Geothermal Safety Health Rules Regulations

Department Circular 2000-02-001
REVISED GEOTHERMAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOREWORD
The 1999 Revised Geothermal Safety and Health Rules and Regulations (RGSHRR) was
conceptualized by the members of the Occupational Safety and Health Committee, one of the
Committees under the Geothermal Safety, Health and Environmental Protection Project
(GSHEEP) with member representatives from DOE-ERDB, DOLE-BWC, UPM-CPH, NPC-
QASD, PNOC-EDC and PGI.
Other government agencies, non-governmental organizations; technical institutions, and acadame

that are interested or with immediate concerns on the above subjects have the right to be
represented in the future revisions, amendments and/or modifications of the same.
The RGSHRR supersedes the existing GSHRR that was formulated pursuant to OEA Circular
No. 91-11-06, series of 1991. The RGSHRR incorporates the Modern Safety Management
systems that enforce measures on risk assessment, identify significant hazards and set framework
that will enable geothermal industries to set their own safety management control. Likewise, it
contains the DOE’s new administrative requirements on occupational safety and health
provisions and updated standards for an effective safety management of geothermal operations in
the country. Further, the RGSHRR authorizes the DOE to supervise not only the operations of a
geothermal developer but those of a geothermal power plant operator, as well.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statement of Authority
RULE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1 Title
Section 2 Scope
Section 3 Definition of Terms
RULE 2 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Section 4 Powers and Duties of the Director or Her/His Duly Authorized Representative
Section 5 Duties of Employers
Section 6 Duties of Employees
Section 7 Cooperation and Coordination
Section 8 Code of Practice
Section 9 Interpretation
Section 10 Administration Penalties
RULE 3 SAFETY AND HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Section 11 Policy Statement
Section 12 Organization
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Section 13 Personnel
Section 14 Safety and Health Committee
Section 15 Qualifications of Safety Engineer / Officer and Issuance and
Cancellation of Safety Engineer / Officer's Permit
RULE 4 REPORTING AND RECORDING OF INCIDENTS / ACCIDENTS

Section 16 Notification and Reporting
Section 17 Record - keeping
RULE 5 GENERAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROVISIONS

Section 18 General Applicability
Section 19 Safety and Health Training
Section 20 Personal Protective Equipment
Section 21 Workplace Monitoring and Control
Section 22 Electrical and Mechanical Works
Section 23 Guarding of Machinery
Section 24 Work Permit System
Section 25 Use of Commercial Explosives
Section 26 Construction Works
Section 27 Fire Protection and Control
Section 28 Serious and Imminent Danger
Section 29 Hazard Communication
Section 30 Engineering Change Management
RULE 6 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Section 31 Health Program
Section 32 Health Services
RULE 7 FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 33 Separability Clause
Section 34 Resolution of Conflicts and Overlapping Jurisdictions
Section 35 Repealing Clause
Section 36 Effectivity
Appendices
A. Safety Engineer/Officer’s Permit Application Form
B. Accident Report Form
C. Monthly Accident Statistics Report Form
C1. Summary of Personal Accidents by Month Report Form
C2. Comparison of Personal Accident with The Same Period Last Year Report Form
C3. Analysis of Personal Accident by Department Report Form
C4. Analysis of Personal Accident by Occupation Report Form
C5. Analysis of Personal Accident by Part of the Body Report Form
C6. Analysis of Personal Accident by Workplace Report Form
C7. Analysis of Personal Accident by Immediate Causes Report Form
D. Monthly Explosives Transaction Report Form
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STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY
Pursuant to Section 6 of Presidential Decree No. 1442, otherwise known as the "Geothermal
Act" of 1978 in relation to Section 5 (a) and Section 21 of Republic Act No. 7638, otherwise
known as the "Department of Energy Act" of 1992, and in order to ensure adequate safety and
protection against hazards to health, life and property as well as pollution of air, land and water
from geothermal operations, the following safety and health rules and regulations are hereby
promulgated:
RULE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Title.
This issuance shall be known as the “Revised Geothermal Safety and Health Rules and
Regulations of 1999” and shall be hereinafter referred to as the Rules.
Section 2. Scope and Coverage.

The Rules shall apply to all employers, employees, and other entities engaged in geothermal
operations in the Philippines, including drilling and constructions activities therein.
Section 3. Definition of Terms.

Terms and expressions that are generally defined in other existing regulations or in the
Occupational Safety and Health Standards shall have the same meaning in the Rules. For
purposes of this issuance, however, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
1. Authorized representatives refers to any employee of the Energy Resource

Development Bureau (ERDB) of the Department of
Energy, or any other government official who has been
authorized by the ERDB Director to enforce the provisions
of the Rules.
2. Bureau refers to the Energy Resource Development Bureau.
3. Contract refers to a Geothermal Service Contract.
4. Department refers to the Department of Energy.
5. Director refers to the Director of the ERDB.
6. DOLE refers to the Department of Labor and Employment.
7. Employee refers to any person who works for wage or salary in the
service of an employer.
8. Employer refers to the service contractor referred to in a Geothermal

Service Contract, and other entities, whether government or
private, engaged in geothermal operations, whether acting
alone or in consortium with others, that hires one or more
persons to work for wages or salaries.
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9. Hotwork refers to any activity that involves the use of heat such as
welding and gas cutting, and any other activity that
produces heat or sparks that could be a source of ignition in
a flammable / explosive atmosphere, such as grinding,
drilling or other similar activity, or any maintenance and
repair work on geothermal pipelines and facilities, that is
likely to affect the safety and operational condition of the
facilities.
10. Geothermal Operations refers to exploration for, development, production and

utilization of steam and brine from a geothermal field.
11. Geothermal Field refers to an area where the existence of geothermal

resources has been proven.
12. Geothermal Facilities refers to infrastructures, wells, pipelines and roadways.
13. Workplace refers to the office, premises or worksites where the

employees are situated, and shall include the office or place
where the workers who have no fixed or definite worksite,
regularly report for assignment in the course of their
employment.
14.OSHS refers to the Occupational, Safety and Health Standards

issued by the DOLE.
15. Non-Lost Time Accident refers to an accident that will not prevent the injured person
(NLTA) from performing his regular work on the day following the
day of injury and thereafter.
16. Lost Time Accident (LTA) refers to an accident that will prevent the injured person
from performing his regular job on the next working day
following the day of the injury or, after reporting for work
on the next working day following the day of the injury, the
injured person fails to continue his normal work due to
complications resulting in permanent injury and disability.
RULE 2
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 4. Powers and Duties of the Director or His Duly Authorized Representative
1. Enforce the Rules and all other pertinent regulations concerning occupational safety and
health.
2. Inquire into or inspect at reasonable hours of the day or night and in a manner that will
not impede or obstruct work or activities of the employer regarding safety of all
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installations within the geothermal field, and compliance with the terms and conditions of
the contract.
3. Administer oaths, summon company officials, employees, or other persons having

knowledge on the subject of inquiry, inspection or investigation, issue subpoena and
subpoena duces tecum requiring the attendance and for the taking of testimonies of
witnesses or the production of such books, papers, records and other pertinent of the
matter under investigation, inspection or injury.
4. Issue suspension/variation order in accordance with Rule 1012.3 and 1012.40 of OSHS,
as ammended.
5. Conduct separate incident/accident investigations involving fatal accidents and dangerous

occurrences to determine cause/s of such accidents and occurrences, and introduce
remedial measures to prevent their recurrence.
6. Suspend any particular activity or operation when such activity or operation causes or
will cause imminent danger until necessary actions are taken.
Section 5. Duties of Employers
1. Every employer shall make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate,
having regard to the nature and size of the employer's activities and undertaking, for the
effective planning, organization, control, monitoring and review of the relevant
preventive and protective measures.
2. For purposes of identifying the measures necessary to enable the employer to comply
with the requirements and prohibitions of the Rules, every employer shall conduct and
record suitable and sufficient assessment of the following:
a.) the risk to the health and safety of its employees while they are at work; and
b.) the risk to the health and safety of persons not under its employ as a result of or in
relation to the activities of its operations.
3. The employer in any of the following instances shall review the assessment referred to in
Number 2 above:
a.) there is reasonable ground to believe that the assessment is no longer valid;
b.) there has been a significant change in the matter to which the assessment relates;
or
c.) where, as a result of any such review, changes to the assessment are required.
4. Every employer shall provide its employees with comprehensible and relevant hazard
information consisting of the following:
a.) the risk to their health and safety identified by the assessment;
b.) the preventive and protective measures;
c.) the procedures used in hazard assessment; and
d.) the identity of the persons appointed to conduct hazard assessment.
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Section 6. Duties of Employees
1. Every employee using any machinery, equipment, dangerous substance, transport

equipment, means of production or safety device supplied to him by his employer shall
use it in accordance with company policies and the relevant provisions of the Rules.
2. Every employee shall inform his employer or the person with specific responsibility for
the health and safety of his fellow employees:
a.) of any work situation which a person equipped with the necessary training and
instruction would reasonably consider as posing a serious and immediate danger
to health and safety; and
b.) of any matter, which a person equipped with the necessary training and
instruction, would reasonably consider as a shortcoming in the employer's
protection arrangements for health and safety.
Section 7. Cooperation and Coordination
1. Where two or more employees share a workplace, whether on temporary or permanent

basis, each shall:
a.) cooperate with the other contractor(s) concerned insofar as practicable and
necessary to enable them to comply with the requirements and prohibitions
imposed upon them by or under the Rules;
b.) take all reasonable steps to coordinate the measures which are necessary to
comply with the measures that the other contractor(s) concerned is/are taking; and
c.) take all reasonable steps to inform the other employers of the risks to their
employee's health and safety arising from or in connection with the conduct of
their undertaking.
Section 8. Code of Practice
The Bureau shall make public, technical guidelines and /or code of practice for health and safety
management systems for any geothermal operations, processes or methods that are deemed
necessary to ensure appropriate and effective implementation of safety and health measures that
the employer is required to observe under the Rules. Failure to comply with the guidelines or
code of practice under the Rules could be taken as proof of violation of the Rules.
Section 9. Interpretation
Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 7, Section 33, where the requirements thereof overlap or
duplicate an existing regulation, compliance with a more specific regulation shall be considered
substantial compliance thereof. However, where the requirements go beyond those in the more
specific regulations, additional measures shall be instituted to comply fully with the Rules. The
Director shall determine such measures that are or will be at least as effective as the standards
prescribed under the Rules.
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Section 10. Administrative Penalties
1. Any violation of the provisions of the Rules shall be subject to the following
administrative penalties:
d. Failure or late submission of monthly incident/accident statistical reports and
minutes of the safety meetings
i. First Offense Written warning
ii. Second Offense Fine of $ 100.00
iii. Third Offense Fine of $ 200.00
e. Failure to register or secure/renew a permit for safety engineers/officers

i. Within one(1) month after the expiration of the old permit Fine of
$ 100.00
ii. After one(1) month after the expiration of the old permit Fine of
$ 200.00 and additional fine of $ 200.00 per month on the
succeeding months.
c. Failure to employ a qualified safety officer.

i. Within six(6) months after the signing of service contract Fine of
$ 100.00
ii. After the sixth (6th) month and every succeeding month. an
additional fine of $ 200.00 per month.
f. Failure to notify the Bureau using the fastest and efficient means of
communication the occurrence of any incident/accident specified and within the
period set forth in Rule 4 Section 16 of the Rules - Fine of $ 100.00.
g. Failure to correct any unsafe condition(s) noted by the Bureau's authorized

representative.
i. First Offense Written warning
ii. Second Offense Fine of $ 100.00
iii. Third Offense Fine of $ 200.00 and/or suspension of operation
in the area affected until the unsafe condition(s) is/are rectified.
d. Withholding or failure to provide pertinent data or information regarding the

safety aspects of geothermal operations as required by the Bureau.
i. First offense Written warning
ii. Second offense Fine of $ 100.00
iii. Third offense Fine of $ 200.00
2. Official receipts shall cover all fines collected in accordance with paragraph (1) hereof.
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RULE 3
SAFETY AND HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Section 11. Policy Statement
A general safety and health policy statement in writing shall be issued by the corporate
organization to reflect management's positive attitude, support and commitment to effective
leadership and program administration for safety and health.
Section 12. The Safety and Health Organization
The Safety and Health Organization shall be under the direct and immediate control and
supervision of the Highest official. The safety and health program of the Organization shall be
integrated in its overall management and control system. The employer shall ensure that a safety
unit is assigned in each operation (i.e., plant or project) to maximize effective implementation of
the employer's safety and health program and enforcement of the Rules.
Section 13. Personnel
1. Every employer shall appoint the number of qualified Full-time Safety

Engineers/Officers in accordance with the following:
Minimum Number of Full-time Safety Engineer/Officers
Number of Employees in 1000 and 500 to less than

Geothermal Operations above 999 500
Exploration 2 1 1
Development 3 2 1
Construction 3 2 1
Production 2 1 1
Plant Operation 3 2 1
2. Every employer shall designate a qualified supervisor as temporary Safety Officer in any
of the following cases:
a. When exploration is the only activity and involves less than ten (10) persons.
b. When the Full-time Safety Officer cannot attend to the needs of the exploration
team.
c.
3. Every employer shall appoint the number of qualified occupational health personnel in
accordance with Rule 1960 of the OSHS, as amended.
Section 14. Safety and Health Committee
In consonance with Rule 1040 of the OSHS, as amended, a safety and Health Committee shall be
organized in all geothermal offices, plants, projects and installations after commencement of its
operations. The Committee shall be composed of the following:
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More than 400 200 to 400 Less than 200
Chairman Manager or equivalent Manager or equivalent Manager or equivalent
Members 2 Department Heads 1 Division Manager 1 Supervisor
4 employee 3 employee 3 employee
representatives representatives representatives
(preferably organized (preferably organized (preferably organized

union member) union member) union member)
Company Physician Company Physician or Company Physician or
Company Nurse Company Nurse
Secretary Full-time Safety Full-time Safety Full-time Safety

Engineer/Officer Engineer/Officer Engineer/Officer
Section 15. Qualifications of Safety Engineer/Officer and Issuance, Cancellation of

Safety Engineer's/Officer's Permit
1. An employee shall be regarded as a qualified Safety Engineer/Officer for the purpose of

Section 12 hereof if she/he has the sufficient training, experience, knowledge and other
qualities to enable her/him to fulfill the tasks required under the Rules.
2. All persons employed in the practice of occupational safety in the geothermal industry shall
be duly qualified and accredited by the Bureau.
3. The Bureau may issue a certification/permit, attesting to the competence, of a person

possessing any of the following qualifications:
a. Duly registered and currently licensed engineer with at least five (5) years actual
experience in occupational safety in geothermal industry-related work;
b. Holder of a baccalaureate degree, with at least seven (7) years actual experience
in occupational safety in geothermal industry-related work; or
c. Accredited as a Safety Practitioner by the DOLE before the promulgation of the
Rules.
4. A Safety Engineer's/Officer's Permit shall be issued upon submission of the following

requirements:
a. A duly accomplished and sworn application (refer to Appendix "A") with
emphasis on service record.
b. Endorsement and certification from the employer and/or service contractor.
c. Two (2) pieces of 2" X 2" size pictures (any color) taken not less than three (3)
months at the time of application; and
d. Payment of application/processing fee in the amount of Two Hundred Pesos
(P200.00).
5. Annual renewal of permit shall be made within one month prior to the date of expiration of
the previously issued permit. The Bureau shall issue a new permit only after reviewing the
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qualifications and meritorious service record of the applicant, and compliance with the
aforementioned accreditation requirements.
6. The Director may, upon the recommendation of the Chief of the Geothermal Division of the
Bureau, cancel accreditation of safety personnel for any of the following reasons:
a. Conviction of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude;
b. Violation of professional ethics; or
c. Gross negligence resulting in incidents/accidents as referred, but not limited to,
Rule 4 Section 16 (2) of the Rules.
RULE 4
REPORTING AND RECORDING OF INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS
Section 16. Notification and Reporting
1. Every employer shall report to the Bureau in writing, the result of the investigation of all
lost time accidents with major loss/damages.
2. In the transmittal of the written report required under paragraph (1) above, to the Bureau,
every employer shall utilize the fastest available means of communication and shall be
made within twenty-four (24) hours after occurrence of any, but not limited to, the
following incidents;
a. fatal accidents;
b. hospitalization of three (3) or more persons;
c. accidental detonation of explosives including blasting agents;
d. geothermal explosion or blowout;
e. accidental or over-exposure to ionizing radiation;
f. accidental exposure to Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) levels
of toxic substances; and
g. property damages amounting to P1,000,000.00.
3. Each report shall be made using the prescribed form in Appendix "B".
4. A monthly statistical accident report shall be submitted by every employer to the Bureau
on or before the 10th day of the succeeding month using the prescribed form in Appendix
"C". Should the 10th day fall on a holiday, Saturday or Sunday, the said report shall be
submitted on the next working day.
Section 17. Record-keeping
1. Every employer shall maintain a log and summary, on a calendar year basis, of all
reportable incidents, which shall be completed in detail in the prescribed form.
2. The log and summary shall be made available during inspection to the representatives of
the Bureau.
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RULE 5
GENERAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROVISIONS
Section 18. General Applicability

If a particular standard or regulation is applicable to a specific condition, practice, means,
method, process or operation, that standard or regulation shall prevail over a general standard or
regulation which might also be applicable to the same condition, practice, means, method,
process or operation.
Section 19. Safety and Health Training
1. Every employer shall ensure that his employees are provided with adequate health and safety
training upon employment and on their being exposed to new or increased risks due to any of
the following:
a.) transferred or given a change of responsibilities within the employer's undertaking;
b.) the introduction of new work equipment into or a change concerning work equipment
already in use within the employer's undertaking:
c.) the introduction of new technology into the employer's undertaking; or
d.) the introduction of a new system of work into or a change concerning a system of
work already in use within the employer's undertaking.
2. The safety and health training shall:

a.) be repeated periodically where appropriate;
b.) be adapted to take account of any new or changed risks to the health and safety of the
employees concerned;
c.) take place during working hours; and
d.) be recorded to include the title, duration, facilitators/lecturers and results of course
evaluations, among others.
Section 20. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1. Every employer shall determine the presence of hazards or potential risks requiring the use of
the PPE. If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer/contractor shall:
a.) Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee;
b.) Communicate selection decisions;
c.) Require affected employee to use the PPE;
d.) Provide training on the proper use and care of the PPE to each employee who is
required to use the same.
2. Employees shall be provided with the appropriate PPE, safety devices and equipment as
required. All PPE to be used shall be of the approved design and construction appropriate for
the exposure and the work to be performed.
3. Prior to use, appropriate fit test examination shall be conducted to ensure that the PPE
conforms to the following minimum requirements:
a.) Provide adequate protection against the specific hazard for which they are designed or
intended;
b.) Be reasonably comfortable to use; and
c.) Fit properly and shall not unduly interfere with the movements of the user.
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4. No employee in a geothermal plant or field shall be subjected or exposed to a hazardous
environmental condition without the necessary protection.
5. The employee is physically fit to use the PPE.
Section 21. Workplace Monitoring and Control
1. Every employer shall monitor and control the employees' exposure to workplace hazards, and
shall maintain such records for each employee in accordance with Rule 1070 of the OSHS, as
amended.
2. All regular measurements of the workplace hazards shall be carried out in operations and
work processes, and a record of such measurement shall be made available during the
Bureau's inspection.
3. Periodic monitoring of airborne toxic and hazardous substances.
4. Every employer shall develop an appropriate procedure relative to works involving toxic and
hazardous substances.
Section 22. Electrical and Mechanical Works
All electrical and mechanical installations, constructions and equipment shall be in accordance
with the provisions of the latest edition of the Philippine Electrical Code and Philippine Society
of Mechanical Engineering Code. Operations, maintenance and repair works of electrical and
mechanical equipment or machinery shall be done by qualified and duly authorized personnel.
Section 23. Guarding of Machinery
All moving parts of machinery and all dangerous parts of equipment shall be effectively guarded
in conformity with Rule 1200 of the OSHS, as amended.
Section 24. Work Permit System
1. Every employer shall adopt and implement a "Work Permit" system.
2. Every employer shall not allow any Hot Work unless all fire and explosion hazards are
removed or controlled.
3. Every employer shall ensure that employees exposed to the hazards created by any Hot Work
are protected by PPE in accordance with the requirements of Section 3 of the Rules.
Section 25. Use of Commercial Explosives
No employer shall store, handle or transport explosives or blasting agents within geothermal
facilities when such storage, handling and transportation of explosives or blasting agents
constitutes an undue hazard to life or limb. For this purpose, pertinent requirements of Rule 20,
Div. 1-3 of the Fire Code of the Philippines is hereby adopted. A monthly transaction report shall
be submitted to the Bureau using the prescribed form in Appendix "D".
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Section 26. Construction Works
Every employer shall safeguard their employees engaged in construction work by complying
with appropriate standards. The construction safety standards provided under Rule 1410 of the
OSHS are hereby adopted and shall apply, according to the provisions thereof, to every
geothermal workplace.
Section 27. Fire protection and Control
1. Every employer shall, in consideration of the potential risk involved, construct or install,
provide, incorporate, adopt and maintain in geothermal facility under operable and practical
conditions the following:
a.) Fire suppression devices, equipment or systems;
b.) Fire safety structures; and
c.) Fire protection and warning systems.
2. Every employer shall ensure that geothermal operations or processes with potential for
serious fire and explosion are segregated or so located in areas where only a minimum
number of employees required in the process is allowed at any given time.
3. For basic safety measures and special precautions required for fire prevention in hazardous
work processes as well as use, handling and/or storage of hazardous materials, relevant
provisions of the Fire Code of the Philippines shall be adopted.
Section 28. Serious and Imminent Danger
1. Every employer shall;

a.) establish appropriate emergency action plan to be implemented in the event of serious
and imminent danger.
b.) designate a sufficient number of competent persons to implement those procedures
insofar as they relate to the evacuation of employees from their work; and
c.) ensure that none of its employees has access to any area to which it is necessary to
restrict access on grounds of health and safety unless the employee concerned has
received adequate health and safety instructions and the employee's presence is
necessary for the abatement of the imminent danger.
2. For the purpose of No. 1 (a) above, the procedures that may be adopted by the employer shall
include the following:
a.) Inform any person at work who is exposed to serious and imminent danger, of the
nature of the hazard and of the steps taken or to be taken to protect him/her from the
hazard;
b.) Enable the persons concerned, without prejudice to taking appropriate steps in the
absence of guidance or instruction and in the light of their knowledge and the
technical means at their disposal, to stop work and immediately proceed to a safe
place in the event of their being exposed to serious, imminent and unavoidable
danger; and
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c.) In exceptional cases, for reasons duly substantiated, prevent the persons concerned
from resuming work in any situation where there is still serious and imminent danger.
3. A person shall be regarded as competent for the purposes of No. 1 (b) above where he has
sufficient training, experience or knowledge and other qualities, to enable him/her to properly
implement the evacuation procedure referred to therein.
4. Every employer shall set up, communicate and maintain an appropriate emergency alarm
system to alert or warn all persons likely to be affected by existing or imminent disaster
conditions. The alarm shall be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate the area or
to perform actions designated under the emergency action plan.
5. Every employer shall conduct emergency drills at least twice every year to ensure safe and
orderly evacuation of personnel as well as timely and effective action of response team.
Section 29. Hazard Communication
1. Every employer shall inform all its employees on the safety and health hazards associated
with their work. Hazardous substance and chemicals used, processed or produced shall be
evaluated, stored in approved containers and properly labeled.
2. Standard instructional/warning sign and color code for identification of materials conveyed
in piping system shall be used by every employer consistent with the requirements of the
OSHS, as amended, and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Code, respectively.
Section 30. Engineering Change Management
As part of the engineering functions or process management, all new installations, plant,
equipment and changes in facility shall have a hazard screening and review conducted to ensure
conformance with standards.
RULE 6
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Section 31. Health Program
1. Every employer shall promote, protect and maintain the health and well being of its employees
through the implementation of an occupational health program which includes the following:
a.) Health examination - pre-employment, periodic, special, transfer/separation and
other health examination deemed necessary by qualified health authority;
b.) Management and treatment of occupational injuries and diseases;
c.) Immunization programs;
d.) Health education and counseling;
e.) Keeping of medical records; and
f.) Other relevant health program.
2. Health surveillance shall include the following activities:

a.) Biological monitoring;
b.) Medical surveillance; and
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c.) Symptoms injury, inspection and examination.
Section 32. Health Services
1. Every employer shall, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 1960 of the OSHS, as
amended, provide the necessary medical and dental services and facilities.
2. Every employer shall maintain necessary additional emergency medical supplies and
medicines as recommended by the employer's medical personnel.
3. In the absence of a clinic or hospital near and/or in proximity to the place of work, every
employer shall ensure that suitable transport facilities are readily available, and sufficient
number of persons are adequately trained and readily available to render first aid.
4. The employer shall provide the necessary sanitary and welfare facilities in the work place as
required under Chapter VII of P.D. 856 otherwise known as the "Sanitation Code of the
Philippines."
RULE 7
FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 33. Separability Clause
In the event that any provision of the Rules or the application of such a provision to any person
or circumstance is declared invalid, the remainder of the Rules and the application of such a
provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration.
Section 34. Resolution of Conflicts and Overlapping Jurisdictions
In case any provision of the Rules conflicts, duplicates or overlaps with rules and regulations
being implemented by other government agencies, such conflict, duplication or overlapping shall
be resolved by coordination or any other means of cooperation among such agencies.
Section 35. Repealing Clause
All geothermal safety and health rules and regulations, orders or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with or contrary to the Rules are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.
Section 36. Effectivity

The Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila.

11 February 2000.
Sgd.
MARIO V. TIAOQUI
Secretary
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APPENDICES
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Appendix A
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Energy Resource Development Bureau
Geothermal Division
Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila
APPLICATION FOR SAFETY ENGINEER’S / OFFICER’S PERMIT
NAME : _______________________________ SEX : __________________________

RESIDENCE : ___________________________________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH : _______________________________ PLACE OF BIRTH : __________________________
CITIZENSHIP : _______________________________ CIVIL STATUS : __________________________
EMPLOYER : _______________________________ ADDRESS : __________________________
DESIGNATION : _______________________________ ACR No. : __________________________
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
DATE ATTENDED DEGREE COMPLETED
ELEMENTARY : ______________________________ __________________ ____________________

SECONDARY : ______________________________ __________________ ____________________
VOCATIONAL : ______________________________ __________________ ____________________
COLLEGE : ______________________________ __________________ ____________________
POST GRADUATE: ______________________________ __________________ ____________________
WORK EXPERIENCE
NAME & ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER : ___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________
INCLUSIVE DATE : ______________________________ LAST POSITION HELD : ____________________
TRAINING/SEMINARS : __________________________ INCLUSIVE DATES : _______________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
SKILLS/SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS : __________________________________________________________
GOVERNMENT EXAMINATION PASSED : ______________________________________________________
I hereby certify that the statements given above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
________________________________ ________________
Signature of Applicant Date
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me, affiant exhibit to me his/her Residence Certificate No. ____________
Issued at ___________________ on ___________________.
Notary Public
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Do not fill beyond this point
Date Received/Evaluated : ___________________________ Evaluated by : ______________________________

Result of Evaluation : _______________________________ Recommending Approval : ____________________
Action Taken : _____________________________________ Approved by : ______________________________
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Appendix B
ACCIDENT REPORT
1. COMPANY OR DIVISION 3. DEPARTMENT
2. LOCATION OF INCIDENT 4. DATE OF INCIDENT 5. TIME AM 6. DATE OF REPORT
PM
INJURY OR ILLNESS PROPERTY DAMAGE OTHER ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL LOSS

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
7. INJURED NAME 14. PROPERTY DAMAGE 18. TYPE
8. PART OF THE BODY 9. DAYS LOST 15. NATURE OF DAMAGE 19. C0ST
10. NATURE OF BODY OR ILLNESS 16. COST 20. NATURE OF LOSS
11. OBJECT/EQUIPMENT/SUBSTANCE INFLICTING 17. OBJECT/EQUIPMENT/SUBSTANCE INFLICTING 21. OBJECT/EQUIPMENT/SUBSTANCE

HARM DAMAGE RELATED
12. OCCUPATION 13. EXPERIENCE 22. PERSON IN CONTROL OF ACTIVITY AT THE TIME OF OCCURENCE
23. LOST SEVERITY POTENTIAL 24. PROBABILITY

RISK
major serious minor high moderate low
25. DESCRIBE HOW THE EVENT OCCURRED

DESCRIPTION
26. IMMEDIATE CAUSES WHAT SUBSTANDARD ACTIONS OR COULD CAUSE THE EVENT (REFER TO 26A)
CAUSE ANALYSIS
27. BASIC CAUSES WHAT SPECIFIC PERSONAL OR JOB FACTORS CAUSED OR COULD CAUSE THE EVENT? (REFER TO 26A)
28. REMEDIAL ACTIONS WHAT HAS BEEN AND/OR SHOULD BE DONE TO CONTROL THE CAUSES LISTED
ACTION PLAN
29. SIGNATURE OF INVESTIGATOR 30. FOLLOW-UP CIRCLE NUMBER FOR TEMPORARY X FOR FINAL ACTION DATE
31. SIGNATURE OF REVIEWER 32. DATE

1._______ 2. _______ 3. _______ 4. _______ 5. _______ 6. _______
19
20
Appendix C
MONTHLY ACCIDENT STATISTICS

(For the month of ______________, 20__)
For the period there was a total of _________accident cases
I. COMPANY OWNED: This Month YTD
A. Personal Accident
1. Number of Lost-time Accidents (Fatal) LTA
2. Number of Lost-time Accidents (Non-Fatal) LTA
3. Number of Days Lost
4. Number of Non Lost-time Accidents (NLTA)
5. Total Number of Accidents
6. Number of Man-hours Worked
7. Total Number of Employees
8. Frequency Rate
9. Severity Rate
10. Property Damage Cost (MP)
11. Physical Injury Cost (MP)
12. Total Accident Cost (MP)
B. Other Accidents
1. Number of Vehicular Accidents (LV and HE)
2. Number of Other Equipment Damage Accidents
3. Vehicular Damage Cost (MP)
4. Other Equipment Cost (MP)
5. Total Vehicular and Other Equipment Damage Cost (MP)
Prepared by: Attested by:
_________________________________ ____________________________________
Safety Officer Resident Manager
Appendix C1
_____________________________________
(Month and Year)
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL ACCIDENTS
ACCIDENTS
MONTH DAYS TOTAL FREQUENCY SEVERITY
LOST-TIME LOST Man-Hours RATE (FR) RATE (SR)
MONTH NLTA Fatal Non-Fatal
TOTAL
This TTo
To This To This To This To This To This To This To This To
Month Date Month Date Month Date Month Date Month Date Month Date Month Date Month Date
Januar
JANUARY
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
22
Appendix C2
_____________________________________
(Month and Year)
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL ACCIDENTS WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR
ACCIDENTS
DAYS TOTAL FREQUENCY SEVERITY
MONTH
TOTAL
This TTo
Januar
JANUARY
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
23
Appendix C3
_____________________________________
(Month and Year)
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL ACCIDENTS BY DEPARTMENT
ACCIDENTS
DAYS TOTAL FREQUENCY SEVERITY
MONTH
TOTAL
This TTo
24
Appendix C4
_____________________________________
(Month and Year)
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL ACCIDENTS BY OCCUPATION
ACCIDENTS
MONTH LOST-TIME TOTAL PERCENTAGE

OCCUPATION NLTA
Fatal Non-Fatal
This To This To This To This To This To

Month Date Month Date Month Date Month Date Month Date
25
Appendix C5
_____________________________________
(Month and Year)
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL ACCIDENTS BY PART OF THE BODY
ACCIDENTS

PART OF THE BODY NLTA
Fatal Non-Fatal

HEAD
EYES
HAND/FINGER
ARM
TRUNK
BACK
LEG
FOOT/TOE
OTHERS (SPECIFY)
26
Appendix C6
_____________________________________
(Month and Year)
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL ACCIDENTS BY WORK PLACE
ACCIDENTS

WORK PLACE NLTA
Fatal Non-Fatal

27
Appendix C7
_____________________________________
(Month and Year)
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL ACCIDENTS BY IMMEDIATE CAUSES
ACCIDENTS

IMMEDIATE CAUSE NLTA
Fatal Non-Fatal

HANDLING MATERIALS
STRUCK BY / AGAINST
CAUGHT IN / BETWEEN
CONTACT WITH SHARP OBJECT
FOREIGN BODY ENTRY
BURN (FIRE/STEAM)
SLIP / FALL
RUBBED OR ABRADED BY
CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY
OVER EXERTION
HAND TOOLS
OTHERS (SPECIFY)
28
Appendix D
EXPLOSIVE MONTHLY TRANSACTION REPORT
Use/Disposition, Purchase and Current Inventory of Explosives
For the Month of _____________________, 20____
Previous Purchase/ Sold/ Used/

ITEM Code Unit Balance Adjustment Imports Total Disposal Issued to Disposed Total Balance
Prepared / Verified True and Correct:
Attested By:
Submitted By:
29
DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. DC 2003 – 10 - 009
GEOTHERMAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CODE OF PRACTICE
STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY
Pursuant to Rule 2, Section 8 of Department Circular No. 2000-02-001, otherwise known as the
“Revised Geothermal Safety and Health Rules and Regulations”, and in order to ensure adequate
safety and protection against hazards to health, life and property as well as pollution of air, land and
water from geothermal operations, the following geothermal safety and health code of practice are
hereby promulgated:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION I. SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY
A. SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY STATEMENT
1. Providing a safe workplace while protecting the health of the workers must be the
principal responsibility of the geothermal operator. To achieve this, safety and
health concerns must be thoroughly integrated in the geothermal operator's
management policy.
2. The geothermal operator, as a matter of policy, shall:
a. Issue a safety and health policy statement to reflect management's positive

attitude, support and commitment for effective leadership and program
administration;
b. Give importance to the safety and health aspect of their operation by creating a
safety and health organization under the direct supervision of top
management;
c. Establish a system to implement and monitor compliance of their contractors

and sub-contractors to the safety and health policies of the company;
d. Implement programs to ensure that the relevant government safety and health
rules, regulations and codes are complied with; and
e. Establish an emergency plan to address any incident that may pose serious and
imminent danger to the company’s personnel, the environment and the
community.
SECTION II. DEFINITION OF TERMS
1.Accessory Valves – refers to valves used for vent, sampling point, pressure
tapping point and drain valves.
2.Fluid Collection and Re-injection System (FCRS) – also referred to as Steam

Gathering System.
3.Confined Space – refers to any area that has hazardous atmosphere, with
restricted means for entry and exit and/or not designated for continuous
employee occupancy.
4.CSEP – refers to Confined Space Entry Procedures.
5.Procedure – refers to a formal step-by-step instruction describing how a

specific task or work activity should be done.
6.Program – refers to a plan under which action may be taken toward a goal.
7.R.A. 6969 – refers to Toxic substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste
Control Act of 1990
8.Standard – refers to Specification or guidelines on how things ought to be done.
9.Start-up of Wells – refers to the flowing and discharging of geothermal fluid

from a well to the atmosphere.
10. Steam Gathering System (SGS) – refers to Process of steam gathering and
fluid collection, separation and injection.
11. Stroking – refers to a process done on the valve to check problems; like hard
to operate and valve sticking by closing and opening by few turns.
12. System – refers to an organized scheme of how things are done; includes
procedures, policies describing how an organization works.
SECTION III. SAFETY AND HEALTH PRACTICES
A. GENERAL SAFETY
1. OFFICE SAFETY
a. An office maintenance and housekeeping program shall be in place as

prescribed in Section III.A.4 hereof.
b. Horse playing shall be prohibited within company premises.
c. Only authorized personnel shall operate equipment and appliances.

31
d. Electrical equipment and appliances shall be immediately shut-off when not in
use.
e. Smoking inside the office shall not be allowed.
f. An ergonomics program shall be in place to address work procedures in order

to minimize stress to the musculo-skeletal system.
2. LABORATORY SAFETY
a. All chemicals and sample containers shall be properly stored and labeled.
b. The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of all chemicals in storage or in use
shall be made available for reference at all times.
c. Safety work procedures for the following task shall be provided and
reviewed/evaluated periodically:
i. Geochemical and Environmental Sampling

ii. Field Data Gathering
iii. Laboratory Analysis
iv. Laboratory Instrument Operation
v. Waste Collection, Storage, Transport, Treatment and Disposal
vi. Chemical Handling
Preparation of acids, bases and other corrosive chemicals shall be done in the
fume hood.
d. The laboratory is a non-smoking area.
e. Compressed gas cylinders shall be stored, transported and handled as
prescribed in Section III.G hereof.
f. All instrument plugs, cables and power outlets shall be labeled with its
corresponding power ratings.
g. Eye wash stations and emergency showers shall be available in designated
areas and regularly maintained.
3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
a. Employers shall have a PPE program in place.

b. Employers shall make appropriate and adequate PPE available at all times.
c. Employees shall be trained on the selection, use (fit-test) and maintenance of
approved PPE.
d. All work activities/workplaces requiring the use of PPE shall be identified.
32
e. To communicate to employees the use of the required PPE, Adequate
signs/warnings shall be posted in areas requiring PPE.
f. PPE shall be properly maintained in good condition.
g. All employees shall comply with PPE requirements.
h. Hard hat shall be worn in designated "HARD HAT AREA".
i. Appropriate eye protection shall be worn while handling chemicals, exposed
to dusts or any operations that can cause eye injuries.
j. Face shields shall be worn as protection against flying particles, sprays or
hazardous liquid, splashes of molten metals and hot solution.
k. Appropriate hearing protection shall be worn in areas where the noise level
exceeds 85 decibels.
l. Appropriate respiratory protection shall be worn in areas where air-borne
contaminants such as toxic materials, gases, fumes, mist and dusts are present.
m. Appropriate gloves shall be worn when handling toxic materials and working
on energized electrical circuit or apparatus.
n. Aprons, welding gloves, leggings and welding masks shall be worn while
performing welding jobs. Head protection shall be worn when necessary.
o. All employees shall wear suitable protective clothing against excessive
temperature due to steam/hot water lines or other well appurtenances.
p. Full body harness and/or lifelines shall be properly worn while working at
elevated structures (minimum of 6 ft.), in pits, tunnels, ducts and other
confined spaces. Lifelines shall be surely fastened/anchored while in use.
q. Safety shoes shall be worn in areas where they are required.
4. HOUSEKEEPING
a. Employers shall devise procedures or guidelines for the following in

accordance with existing laws and regulations:
i. Obstructions (passageways, aisles, ingress and egress);
ii. Domestic and process waste management (generation; collection,
segregation, storage and disposal);
iii. Storage of materials, tools and equipment;
iv. Signage (directional/instructional);
v. Barricades and zoning;
vi. Building and ground maintenance of offices and field facilities;
vii. Pest and rodent control; and
viii. Control for stray animals (e.g. snake, salamander, cats, dogs).
33
B. WORKPLACE MONITORING AND CONTROL
1. HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S) SAFETY
a. Employer shall have an H2S monitoring and control program in place.
b. Evaluate each job for H2S hazard before starting job and while doing the work.
c. Continuous monitoring of H2S shall be conducted during work activity in areas

where its presence is anticipated or expected.
d. Signs indicating the location of H2S detection equipment and supplied air-
breathing equipment shall be provided.
e. Employee shall report immediately areas with H2S concentration.
f. Areas with potential H2S hazard shall have warning signs.
g. The use of “Buddy System” is a MUST when working in an area suspected to

have a high H2S concentration.
h. Wind direction shall be monitored prior to and during work where H2S may be
present. Flags or windsocks shall be installed at strategic locations to help
indicate wind direction.
i. Employers shall have in place an H2S information and education campaign

program to increase awareness of workers of its hazards.
j. Emergency procedures shall be implemented in case of accidental discharge.

Only trained and suitably equipped personnel shall conduct rescue and/or
recovery operation in an H2S emergency situation.
2. PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURE
a. Employers shall have a hearing conservation program in place for the exposed
workers.
b. Employers must comply with noise exposure levels as mandated by
occupational safety and health standards.
3. ILLUMINATION
a. Skylights and windows shall be located and spaced so that daylight conditions
are fairly uniform over the working area.
b. All occupied offices and buildings, including perimeters, shall be properly

illuminated during normal operation based on the Philippine Electrical Code.
34
c. Adequate automatic emergency lighting system shall be provided in all
stairways, exits, workplaces and passages as required by the Philippine Building
Code and the Fire Protection Code.
d. Adequate ground lighting shall be provided within the working premises.
4. GENERAL VENTILATION
a. Suitable atmospheric conditions shall be maintained in all work areas by natural

and/or artificial means. Measures shall be taken to minimize, if not eliminate,
process-related airborne hazards such as dusts, gases, vapor, or mists at the
source.
5. TEMPERATURE EXTREME
a. All workers exposed to extreme temperatures shall wear suitable protective

clothing.
b. All equipment and facility shall undergo re-evaluation for possible redesign or
engineering control to minimize temperature hazard.
6. RADIATION
a. All potential sources of electro-magnetic radiation, such as switchyards, high

voltage power lines and transformers, shall be identified and restricted to
authorized personnel only.
b. All works and materials emitting radiation, such as radiographic testing and
naturally occurring radioactive materials from drilling, shall be covered by
appropriate permit and signage.
C. ELECTRICAL WORKS
1. ELECTRICAL WORKS REQUIREMENTS
a. All electrical works shall be covered by safe work permits.
b. Only duly qualified and authorized personnel shall be allowed to conduct

electrical works.
c. Only authorized personnel shall supervise all electrical works and materials
used shall conform to the established electrical codes.
d. Required PPE shall be used as prescribed in Section III.A.3 hereof.

35
e. Materials, tools and equipment shall be inspected for any wear and damages
that may expose the worker to injury.
f. Electrical tools and equipment shall be properly guarded and grounded.
g. Electrical tools and equipment shall be maintained in a safe reliable condition

and shall be periodically inspected or tested.
h. Proper warning and instructional signs shall be visibly posted at all times
when work is being performed, and shall be removed or recovered promptly
after work is completed.
i. Appropriate lock-out and tag-out procedures shall be implemented and

observed.
j. First aid and/or emergency response team shall be available during all
electrical works.
k. Hazardous electrical wastes shall be properly managed.
D. TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
1. TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY OPERATIONS
a. Only duly authorized personnel shall operate tools and equipment.
b. Appropriate tools shall be used on a specific job.
c. Defective tools and equipment shall be immediately removed and reported to

proper authorities.
d. All portable electrically driven tools shall be properly grounded before use.
e. Air supply shall be shut off when pneumatic tools are not in use.
f. Pointed or sharp tools shall be provided with cover.
2. MACHINE GUARDING
a. Adequate machine guards shall be provided on all moving and rotating parts.
b. Machine guards shall not be altered, adjusted or removed unless authorized.
c. Missing or defective guards of equipment shall be reported immediately by the

operator and shall be immediately replaced.
36
E. SAFE WORK PERMIT
1. SAFE WORK PERMIT PROCEDURES
a. Established safe work permit procedures shall be implemented in the

following works:
i. Electrical and Mechanical Lock-out/Tag-out

ii. Confined Space Entry
iii. Hot Work
iv. Excavation
v. Hazardous Materials Handling
vi. Work at Heights
vii. Major Lifts
viii. Radiation
ix. Blasting
b. The above permit shall include the minimum applicable requirements:
i. Permit Number
ii. Authorized permit Originator and Issuer
iii. Date of Issue
iv. Work Description (Area/ Activity Covered)
v. Validity of Permit
vi. Work Precaution Checklist
vii. Protective Measure Checklist
viii. Work Party Acceptance
ix. Emergency Response/Equipment
x. Environment Monitoring
xi. Hazard Identification
xii. Work Carry Over (Turnover of Unfinished Work)
xiii. Sign Off (Closing)
c. Control for issuance and recording of all permits shall be established.
d. Permits shall be properly posted in the work area.
e. Work covered by permit shall be immediately stopped if permit conditions is

not complied with or violated.
f. An assessment shall be conducted to determine the need for safe work permits
on other facilities and equipment on site.
g. Employees affected by the work permit procedures shall be trained on

application procedures. Permitting authorities shall likewise be identified and
properly trained.
h. A periodic safety audit shall be in place to determine its adequacy on

compliance and effectiveness.
37
F. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
1. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE
a. Toxic chemicals and hazardous waste/substances shall be properly managed

(handling, storage, transport and disposal) in accordance with RA 6969.
b. All related Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) shall be readily available and
communicated to workers for information and reference.
c. All workers that maybe exposed to chemical shall be trained on recommended

hazard controls of various chemicals used in the workplace.
d. Chemicals, especially those which exhibit peculiarities such as ammonia,

hydrogen peroxide and caustic soda shall be stored in cool and dry area.
e. Wear the appropriate PPE as stated in the instruction/procedure or as advised

by the supervisor.
f. All exposed workers shall immediately seek proper medical attention for any
untoward effects from handling toxic chemicals and hazardous
wastes/substances.
G. COMPRESSED GAS
1. COMPRESSED GAS HANDLING AND STORAGE
a. Gas cylinders shall be chained/supported in an upright position at all times.
b. Cylinder cap shall be properly installed when the cylinder is not in use and
when being moved/transported.
c. Gas cylinders shall be labelled, appropriately stored and secured in designated

areas.
d. All hoses, gas regulators and other accessories shall be regularly inspected and
maintained.
e. Appropriate shut-off tool/spanner shall be readily available for use.
f. Flashback arresters shall always be available and properly installed.
g. Compressed gas cylinders are prohibited inside confined spaces.
38
H. FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
1. FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS HANDLING, STORAGE,

LABELLING AND DISPOSAL
a. Flammable liquids shall be properly stored, labeled, handled and disposed

according to recommended controls as specified in the MSDS.
b. Approved safety pumps and similar devices shall be used when transferring
liquids from one container to another. Motorized pumps shall be properly
grounded.
c. Appropriate safety containers shall be used in handling or transporting

flammable liquids.
d. Adequate fire control and fire fighting equipment shall always be available in
areas where flammable liquids are present.
e. Flammable liquids shall not be discharged into the sewers, drainage, canals or
natural waterways.
f. Empty flammable containers shall be disposed of in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.
I. EXPLOSIVES
1. EXPLOSIVE STORAGE, USE AND TRANSPORTATION
a. The government laws pertaining to the use, storage and transportation of

explosives shall be strictly observed. Manufacturer’s instructions for the safe
handling and storage of explosives are to be followed.
b. Disposal of all empty explosive containers shall be in accordance with

manufacturer's recommendations.
c. Warning signs about the use of radio transmitter must be posted on all access
roads 1000 feet from the blasting area.
d. All access points to the blasting area shall be properly guarded until a “ALL
CLEAR ” signal is sounded.
e. Explosives or dynamites used for quarrying or road construction shall be stored

in magazines as per regulatory standard.
f. Dynamites shall be separated from the blasting ingredients such as blasting caps
or fuses when stored or transported.
39
g. For security reasons, vehicles transporting explosives shall not be marked unless
required.
h. Only authorized and qualified personnel shall handle explosives.
i. Explosive magazine shall be constructed as per standards. Danger signs shall be

installed to warn the public. Explosive magazine shall be provided with at least
two ventilation outlets.
j. Stacking/Piling of boxes of explosives shall only be on eye level.
k. Perimeter gates and doors of the storage magazine shall be provided with two
(2) locks each. One for the military and one for the company custodian.
l. Only authorized personnel shall be allowed to enter the storage areas or near
explosive.
m. Smoking is strictly prohibited in areas where there are explosives.
n. Military escorts must be present during transport of explosives.
J. WAREHOUSE
1. WAREHOUSE INSTALLATION
a. Warehouses shall be well ventilated and well lighted.
b. If a warehouse is provided with fire sprinkler system, maximum height of

stock shall conform to OSHS stacking limit.
c. Storage areas shall be provided with adequate fire extinguisher located at

strategic places.
d. Adequate clearance between stocks and wall shall be provided for easy access.
e. Warehouse shall be provided with enough space for the operation of material
handling equipment.
f. Materials stored in open areas shall be protected against weather.
g. Eye wash stations and emergency showers shall be regularly maintained and
available in designated areas.
K. FACILITY IMPROVEMENT WORKS
1. EXCAVATION AND FILLING WORKS
40
a. All excavation and filling works shall be covered with appropriate safe work
permit.
b. Only authorized personnel shall supervise all excavation and filling works.
c. Required PPE shall be used while doing excavation and filling works.
d. Proper warning and instructional signs shall be visibly posted at all times
e. Excavation sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with

proper safety and warning signs.
f. Gangplanks with railing or metal plates shall be provided where an excavation

crosses driveways or streets.
g. Approved access ladder shall be provided and regularly inspected.
h. Work permits to identify location of buried gas, water, electricity and

telephone lines shall cover all excavation works.
i. Shoring built in accordance with standard engineering practice shall be

provided on excavation sites.
j. Excavation works on identified H2S prone area shall be inspected for presence
of H2S before any work will commence and regularly monitored during the
duration of the work.
k. First aid and emergency response shall be available at all times.
2. CONCRETING AND STRUCTURAL WORKS
a. Work permits shall cover all structural works at heights and all works that
require the use of oxy-acetylene cutting and any kind of welding works.
b. Only authorized person shall supervise all concreting and structural works.
c. Required PPE shall be used while doing concreting and structural works in
accordance with Section III.A.3 hereof.
e. Work sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with proper
safety and warning signs.
41
f. Standard scaffoldings shall be provided when working at height.
g. Lifting procedure shall be implemented for heavy and special lifting works.
h. First aid and emergency response shall be available at all times.
3. ROAD WORKS / EARTH MOVING
a. Only authorized person shall supervise all road works.
b. Required PPE shall be used while doing road works.
c. Proper warning and instructional signs shall be visibly posted at all times
d. Work place conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that

may expose the worker to injury.
e. Work sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with proper
f. Only duly qualified and authorized personnel shall be allowed to operate

equipment.
g. Heavy equipment shall have spotter to assist the operator.
4. PIPING AND INSULATION WORKS
a. Only authorized person shall properly all piping and insulation works.
b. Only duly qualified and authorized personnel shall be allowed to conduct

piping and insulation works.
c. Required PPE shall be used while doing piping and insulation works.
e. Work place conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that

f. Work sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with proper
42
g. Only duly qualified and authorized personnel shall be allowed to perform
equipment.
h. All coded piping and insulation works (i.e. high pressure pipe welding, hot
tapping) shall have detailed and approved safe work procedures.
i. All piping and insulation works shall be covered with appropriate safe work
permits.
j. All coded piping and insulation work wastes shall be properly disposed of
according to environmental regulations.
k. First aid and emergency response shall be available at all times.
5. HOT WORKS
a. Only authorized personnel shall supervise all hot works.
b. Only duly qualified and authorized personnel shall be allowed to conduct hot
work.
c. Required PPE shall be used while doing hot works.
e. Work place conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that

may expose the worker to injury and potential property damage.
f. All hot works shall have detailed and approved safe work procedures.
g. All hot works shall be covered with appropriate safe work permits.
6. MECHANICAL AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
a. Only authorized personnel shall supervise all mechanical and equipment

installation.
b. Required PPE shall be used while doing mechanical and equipment

installation.
43
c. Proper warning and instructional signs shall be visibly posted at all times
d. Work place conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that

e. Only duly qualified and authorized personnel shall be allowed to install

mechanical equipment.
f. All mechanical and equipment installation shall have detailed and approved
safe work procedures.
g. All mechanical and equipment installation shall be covered with appropriate

safe work permits.
h. All mechanical and equipment installation work wastes shall be properly

disposed according to environmental regulations.
i. First aid and emergency response shall be available at all times.
j. Appropriate lifting equipment and procedures shall be used in mechanical

installation.
L. MOTOR VEHICLE AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT
1. MOTOR VEHICLE AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT

OPERATIONS
a. Only duly qualified and authorized personnel shall be allowed to operate

motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
b. Drivers/operators under the influence of liquor and or sleep inducing drugs or

any medication that will affect vision, judgment and reflexes shall not be
allowed to operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
c. All motor vehicles and heavy equipment shall be
i. Provided with basic emergency tools and equipment like early warning
device, choke block, fire extinguisher etc.
ii. Subjected to a pre-use inspection.
iii. Loaded up to its rated capacity only.
iv. Subjected to scheduled preventive maintenance.
d. All drivers/operators shall immediately report any observed unsafe

condition of the motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
44
e. All drivers/operators shall strictly follow all established company
and government traffic rules and regulations.
f. All vehicles and heavy equipment deemed or reported to be unsafe

shall be removed immediately from service and shall not be used until
appropriate repair has been undertaken.
g. All drivers shall report immediately any vehicular incident to the

company and appropriate authorities.
h. All motor vehicles and heavy equipment shall be equipped with the
prescribed and approved seat belts.
i. Only qualified and authorized personnel shall conduct repairs to all

motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
M. HOIST AND LIFTING WORKS
1. HOIST AND LIFTING WORKS OPERATIONS
a. Only authorized personnel shall supervise hoist and lifting works.
b. Only duly qualified and authorized operator shall be allowed to operate hoist
and lifting equipment.
c. Only duly qualified and authorized rigger shall be allowed to direct and guide
hoist and lifting operation.
d. Operators under the influence of liquor and or sleep inducing drugs or any
medication that will affect vision, judgment and reflexes shall not be allowed
to operate hoist and lifting equipment.
e. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be provided with basic emergency tools and
equipment where applicable like horn, lights, outrigger matting, fire
extinguisher etc.
f. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to a pre-use inspection for safe
operation.
g. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be loaded up to its rated capacity only.
h. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to scheduled preventive

maintenance.
i. All operators shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition of the
hoist and lifting equipment.
45
j. All unsafe hoist and lifting equipment shall be removed immediately from
service and shall not be used until appropriate repair has been undertaken.
k. All operators shall report immediately any incident/accident to the company

and appropriate authorities.
l. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be equipped with the prescribed and
approved seat belts.
m. Only qualified and authorized personnel shall conduct repairs to all hoist and
lifting equipment.
n. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to load test inspection as
recommended by the manufacturer and as prescribed by DOLE.
o. All critical lift works or jobs shall be covered by critical lift procedure.
N. FIRE HAZARDS, PROTECTION AND CONTROL
1. GENERAL OBJECTIVE
a. All geothermal operators shall establish a fire prevention and control program.
2. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
a. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected once a month and shall be maintained in

operating condition at all times.
b. Fire extinguishers shall be kept in their designated places. If they are removed
for refilling/repair, it shall be replaced immediately with the same type and
capacity.
c. Durable inspection tags shall be attached securely to each extinguisher

showing the servicing data properly recorded and signed by the designated
safety engineer or end user.
d. Fire extinguishers shall be installed in strategic locations free from

obstructions. Only fire extinguishers shall be placed inside the extinguisher
box to avoid exposure to excessive heat.
e. Tampering of markings, tags and other emergency instructions labeled on all

fire protection equipment shall be prohibited.
f. Fire extinguishers shall conform to the fire protection standard.
3. FIRE HYDRANTS, FIRE HOSES AND ACCESSORIES

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a. Fire hydrants, hoses and accessories shall conform to the fire protection
standard.
b. Fire hydrants, hoses and accessories shall be kept in good condition. They
shall be used properly and only for the purpose for which they are intended.
c. Fire hose installed at yard hydrant shall be kept in well-ventilated fire hose
cabinet properly locked and marked "FOR FIRE USE ONLY".
d. Only authorized personnel shall conduct inspection and/or testing of fire

hydrants, hoses and accessories at least once a month. Defective items shall
be replaced immediately.
e. Fire fighting equipment shall be placed in strategic locations and free from
obstructions.
f. Tampering of fire alarms, valves and other accessories is prohibited.

Recommend immediately for repair on any damaged parts.
SECTION IV. GEOTHERMAL ACTIVITIES
A. GEOTHERMAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS
1. All geothermal activities shall comply with the following requirements:
a. Standard Operating Procedure;

b. Orientation/Training;
c. Work Permits;
d. Close Supervision;
e. Monitoring Tools/Instruments;
f. Communication Tools/Equipments;
g. Emergency Response Team; and
h. Personal Protective Equipment
B. STEAM GATHERING SYSTEM (SGS)
1. SGS MAINTENANCE
a. Only qualified personnel shall operate geothermal wells and SGS.
b. Opening and Closing of wells to the SGS and Re-Injection (RI) System shall be
done in accordance with lock-out/ Tag-out (LO/TO) procedure as described in
Section III.E. hereof.
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c. Opening and Closing of wells to the SGS and Re-Injection (RI) System shall be
done in accordance with lock-out/ Tag-out (LO/TO) procedure as described in
Section III.E. hereof.
d. Valves in SGS shall be assured through a Preventive Maintenance Program (PMP)

which include regular opening and closing where appropriate or stroking as
described in Section IV.F. hereof.
e. Personnel entering an area around discharge facilities (e.g. rock muffler, silencer,
diffuser, rupture disc, etc.) shall be properly informed of the hazard (e.g. splashing
of hot fluids, noise, H2S and other hazard that maybe present.
C. ABRASIVE BLASTING
1. ABRASIVE BLASTING GUIDELINES
a. Use of blasting equipment shall follow guidelines in Section III.F.1 hereof.
b. Blasting agent must be dry and free from unwanted items.
c. Blaster shall be provided with fresh air supply for breathing and ventilation.
d. Blasting operation shall be done in such a way as to prevent exposure to other

personnel not involved in the operation.
e. The compressor operator must be in close coordination with the blasting

operator.
f. The relief valve or plug of abrasive blasting equipment must conform to the
standards.
D. SGS VALVE
1. SGS VALVE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT
a. All valve replacement shall be done in conformity with the manufacturer’s and
company standards.
b. Isolation of valves for repair or replacement shall follow the lock-out/tag-out

procedures as described in Section III.E.1 hereof.
c. Use appropriate PPE in accordance with Section III.A.3 hereof.
d. A self-contained breathing apparatus shall be stationed in the area for rescue

purposes.
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e. If a significant level of poisonous gas is present and persistent, industrial
blowers shall be used to lessen and prevent gas accumulation within the area.
In case level is above 10 ppm, the work shall be suspended or deferred for
remedial action.
f. Replacement of the wellhead master and wing valves shall be done in

accordance with company standards to prevent blowouts.
g. Proper coordination between workers shall be observed to prevent injuries and

untoward incidents.
h. Appropriate equipment shall be used for lifting purposes.
E. VALVE PACKING/ INJECTION
1. VALVE PACKING/INJECTION REQUIREMENTS
a. Ensure that trapped body pressure is properly relieved to zero.
b. Packing injection pressure shall not exceed the rated pressure requirement
provided in the manufacturer’s specifications.
F. WELLHEAD VALVE
1. WELLHEAD VALVE SERVICING/STROKING
a. Prior to wellhead valve servicing, all personnel shall follow requirements in

Section IV.B.1 hereof
b. Safety remarks on work permit shall be carefully observed whether the well
can be stroke or not.
c. Stroke or exercise wellhead valves based on scheduled PMP. Stroking or

exercising of wellhead shall be done in close coordination with the authorized
operations personnel.
d. Defective master valve shall not be stroked/exercised.
e. Stroking activities shall not be done during bad weather or when gas is beyond
exposure limit.
G. DRAIN VALVE
1. DRAIN VALVE DE-CLOGGING
a. De-clogging equipment/devices must be inspected and checked prior to use.

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b. De-clogging activities shall conform to company’s standard operating
procedures.
H. VESSEL/HEADER/SILENCER
1. ENTRY TO VESSEL/HEADER/SILENCER REQUIREMENTS
a. Hazard assessment shall be conducted prior to entry to any vessel/header or silencer.
b. Entry to vessel/header/or silencer must conform with the established company

Confined Space Entry Procedure (CSEP).
c. Isolation tags, chains and padlocks shall be installed on the respective servicing
valves to notify and prevent accidental opening.
d. The inside of the vessel/header or silencer must be free of leaks or gas accumulation
before a person is allowed entry.
e. Before opening any enclosure, confirm that the pressure is zero.
f. No entry shall be permitted in case only one manhole is opened or when there is
only one opening; otherwise; the use of industrial blower is needed.
g. Personnel shall be equipped with life or tagging lines prior to entry.
h. Personnel working at height shall securely fasten or tie the tools to a rope string to
prevent injuries or property damage when they fall or drop.
i. A safety observer or lookout shall be stationed at the access whenever personnel are
inside the vessel, header or silencer.
j. Ensure that vessel is leakage free by installing a skillet blind flange and must be
well ventilated.
k. Rotation of personnel working inside vessel shall be observed.
l. No compressed gas cylinder shall be allowed inside the vessel.
m. Only explosion proof tools and lighting shall be used when working inside the
vessel.
n. Supervisor shall thoroughly inspect the vessel/header of personnel and tools that
maybe left before resealing.
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I. PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (PRV) AND RAPTURE DISC
1. PRV AND RAPTURE DISC OPERATION REQUIREMENTS
a. Appropriate safety sign shall be installed at the PRV and rupture disc.
b. Unauthorized personnel shall not be allowed to enter within the vicinity of the
relief valves and rupture disc.
c. Appropriate protection shall be installed at the tip of the exhaust stack of the
PRV and bursting disc. These shall be covered with light materials to prevent
rain or foreign objects from going in.
J. MOTORIZED / PNEUMATIC VALVE
1. MOTORIZED/PNEUMATIC VALVE CALIBRATION
a. Only authorized personnel shall be allowed to operate, stroke or calibrate

motorized and/or pneumatic valves.
K. PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES (PRV)
1. PRV TESTING
a. PRV shall be properly calibrated and certified by the manufacturer before

installation.
b. PRV shall conform to company’s Preventive Maintenance Program.
c. PRV lift and reset pressures shall not be altered or changed without approval
from authorized personnel.
d. Alteration or changing of the lift and reset pressure of PRV shall have prior
approval of the authorized approving officer from the SGS operations.
Maximum settings shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended set
limits.
L. START-UP OF WELLS
1. WELL START-UP REQUIREMENTS
a. Notification of personnel and community shall be conducted prior to start-up

of wells.
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b. Only proper tools and equipment shall be used.
c. Work site evaluation shall be conducted and necessary corrective measures

shall be implemented prior to start-up of wells.
d. Appropriate pressure relief system shall be installed.
e. Release of trapped gases shall be properly managed.
M. GAUGES
1. GAUGES MAINTENANCE
a. Gauges and accessories to be used shall conform with the required

specifications.
b. Installed gauges shall be properly calibrated.
c. Proper tools and equipment shall be used when replacing gauges.
d. Use appropriate PPE when replacing gauges.
SECTION V. GEOTHERMAL WELL MAINTENANCE
A. GEOTHERMAL WELL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The following Well maintenance activities shall comply with the requirements
stated in Section IV.
i. Master Valve Replacement;

ii. Downhole Measurement;
iii. Well Discharge / Testing;
iv. Well Blowout Prevention; and
v. Wellhead Valve Servicing/Stroking
SECTION VI. RIG SAFETY

1. SLIPS AND ELEVATOR
a. Slips and elevator shall not be modified.
b. Keys, pins, dies, handles and bodies on all pipe and collar slips shall be
checked frequently for wear.
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c. Rig personnel shall keep their hands and feet, as well as chains, ropes, etc.,
away from the rotary table when it is in motion.
d. Slips shall be properly positioned when not in use.
e. Slip handles shall be used to manually raise and lower slips. Handles shall be
grasped with palm up.
f. At least three employees shall pull slips using proper techniques.
g. Latches, latch springs, hinge pins and elevator shoulders shall be inspected
periodically and maintained as necessary.
h. Riding the elevator as a means of personnel transport is prohibited.
i. The elevator ear locks shall be fitted with steel bolts of proper size.
j. The elevator or bails shall not be grasped in the area of the link eyes.
2. CATHEADS
a. When in operation, the driller or assistant driller shall be at the driller's console to
disengage and stop the cathead.
b. Repair or replace worn, damaged or grooved catheads and worn dividers.
c. Catheads shall be equipped with anti fouling devices (Rope Divider) at all times.
The recommended clearance between the cathead friction surface and the Rope
Divider edge is 6.5mm (1/4").
d. A swivel and safety hook attached to a lifting cap shall be used when catlines are
used to pull pipe through the V-door.
e. Use only the amount of wraps necessary to raise the load.

f. Objects shall be raised and lowered at a safe pace and the wraps removed after the
load is landed. The locking device shall not be used to suspend a load.
g. The rope or line shall not be left wrapped on or in contact with the cathead while it
is not in use. The rope shall be safely stored when not in use.
h. Rig personnel shall not be lifted into the derrick by use of the catline.
i. The rope shall not be wrapped around the operator's hand when in use. Do not stand
inside rope coiled on floor.
j. Except for specially spliced ropes that are used for spinning casing, a rope spliced or
a frayed part of a rope or line shall not be used on a cathead.
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k. Use a flagman or two-way communication device when the cathead operator cannot
see the object being raised or lowered.
3. AIR HOISTS
a. All air hoists shall be equipped with a drum guard and line guide.
b. All hoisting lines shall be inspected periodically.
c. The hoisting line shall not be in contact with any derrick member.
d. The recommended load capacity of the air hoist and wire rope shall not exceed
the manufacturer's recommendation.
e. Rig personnel shall stand clear of a suspended load.
f. The air hoist operator shall set the drum brake anytime a load is in suspension.
The operator shall not leave the hoist unattended.
4. PIPE TONGS AND LINES
a. Make up and break out shall be provided with lines of sufficient size and
length.
b. Tong counterbalance and parts thereof shall be restrained, guarded, or located

as to prevent them from falling on or striking crewmembers.
c. Makeshift weights such as tools, pipe, protectors, bits, etc., shall not be added
to the counterbalance weights.
d. Tong die slots shall be properly maintained.
e. Tongs shall be provided with sharp dies at all times and properly pinned in die
slots.
f. Die drivers shall be used to remove tong dies.
g. A hard hat, full-face shield, safety glasses and protective gloves shall be worn
when changing tong dies.
h. The rotary table shall not be used for final making up or initial breaking out of
a pipe connection. Two tongs shall be used during make up and break out.
i. When excessive pull is needed to break a tight joint, all floor crew shall move
away from the rotary and out of the path of the tongs before torque is applied.
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j. Personnel shall not stand between the two pipe tongs while the driller is
making up or breaking out pipe or collars.
k. All pins used to secure chain and jaws shall be kept in place with cotter pins or
safety pins.
l. Power tongs are to be operated by the driller or assistant driller only.
5. ROTARY TABLE AREA
a. Personnel shall not step on the rotary table while it is rotating.
b. The rotary table area shall be constructed or covered with a non-skid material.
c. Hoses, ropes and lines shall be clear of the rotary table and adjoining rotating
equipment while it is in motion.
d. When not in use, the pipe tongs shall be secured away from the rotary table.
e. If the rotary table is removed, the pick-up lines shall be of sufficient strength
and condition and placed evenly around the block hood to ensure a level lift.
f. Rotary hoses shall be equipped with safety lines at both ends.
g. Safety chains shall be used to secure vibrator hoses to an immovable object

such as pump base or sub base.
h. Hoses shall be inspected periodically and maintained to manufacturer's

specifications.
6. FLOORS AND WALKWAYS
a. All moving machinery that presents a hazard to personnel working in its proximity
shall be adequately guarded.
b. Any removed guard shall be replaced before the machinery is returned to operation.
c. Appropriate lock-out and tag-out procedures shall be used before removing guards.
d. All discharge piping openings in floors shall be protected or provided with covers
and closed when not in used.
e. Guardrails shall be provided for all raised floors and walkways over 1.2m in height
or when adjacent to tanks or other hazardous equipment.
f. Non-skid material shall be positioned around the rotary table.
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g. Rig personnel shall not run on stairs, floors and walkways except in cases of
extreme emergencies
7. EQUIPMENT GUARDING
a. All moving machinery that presents a hazard to personnel working in its

proximity shall be adequately guarded.
b. Any removed guard shall be replaced before the machinery is returned to

operation.
c. Appropriate lock-out and tag-out procedures shall be used before removing

guards.
d. All discharge piping that could cause burns shall be insulated or guarded.
e. All portable tools with exposed moving parts shall be equipped with proper
guards.
8. DERRICKS AND MASTS
a. Inspections of the derrick or masts shall be performed periodically.
b. The pipe racking fingers shall be kept straight and secured with a safety
device.
c. Drill collar tie back ropes shall be secured to a derrick or mast member.
d. Personnel shall not be in the mast or derrick when pulling or jarring on stuck
pipe.
e. The derrickman prior to each trip shall be visually check the derrick or mast
escape device.
f. Safety lines shall be checked regularly to make sure they are properly secured.
g. The derrickman shall inspect the monkey board prior to its use.
h. Personnel shall not ride the mast as it is being raised or lowered. All other
personnel shall stand clear of the A-frame until the mast radius is in position.
9. PIPE RACKS AND BINS
a. When pipe, casing or any other piece of equipment is being moved on pipe racks
and in bins, personnel shall not be allowed under, inside or on top of pipe
racks and bins.
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b. Each layer of tubulars shall be secured to avoid movement.
c. Pipe racks shall be inspected periodically.
d. Pipe racks and bins shall be level.
10. DERRICK ESCAPE LINE
a. The escape line shall only be attached to non-moveable objects and the
landing area kept clear of obstructions at all times. For example, do not use a
power tong skid as an anchor if it will be moved during casing jobs.
b. The escape line and safety buggy shall be installed before drilling out of the
surface casing.
c. The escape line shall be with a minimum of 12mm (1/2") diameter wire rope
and shall be tightened to a tension that allows a person descending on the line
to touch clear ground between 6-8 meters (20 - 26 feet) from the ground
anchor.
d. The safety buggy shall be equipped with a suitable hand brake and shall be
kept at the principal working platform (monkey board) and be readily
accessible at all times.
e. A visual inspection of the safety buggy shall be performed prior to each trip by
the derrickman.
f. The safety buggy shall be installed according to manufacturer's specifications.
g. The safety buggy shall only be used in the event of any emergency.
11. DRILLING LINE, CROWN BLOCK AND TRAVELING BLOCK
a. Drilling lines shall be visually inspected daily for wear and breaks, in addition
to the regular ton-miles inspection.
b. Workers shall use caution when handling the drilling line.
c. The deadline anchor bolts shall be checked periodically.
d. All excess drilling line shall be spooled up off the ground.
e. The crown block and traveling block sheaves shall be checked periodically for
proper gauge.
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f. A slip and cut program shall be followed. Calculate the ton-miles and follow
the slip and cut program as recommended by the drilling line manufacturer.
12. DRAW WORKS, BRAKES, CLUTCHES, SAND REEL AND WIRE LINE UNIT
a. All guards shall be in good condition and shall remain in place when the draw
works is being operated.
b. Only the driller or assistant driller shall operate the draw works.
c. The tool pusher and maintenance supervisor shall supervise all draw works
repairs.
d. Personnel shall not stand on top of the draw works or inside the sand line or
main drum guard when the drums are moving.
e. The driller shall chain the brake down anytime he leaves the driller's console.
f. The sand reel shall be equipped with a proper line-spooling device.
g. Defective zerk and alemite fittings shall be replaced.
h. The brake blocks, linkage, pins, cotter keys, etc. shall be checked periodically.
i. Water shall not be directed at the brake band when washing the draw works.
j. While operating the draw works the operator shall not be distracted.
k. Clutches shall be kept in good condition and properly adjusted.
l. All personnel shall be instructed on how to shut down the draw works and
rotary table in case of an emergency.
13. MUD PUMPS AND EQUIPMENT
a. Caution shall be used when working around high-pressure components.
b. Appropriate lock-out/tag-out procedures shall be used when repairing or

maintaining equipment.
c. Mechanically driven pumps shall have air isolation valve closed and a sign put
on driller's console, advising pump is under repair/maintenance.
d. Mud pumps shall have pressure relieving safety devices. The devices shall be
installed and maintained according to manufacturer's recommendations.
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e. Measures to eliminate the use or restrict the operation of the safety device shall
not be taken.
f. Liners shall not be removed or seated in a pump by running the pump, applying
hydraulic, pneumatic or gas pressure.
g. Guards shall be in place and secured while a pump is in operation.
h. Studs and nuts on the fluid end shall be maintained in good condition and kept
tight.
i. Good housekeeping and lighting shall be maintained around the mud pumps.
14. MUD TANKS AND EQUIPMENT
a. High-pressure fittings and lines shall be properly rated for the expected
working pressures.
b. Mud gun unions and connections shall be kept tight.
c. Only competent personnel shall be allowed to operate mud guns.
d. Flow lines shall be placed to prevent tripping hazards.
e. Electrical mud equipment shall be located to prevent contact with fluids.
f. Caustic soda shall be added to water slowly to avoid splashing and shall be
mixed using a mixture tank or barrel.
g. Approved explosion proof lighting fixtures shall be installed on mud tanks.
h. Agitator power source shall be isolated and locked out before entering the
mud tanks. Confined space entry permits shall be issued and only suitably
qualified personnel may enter.
i. At the mud mixing hopper or mixing location, the following items shall be
available for the employees use.
i. Eye protection;
ii. Face protection;
iii. Proper respiratory protection;
iv. Rubber gloves and apron;
v. Eyewash station; and
vi. Appropriate warning/danger signs.
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15. PRESSURE LINES AND FITTINGS
a. All pressure lines and "flexible" joints shall have safety devices attached to
prevent line whip in case of rupture.
b. Personnel shall familiarize themselves with the location of high-pressure

lines and fittings.
c. Personnel shall not attempt to tighten or loosen hammer unions or other

connections under pressure.
d. Pressure release valves shall be checked periodically according to

e. Lines or piping systems that may kick under pressure shall be secured.
f. Lines under pressure shall not be hammered on.
g. High-pressure lines shall be fitted with high-pressure fittings. Caution shall

be exercised during repairs to ensure that only high-pressure fittings are
being installed.
h. All personnel shall stand clear of high pressure lines being used during
cementing, acidizing, well testing procedures, etc.
i. Chicsan sections in high-pressure lines shall be watched for leaks. Caution

shall be used during movement.
j. A pre-operation safety meeting shall be held before unusual or non-routine

jobs begin. Pressure Vessel Work Permits shall be issued.
16. ENGINES
a. Positive lock-out measures shall be provided to ensure that the source of

power is not activated during engine repair, inspection or adjustments.
b. All exposed revolving parts such as radiator or cooling fans, belts, flexible
drives, generators, water pump pulleys, shafts, couplings and other moving
parts shall be provided with adequate guarding to prevent contact.
c. Guarding removed for maintenance purposes shall be replaced as soon as

possible and prior to operation of the equipment.
d. Spark arresting devices shall be installed in engine exhaust systems where

required.
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e. Engines shall be equipped with safety alarms and/or automatic shutdown
controls to be activated during emergencies or operational difficulties such
as over-heating, low oil pressure and over-speeding.
f. Exhaust manifolds and piping shall be constructed, installed and maintained

to prevent exhaust gases from leaking between the engine and discharge line.
The discharge line shall be directed away from the engine and the work area.
g. Areas below engine skids and beneath the sub base shall be kept clear of
drained motor oil and filters.
h. The air box drains, on engines so equipped, shall be drained according to the
i. Personnel working in high noise areas shall wear hearing protection.
17. AIR OPERATED EQUIPMENT
a. All air receivers (tanks) shall have their maximum pressure limitations
stenciled on them.
b. Air tanks shall be drained frequently to prevent accumulation of moisture in

the absence of auto drain.
c. A valve shall not be installed between the tank/compressor and the relief
valve if it cannot be isolated.
d. Compressed air used for cleaning purposes shall be regulated to limit

pressure.
e. Each airline shall be secured to prevent it from coming loose at the

connections.
f. Compressed air or pressurized air shall not be used as a means of dusting off
personnel.
18. BLOWOUT PREVENTION (BOP) EQUIPMENT
a. All repairs to BOP equipment shall be documented and supervised by the

toolpusher.
b. Pick-up lines, eyes and shackles shall be inspected for strength and condition
prior to lifting a blow out preventer.
c. Blow out preventer and components shall not be climbed on until they are
set on the wellhead flange, the test stump, the flange of another blow out
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preventer unit, in the stowed position or on the spider beam and at least 4
securing bolts installed and tightened.
d. While guiding or aligning the blow out preventer into place, personnel shall
ensure their hands and feet are kept from between the flanges and not placed
on top of the bolts that have already passed through the holes of an upper
flange, while the unit is being lowered.
e. While hammering up the blow out preventer bolts and nuts, only closed
socket hammer wrenches of correct size, as well as sledge hammers of
suitable weight and size shall be used. Hydraulic torque equipment shall be
used according to manufacturer's recommendations.
f. A rope shall be used on the hammer wrench to hold it in place when

hammering.
g. Personnel shall not be permitted on the blowout preventer when the stack is
being pressure tested.
h. When nippling down the blowout preventer, all hydraulic lines shall be held
to zero pressure before hammering is permitted on the hydraulic unions.
19. BOP ACCUMULATORS, PULSATION AND SUCTION DAMPENERS
a. All repairs to the accumulator shall be documented and supervised by the tool
pusher
b. Accumulators and high-pressure pulsation dampeners shall be charged with

nitrogen by qualified personnel as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
The pre charge shall be checked frequently.
c. Each control on the BOP accumulator and each BOP remote unit shall be clearly
marked as to its exact function.
d. Suction dampeners shall be charged by qualified personnel as per

e. Oxygen SHALL NEVER be used to pre charge any pressure vessel.
20. STABBING BOARD
a. Stabbing board locking devices shall be provided so that:
i. One locking device operates when the lifting handle is in neutral.

ii. One locking device operates if the hoisting mechanism fails.
iii. Both devices are independent of each other.
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22. TUBULAR
a. Joints of drill pipe that are to be added to or removed from the drill string shall
not be allowed to remain in the mouse hole while hoisting or lowering pipe
during a trip.
b. Each stand of drill pipe being hoisted from the rig floor shall be held back as
the pipe is lifted, so it shall not swing freely across the rig floor.
c. The driller's view of the drill pipe in the rotary table shall not be obstructed at
any time.
d. Pipe shall be racked by pushing against the outer face of the pipe when setting
it back. Feet shall be kept away from beneath the pipe as it is set down.
e. Feet shall not be placed beneath the pipe when rabbiting drill pipe.
f. When rabbiting tubulars, crewmembers shall face away from the pipe rack to
avoid possible eye injury, even though eye protection is being worn during this
operation.
g. Each drill collar lift sub shall be tightened into the collar before the collar is
hoisted into the derrick to prevent the sub backing out while working with the
drill collar.
h. Feet, knees and hands shall not be placed on the underside of a drill collar
clamp while the clamp is being tightened onto a drill collar in the rotary table.
i. A drill collar clamp secured to a drill collar shall not be hoisted over head
height into a derrick.
j. When setting the drill bit into a bit breaker, hands and feet shall not be placed
on the bit breaker while the bit and collar are guided into the bit breaker
opening. Feet shall not be used to adjust the lock on the bit breaker at any
time.
k. Stabilizers, wall scrapers or pup joints, being added into the drill string, shall
not be set on the rotary table unsupported by a hoist line.
l. Tools removed from the drill string shall not be thrown or allowed to fall onto
the rig floor. They shall be handled with a hoist line.
m. Formation mud shall be scraped off the drill collards and stabilizer blades
before the collars are hoisted and stood in the derrick.
n. Personnel shall not peer through the rotary table when the BOP is operated.
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o. Casing equipment shall not be rigged up until the drill pipe has been hoisted
out of the well bore.
p. The casing tong safety door shall not be removed; this will ensure hands and
limbs are protected from the tong's drive works.
q. A work scaffolding or platform shall be constructed around the casing spider

to prevent having to over stretch or become off balance to reach the
equipment.
r. Hands shall not be placed on top of the casing collar (joint) protruding from
the casing slips when another joint of casing is being stabbed. Hands shall be
kept on the outside of the casing at all times.
s. Single joint elevator shall be used to pick up casing and shall have a safety pin
attached by chain.
t. When removing cores from a core barrel on the drill floor, personnel shall not
place their hands or feet under the core barrel opening.
23. CHEATER BARS
a. Consideration shall be given to the strength of the component (bolt, spindle,

etc.) to be turned and a cheater bar shall not be used if a “TWIST OFF" is
considered possible.
b. Do not use cheater bars on handles, wrenches, etc. constructed of cast or

welded material.
c. Do not extend the operating length of any tool/handle by more than 100%.
d. The option of changing the tool for a larger one is to be considered prior to use
of a cheater bar.
e. Cheaters are to be used in a pushing motion with body stability maintained by

adopting a wide legged stance.
f. Do not position yourself between the tool/handle and any obstruction, trip
hazard or drop.
g. Care shall be exercised that the bar does not slide on the tool/handle being
operated.
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SECTION VII. POWER PLANT AND CONTROL ROOM SAFETY
A. POWER PLANT
1. POWER PLANT SAFETY
a. All personnel shall be qualified and trained in their respective job assignments.
b. All personnel shall undergo occupational safety and health orientation and
training.
c. All personnel shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition, incident
and accident in accordance with the established company safety reporting
procedures and guidelines.
d. All personnel shall be required to wear appropriate and prescribed PPE’s.
e. Only qualified and authorized personnel shall conduct repairs and calibration
to any plant equipment and instruments.
f. All power plants shall establish work procedures for:
i. Start-up and Shut-down

ii. Emergency
iii. Normal and Abnormal Operation
iv. Maintenance Work for the following:
♦ Pressure Vessel
♦ Pumps
♦ Condensers
♦ Cooling Towers
♦ Turbines and Generators
♦ Electrical and Instrumentation
Such procedure shall include hazard identification, analysis, mitigation and

emergency response.
g. All works shall be covered with appropriate safe work permits
B. CONTROL ROOM
1. CONTROL ROOM SAFETY
a. Unauthorized personnel are prohibited to manipulate control panel knobs,

buttons, and switches. Bystanders are not allowed inside the control room
unless authorized.
b. Keep air conditioning unit running 24 hours a day to maintain the control
room temperature and to keep the air clean and filtered.
65
c. Always close the door of control rooms to reduce outside air
infiltration/cooling loads and H2S contamination.
d. Control rooms are NO SMOKING areas and such policy shall be observed
religiously.
e. Lock-out/tag-out procedure and proper clearance from the authority shall be

strictly complied.
f. Automatic/emergency lighting system shall be provided at all access and

means of egress.
g. Keep the door of circuit breaker/panel always closed.
C. UPS AND BATTERY
1. UPS AND BATTERY BANK ROOM REQUIREMENTS
a. No unauthorized personnel are allowed to enter the room.
b. Air conditioning unit must be operated 24 hours a day at temperature not

greater than 15 0C for electronic equipment cooling.
c. Always close the door of UPS and battery bank room to reduce outside air
infiltration/cooling loads and H2S contamination.
d. Keep battery bank free from leaking solutions.
e. Do not use battery room as dressing room.
f. The exhaust ventilation must be placed in the proper portion of wall ceiling to
eliminate the explosive gas emitted by the battery.
g. The DC system shall be readily available whenever the DC power is

interrupted to the system.
h. Eyewash station must be provided near the battery room.
i. Check-up of battery electrolyte leak and specific gravity should be done

regularly.
j. Proper handling/storage/disposal of unserviceable batteries should be

observed.
66
D. ELECTRICAL POWER FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
1. ELECTRICAL POWER FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT REPAIR

AND TROUBLESHOOTING
a. Never attempt to execute troubleshooting and repair of any line conductors and
electrical equipment and circuitry at compressor control panel board without
permission and proper coordination with SGS supervisor.
b. Always wear safety rubber shoes when performing troubleshooting and repair
of any faulty line conductors encased in metallic cable tray.
c. Place warning tags (indicating reasons for isolation) on any circuit cut-
out/breakers with the requested “DE-ENERGIZE” line associated.
d. Insulate all dangling and bare terminals of power conductors right after
disconnection.
e. De-energize all power line conductors, when troubleshooting and repairing of a

particular line running and encased with other lines in metallic cable tray.
f. Ensure all electrical tools/equipment used are properly insulated and must be
capable to handle the voltage of the work piece.
g. Conduct insulation resistance testing on any line conductors and equipment

being repaired and/or replaced prior to re-energization to determine the di-
electric strength of the insulation.
h. Advise superior immediately any faults, tripping or hazards observed on any

electrical equipment or installation.
SECTION VIII – SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

In the event that any provision of the Code or the application of such a provision to any person
or circumstance is declared invalid, the remainder of the Code and the application of such a provision
to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration.
SECTION IX – RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS AND OVERLAPPING JURISDICTIONS
In case any provision of the Code conflicts, duplicates or overlaps with rules and regulations
being implemented by other government agencies, such conflict, duplication or overlapping shall be
resolved by coordination or any other means of cooperation among such agencies.
SECTION X – REPEALING CLAUSE

All geothermal safety and health rules and regulations, orders or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with or contrary to the Code are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
67
SECTION XI – EFFECTIVITY
The Code shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila
October 6, 2003.
VINCENT S. PÉREZ, Jr.

Secretary
Aknowledgement
This Code of Practice on Safety Management System for the Geothermal Industry has been developed
by a Working Group, which comprised representatives from the Geothermal Contractors and other
Concerned Agencies.
The Working Group involved in the preparation of this Code comprised the following members:
1. Ranilo P. Abando DOE Director,ERDB

2. Ramon Allan V. Oca DOE Asst. Director, ERDB
3. Vicente M. Karunungan DOE Chief, Geothermal Div.
4. Restituto G. Taganas, Jr. DOE Chief, GCRDD
5. Emmanuel C. Danar DOE Chief, Contract & Negotiation Div.
6. Alejandro F. Oanes DOE Supervising SRS
7. Josefino C. Adajar DOE Sr. SRS
8. Edvin D. Butiu DOE Sr. SRS
9. Andresito F. Ulgado DOE Sr. SRS
10. Federico G. Domingo, Jr. DOE SRS II
11. Ariel D. Fronda DOE SRS II
12. Gerry Gatchalian DOLE Supervisor, BWC
13. Rene Timbang DOH Supervisor, EOHO
14. Lina C. Somera UP, CPH Professor
15. Edmundo M. Ruiz PNOC - EDC Safety Superintendent
16. Macario A. Aliganga PNOC - EDC Safety Engineer
17. Dr. Conrado H. Hortelano PNOC – EDC Medical Officer, LGPF
18. Steve Funk PGI - Makati OMS Manager
19. Bel Agtarap PGI - Makati Safety Specialist
20. Conrado M. Abanilla Jr PGI - Mak-Ban Safety Specialist
21. Floro R. Malihan PGI – Mak-Ban Sr. Staff Specialist
22. Leopoldo L. Nodalo Jr. PGI - Tiwi Safety Specialist
68
23. Alejandro E. Gamos PGI- Tiwi Safety Specialist
24. Angelita N. Dimzon CalEnergy Safety Manager
25. Ray Patrick R. Nuique CalEnergy Safety Supervisor
26. Rodel M. Briones Ormat Manager, Phil. Operation
27. Miguel M. Bautista Ormat - Mak-Ban Plant Manager
28. Gonzalito V. Hermoso Ormat - LGPP Plant Manager
29. Malvin P. Suson Ormat - LGPP Safety Officer
30. Anacleto Adviento Jr. Marubeni – M1GP Plant Manager
31. Ernesto S. Salarda Marubeni – M1GP Safety Officer
32. Elmer P. Veluz NPC – Manila Safety Manager
33. Roberto Mendoza NPC – Diliman QA Manager
34. Panfilo F. Cadelina Jr. NPC - LGPP Principal Engineer A
35. Reynaldo V. Abua NPC – Mak-Ban Principal Engineer A
36. Neal V. Martinez NPC - Mak-Ban Principal Engineer B
37. Romeo C. Carmona NPC - Bac-Man Principal Engineer B
38. Camilo C. Cadapan NPC - SNGPP Principal Engineer B
39. Fausto L. Manalansan MIESCOR Project Director
40. Arnel V. Rivera MIESCOR - Makban Project Manager
41. Octavio C. Cruz MIESCOR - Tiwi Project Manager
69

Geothermal Safety Health Rules Regulations

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Geothermal Safety Health Rules Regulations

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Department Circular 2000-02-001

REVISED GEOTHERMAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Other government agencies, non-governmental organizations; technical institutions, and acadame

RULE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

RULE 2 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

RULE 3 SAFETY AND HEALTH ORGANIZATION

RULE 4 REPORTING AND RECORDING OF INCIDENTS / ACCIDENTS

RULE 5 GENERAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROVISIONS

RULE 6 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

RULE 7 FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 2. Scope and Coverage.

Section 3. Definition of Terms.

1. Authorized representatives refers to any employee of the Energy Resource

2. Bureau refers to the Energy Resource Development Bureau.

3. Contract refers to a Geothermal Service Contract.

4. Department refers to the Department of Energy.

5. Director refers to the Director of the ERDB.

6. DOLE refers to the Department of Labor and Employment.

8. Employer refers to the service contractor referred to in a Geothermal

10. Geothermal Operations refers to exploration for, development, production and

11. Geothermal Field refers to an area where the existence of geothermal

12. Geothermal Facilities refers to infrastructures, wells, pipelines and roadways.

13. Workplace refers to the office, premises or worksites where the

14.OSHS refers to the Occupational, Safety and Health Standards

3. Administer oaths, summon company officials, employees, or other persons having

5. Conduct separate incident/accident investigations involving fatal accidents and dangerous

Section 5. Duties of Employers

d.) the identity of the persons appointed to conduct hazard assessment.

1. Every employee using any machinery, equipment, dangerous substance, transport

Section 7. Cooperation and Coordination

1. Where two or more employees share a workplace, whether on temporary or permanent

Section 8. Code of Practice

e. Failure to register or secure/renew a permit for safety engineers/officers

c. Failure to employ a qualified safety officer.

g. Failure to correct any unsafe condition(s) noted by the Bureau's authorized

d. Withholding or failure to provide pertinent data or information regarding the

SAFETY AND HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Section 11. Policy Statement

Section 12. The Safety and Health Organization

Section 13. Personnel

1. Every employer shall appoint the number of qualified Full-time Safety

Minimum Number of Full-time Safety Engineer/Officers

Number of Employees in 1000 and 500 to less than

Section 14. Safety and Health Committee

(preferably organized (preferably organized (preferably organized

Secretary Full-time Safety Full-time Safety Full-time Safety

Section 15. Qualifications of Safety Engineer/Officer and Issuance, Cancellation of

1. An employee shall be regarded as a qualified Safety Engineer/Officer for the purpose of

3. The Bureau may issue a certification/permit, attesting to the competence, of a person

4. A Safety Engineer's/Officer's Permit shall be issued upon submission of the following

Section 16. Notification and Reporting

Section 17. Record-keeping

Section 18. General Applicability

Section 19. Safety and Health Training

2. The safety and health training shall:

Section 20. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Section 21. Workplace Monitoring and Control

3. Periodic monitoring of airborne toxic and hazardous substances.

Section 22. Electrical and Mechanical Works

Section 23. Guarding of Machinery

Section 24. Work Permit System

1. Every employer shall adopt and implement a "Work Permit" system.

Section 25. Use of Commercial Explosives

NAME : _____ SEX :

ELEMENTARY : ________

Date Received/Evaluated : _ Evaluated by : ____