must be clearly marked with the radiation warning sign and the words DANGER-RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL in indelible print. The container must be labelled to indicate the nature and initial activity of the source.

When not in use, radioactive sources must be kept in specially designed storage places which must be locked.

All places of storage for radioactive sources must be approved by the Oman LNG Engineering Manager, with advice from the Radiation Protection Adviser.

Keys to the places of storage and to individual locking devices may be made available only to persons authorised by Oman LNG Engineering Manager.

A register must be kept of all the radioactive sources present at the site including technical details and normal places of storage.

If damage or corrosion occurs to a radiation source or if leakage is suspected, the Radiation Protection Adviser must be informed immediately.



X-ray Equipment

X-ray equipment must be provided with a locking device on the main circuit.

X-ray equipment must be inspected by a competent person at least annually for radiation leakage and proper functioning of all safety devices. In the case of any irregularity, the Radiation Protection Adviser must be informed immediately.

Radiation Monitors Radiation monitors and dosimeters used at the Oman LNG must be of types approved by the Radiation Advisory Committee.

Monitors must be tested and re-calibrated at least every 14 months. A record of all such tests must be maintained.


Before the start of any work with ionising radiation, the areas involved must be designated as Controlled or Supervised, as appropriate.


Controlled Areas must be surrounded by substantial barriers and marked with safety signs (see Fig 8.I) at all access points, giving warning of ionising radiation and restricting entry to classified personnel.

After dark and when lighting conditions are poor, distinctive coloured flashing lights, appropriately certified for the flammable vapour hazard classification of the area, should be placed along the barrier.

Figure 8-1 Ionising Radiation Controlled Area Safety Sign Supervised Areas should be marked with safety signs (see Fig 8.2) at all approach, warning of ionising radiation and prohibiting entry of unauthorised personnel.



Figure 8-2: Ionising Radiation Supervised Area Sign

During radiography work, an audible alarm should be sounded before the commencement of each ionising radiation exposure.

Protection of Radiation-sensitive Instruments

The Radiation Protection Supervisor in charge of the work must specify where additional shields are necessary for the protection of radiation-sensitive instruments within the area.

Protection of the Radiological Workers

Only Classified Persons (ionising Radiation) and persons individually authorised to do so under the terms of a Radiation Protection Certificate may enter Controlled Areas.

The precautions to be taken for protection of the persons entering must be specified by the Radiation Protection Supervisor.

These should include:

(1) The procedures to minimise the exposure of radiation sources.

(2) The personal protective equipment required.

(3) The personal radiation dose monitoring requirements.

(4) The emergency procedures to be followed.


Transport of Sources Within the Oman LNG, radioactive sources may only be transported in approved containers, fully and clearly labelled. They must always be accompanied by a Radiation Protection Supervisor or an appropriately trained Classified Person (ionising Radiation).

The vehicle must have radiation signs on back and front while carrying a radioactive source. Radiographic source housings must be labelled according to the Conventions of the "Code of Practice for the Carriage of Radioactive Materials by Road" when being moved around the site.

Security of Sources at the Work Place

Movable radioactive sources must not be left unattended when away from their normal places of storage.

Exposure of Sources



An ionising radiation source used for radiography may be exposed only by a Classified Person (ionising Radiation) under the direction of a Radiation Protection Supervisor and following the precautions specified by the Radiation Protection Certificate.

Exposure must be discontinued if a person other than a Classified Person enters the Controlled or Supervised Area.

Eating, Drinking and Smoking

There must be no eating, drinking or smoking while working with unsealed radioactive sources or within a Controlled Area.

8.9. PRECAUTIONS ON COMPLETION OF THE WORK

Return of Sources to Storage All sources must be locked into their containers and returned to their approved places of storage before being left unattended at the end of every period of work.

Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Radioactive waste arises when sealed sources decay to below their useful strength or they leak, contaminating other materials.

Radioactive waste must be disposed of in accordance with the Inspection and Integrity department’s procedures

The transfer of a radioactive source or a radioactive waste to another user is allowed only if the OLNG Engineering Manager can be satisfied that the prospective user operates to standards which are fully equivalent to those of the Company.


Loss of Containment of Radioactive Materials In the event of loss of containment of radioactive material from any cause, the Oman LNG Engineering Manager must be informed and pre-arranged emergency procedures must be followed to minimise dispersal and to safeguard the personnel involved, and the Radiation Protection Adviser must be contacted for advice. These procedures may include:

(1) Temporary evacuation of personnel from affected areas.

(2) The wearing of personal protective equipment, including breathing apparatus, by Classified Personnel taking action to contain or recover the radioactive material.

(3) A radiological survey around the affected area by a Classified Person.

Loss of a Source Every loss or suspected theft of a radioactive source must be reported to the police immediately.

Fire In the event of a fire in the vicinity, all sources of ionising radiation should be fully shielded, locked off and removed from the area as soon as practicable.

Emergency procedures should be pre-arranged to minimise the risk of loss of containment of any source arising from fire and to ensure that fire-fighters are made fully aware of the presence of all radioactive sources.

Excessive Personal Exposure to Radiation



In the event of suspected excessive personnel exposure to radiation or contamination of personnel by radioactive materials, pre-arranged procedures must be followed and the Medical Officer for the Site must be informed immediately. The Radiation Protection Adviser should be asked for advice.

Site Alarm In the event of a site emergency alarm sounding during work with ionising radiation sources, the sources must, as far as is reasonably practicable, be made safe and secure before being left and the control centre must be informed of their whereabouts.


Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with the Oman LNG PPE Regulations.

Appropriate radiation badges and Personal pen dosimeters must be worn by Classified Persons (Ionising Radiation) whenever engaged in work with ionising radiation sources and by persons individually authorised to enter Controlled Areas.

When working with unsealed radioactive sources, gloves and shoes should be monitored regularly for radioactivity and any contaminated clothing should be sent for decontamination or disposal as radioactive waste.

Breathing apparatus must be worn for entry into atmospheres which might be contaminated with radioactive materials.


Only Classified Persons (ionising Radiation) and persons individually authorised to do so under the terms of a Radiation Protection Certificate may enter a Controlled Area.

Classified Person (lionising Radiation)

A person designated, under the requirements of the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1985 to ensure that any work with Ionising Radiation is supervised to the extent necessary to enable that work to be carried out in accordance with the Statutory Regulations and OLNG local rules.

Radiation Protection Supervisor

The Radiation Protection Supervisor must be a person having a complete understanding of the Statutory Regulations, an appreciation of the hazards involved in the use of radio-isotopes, and a basic knowledge of nucleonic equipment used.

Radiation Protection Supervisors must:

(1) Within reason, ascertain that all personnel who are working under their supervision with radioactive material possess the necessary knowledge and skill in the use of safe procedures and that they are supplied with such devices as may be necessary for safety.

(2) Not permit radioactive sources under their control to be used by other than Classified Persons.

(3) Ensure that the names of all persons designated as Classified Persons are entered in a Health Register which is kept up to date and arrange that all Classified Persons be subjected to the required medical examination.

(4) Set up personal monitoring procedures for all personnel under their supervision who are ' exposed to radiation. They must arrange for film



badges and personal dosimeters to be supplied to all Classified Persons and identified to the particular wearer.

They must ensure, as far as is possible, that all such personnel wear personal monitoring film badges and/or dosimeters at all times during such exposure.

(5) Arrange for exposure assessments of the film badges to be made at approved centres at appropriate regular intervals, preferably every two weeks with a maximum of six weeks for continuous or discontinuous exposure. The results of these assessments together with relevant dosimeter readings must be recorded on personal record sheets. In the event that the permitted dose has been exceeded, the Radiation Protection Supervisor must refer the person concerned to the Oman LNG Medical Officer.

(6) Arrange for the film badge data reports to be forwarded to the next employer/Location when a person is transferred.

(7) Arrange for all radiation monitors to be calibrated at least every 14 months and after every repair which could affect accuracy. A record of these tests must be kept in a register.

(8) Notify the Oman LNG Engineering Manager of the existence of any condition or situation which, while not normally being considered a radiation hazard, might become a hazard under special or unusual circumstances.

A Radiation Protection Supervisor is appointed as an Authorised Radiation Protection Certificate Signatory.

Radiation Protection Adviser

A person appointed by Oman LNG Engineering Manager to advise the Company as to the observance of these Regulations and other Health and Safety matters in connection with Ionising Radiation and to advise the Company of the procedures to be adopted to ensure the safe use of radiation sources to minimise exposure to those sources.

Persons Individually Authorised for Entry

Personnel authorised to enter a Controlled Area, whether or not they are Classified Persons lionising Radiation), must be apprised of the risks involved and competent to appreciate the precautions required by the Radiation Protection Certificate covering the task.

8.13. REFERENCES

• Sultanate of Oman Regulations for the Control and Management of Radioactive Materials MD 249/97

• REGULATIONS FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS (MD 249/97 as amended by MD 281/2003)

• BS.5378: Signs and Symbols. • Shell HSSE Control Framework, Ionising Radiations section • QEN-P203 Procedure for Site Radiography