Power 

& Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002

(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 

11. ISOLATION PROCEDURE

Table of Contents
1.0 Objective: ...................................................................................................................................................2

2.0 Scope .........................................................................................................................................................2

3.0 Abbreviations: ............................................................................................................................................2

4.0 Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................2

5.0 Roles & Responsibilities: ...........................................................................................................................3

6.0 General Rules: ...........................................................................................................................................3

7.0 Isolation:.....................................................................................................................................................4

8.0 Tests & Adjustments on Live Clearance: (See: Attachment 5) ..................................................................7

9.0 Work on Fire Protection Systems ..............................................................................................................8

10.0 Inter - Connection Point Safety: .................................................................................................................8

Attachment 1 ISOLATION CERTIFICATE ....................................................................................................10

Attachment 2 ISOLATION SAFETY GUIDELINES .........................................................................................11

Attachment 3.......................................................................................................................................................14

Attachment 4.......................................................................................................................................................15

Attachment 5 TEST / ADJUSTMENT ON LIVE CLEARANCE .......................................................................16

Attachment 6 WORK ON FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM NOTIFICATION FORM..........................................17

Attachment 7 RECORD OF INTER-CONNECTION POINT SAFETY .............................................................18

 
   

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 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
1.0 Objective:

1.1 The objective of this procedure is to:

1.1.1 Outline the requirements for the management of energy isolation through formal
documentation, locking and tagging.
1.1.2 Control risks to health and safety while undertaking non operational works from any:
a) Potential accidental or unexpected start-up of machinery or plant, process, movement of
materials,
b) Other interaction, contact with or exposure to hazardous energy, or
c) When there is a need for tests and inspections.
2.0 Scope

2.1 This procedure is applicable to all works that are intended to be performed under Permit to Work
Certificate (See “Permit to Work Procedure” # 14) and other works as intended by area owner,
through a supporting document Isolation Certificate (See attachment 1).
3.0 Abbreviations:

3.1 APC: Authorized Permit Controller

3.2 API: Authorized Permit Issuer
3.3 APR: Authorized Permit Receiver
3.4 IP: Implementing Party
3.5 LOB: Lock Out Box
3.6 PTW: Permit to Work
3.7 PTWC: Permit to Work Certificate
3.8 RP: Requesting Party
4.0 Definitions
4.1 Additional Portable Earth: An approved portable earth applied in addition of circuit main earth
after the application of the Circuit Main Earth when required.
4.2 Barrier: Red and white warning tape or guard of hard steel tubes or rails installed around the
equipment or system to prevent or restrict entry of personnel
4.3 Chain: A hardware item used in conjunction with a padlock to secure the isolation point effectively.
4.4 Circuit Main Earth: A fixed earth applied to electrical equipment as per instructions of API.
4.5 Dead Equipment / System: Equipment / system which is disconnected from all energy sources
and does not contain any energy to cause harm. Example: Electrical equipment is said to be dead
when it is isolated and earthed (zero potential).
4.6 De-energised: Not connected to any source of energy but not necessarily isolated or earthed.
4.7 Earthing (Grounding): Connecting electrical equipment physically to the general mass of earth in
order to ensure and maintain the effective dissipation of electrical energy.
4.8 Energy: It includes electricity, pneumatic, hydraulic, engine driven, moving machinery, pressurized
and non pressurized systems, safety and emergency systems, gas, oil, water and other fluids, air,
steam, or other stored energy source, chemical, the level or intensity of which could pose a threat
to a person(s) safety, process or equipment.
4.9 Implementing Party (IP): The one who is having control by ownership on the other side of inter-
connection point

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
4.10 Isolation: Disconnection and separation of the equipment or system from all sources of energy
such that it will not be accidentally energized and the disconnection and separation is secured by
means of a lock and identified by a tag.
4.11 Isolation Certificate (See attachment 1): A document completed and certified by API stating that
the system or equipment has been thoroughly isolated from sources of energy or process fluids
prior to issue of PTWC. It should be attached to PTWC.
4.12 Isolator: A device that physically prevents the transmission or release of potentially damaging
energy, (examples include switches, levers, valves, wedges, controllers, etc).
4.13 Equipment/system: Equipment/system containing any type of energy having a potential to cause
harm
4.14 Locking: Means of securing isolations that are applied by installing a padlock and all other in built
locking system.
4.15 Lock Out Box (LOB): An approved device with multiple locks for securing and retaining all keys of
padlocks that are used to secure isolation points
4.16 Normalize or Restore: To remove isolations and put back the system / equipment to operational
condition
4.17 Pressurized and non pressurized systems: These include process systems containing fluids,
gases, water, air, steam, etc, that may be hazardous in terms of flammable, toxic, corrosive,
temperature extremes, etc.
4.18 Requesting Party (RP): The one who intends to carry out works at an inter-connection point and
requires isolations and safety precautions to be applied at the other end of inter-connection point
which is not under its control
4.19 Tagging: Means of identifying the isolation and/or earthing point and its status by installing an
appropriate tag
5.0 Roles & Responsibilities:
5.1 Department Managers: Responsibilities of Department Managers (Marafiq Group Managers and
Contractor General Manager) are to ensure that
5.1.1 This procedure is implemented effectively within their areas.
5.1.2 All personnel involved in isolations are trained to gain competency.
5.2 Line Managers: (Marafiq Superintendents, Supervisors, Shift Engineers & Contractor Managers):
5.2.1 Responsibilities of line managers are to
a) Implement Isolation procedure in their area of responsibility.
b) Consult with and coach employees in relation to the implementation of this procedure
c) Monitor employee conformance to the requirements of this procedure.
5.3 Employees:
5.3.1 Responsibilities of employees are:
a) Not to tamper or interfere with any isolation points including isolation tags.
b) Apply isolations and initial Isolation Certificate as per instructions of API
c) Consult with immediate API / APR in case of any doubts or safety hazards.
6.0 General Rules:
6.1 No one should interfere or tamper with any isolation applied on the system or equipment unless
there is mutual agreement between API and APR and this is documented on the PTWC.
Prior to issue of PTWC to undertake any non operational or any work intended by area owner
where a person could be endangered by the operation of system, or equipment or the release of

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 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
stored energy, the equipment or process must be properly isolated and secured with a chain and
padlock and identified by a tag.
All  isolations  should  be  carried  out  in  accordance  with  department  standard  isolation  procedures  and 
should be recorded on the Isolation Certificate.
6.2 Pressurized and non pressurized systems – These should be isolated, depressurized,
drained, vented, flushed, cleaned, purged, ventilated, grounded, etc depending upon nature of
energy.
6.3 Depressurising or Release of pressure - Pressure from all pipe work and vessels should be
released to atmosphere in a safe manner or into suitable absorption equipment depending upon
nature of process fluids or media.
6.4 Draining - Vessels and pipe work should be drained into suitable containment or drainage
channels if it is safe to do so.
6.5 Purging - Final traces of harmful materials particularly gases and vapours, should be removed by
purging with inert gas, air, steam or flushed with water as appropriate.
6.6 Blanking off –Pipe work connections at flanged joints adjacent to the vessel or unit requiring
isolations, additional to valve closures should be dismantled and blocked to prevent the flow of
media (air, water, fluid, chemical, gases, etc.). All inserted spades, flange blanks, plates etc., used
for blanking off pipe work must be strong enough to withstand the highest pressure that might
develop in the pipe work.
6.7 Ventilating- Natural ventilation (leaving some pipelines attached to vessel open at ends) to
atmosphere or forced ventilation of mechanical or other powered equipment such as fan or blower
should be provided.
6.8 Electrical systems - These should be isolated, proven dead and grounded. The isolation points
that are lockable, should be secured by means of padlocks & tagged.
6.9 Fire protection systems – Careful consideration should be given where fire systems are
temporary isolated or defeated. The system should be kept in manual mode. System should be
restored before the end of working hours where applicable. Isolation of the fire protection system
must be notified to the Loss Prevention / Fire Protection Division and APC.
6.10 Delegation of isolation - API may delegate the actual isolation to another competent person but
the isolation should be proven for effectiveness by API.
API should complete and certify the Isolation Certificate before the issue of PTWC and also after
completion of jobs.
6.11 Restoration of system or equipment back to operational condition should be carried out
by the API by:
6.11.1 Receiving the signed off PTWC from the APR
6.11.2 Checking the system or equipment for operational integrity, including the completion of all
work and the removal of non-essential items, tools and work equipment from the workplace;
6.11.3 Restoring the fire protection system to original condition if it was by-passed or defeated;
6.11.4 Removing Locks and Tags from isolation points and normalizing of the system;
6.11.5 Notifying the immediate supervisor responsible for the system or equipment that work is
completed and the system or equipment is ready for operational condition;
6.11.6 Recording the details in Section 7 of Permit to Work Certificate Form (see Safety Procedure #
14, Attachment 2A).
7.0 Isolation:
7.1 Isolation:

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(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
7.1.1 The equipment or the system to be worked on shall be isolated from all sources of energy
(mechanical, chemical, electrical, fire protection system, etc) in accordance to department
operational and technical procedures or switching programs.
7.1.2 Locks (where lockable) and tags shall be installed for isolation points after testing and proving
their effectiveness.
7.1.3 API shall confirm that the system / equipment is vented, drained, purged, blinded, flushed,
ventilated, atmosphere tested, grounded, etc., and rendered it safe prior to issue of PTWC and
commencement of work.
7.1.4 API shall record all actions taken and status of isolation points to render the system or
equipment safe and to proceed work under PTWCs mentioned on Isolation Certificate (See
attachment no: 1).
7.1.5 API shall sign on Isolation Certificate
a) prior to issuing the PTWC to carry out works after applying isolations, and
b) on cancellation of PTWC following completion of the work, after removal of
isolations.
7.1.6 Only one Isolation Certificate should be completed for works which will be carried out on
system(s) / equipment having common isolation point(s) under different PTWCs. Serial
numbers of PTWCs that interact with each other in regards to common isolation points should
be cross-referred and entered on the Isolation Certificate. This is to avoid any undesired
incidents that may occur while one or more APRs carrying out tests or adjustments on live
equipment when other APRs are also working on common isolation points.
7.1.7 If one of the APRs having interacting PTWC, has completed his job under the same Isolation
Certificate and cancelled PTWC, then that particular PTWC should be cross-referred and its
serial number should be deleted from the Isolation Certificate.
7.1.8 Computer generated Isolation Certificate (list) as per individual department operational /
technical procedures shall be acceptable but should specify different interacting PTWCs and
all different isolation points (mechanical, electrical, etc.).
7.1.9 See Attachment 2 for Isolation Safety Guidelines
7.2 Locking:
7.2.1 Isolation points like valves, breakers, etc, that are lockable shall be secured by means of
padlocks to make equipment or system safe prior to the issue of PTWC.
7.2.2 Where there is no provision of applying padlocks directly on to equipment, other means (e.g.
tying with chains or hasps) should be used with padlocks to secure isolations.
7.2.3 Isolators, valves, isolating switches, circuit breakers, plugs and socket outlets, fuses and
disconnecting links that are not lockable and are only tagged, should be under strict
supervisory control so as to prevent danger from tampering or interference.
7.2.4 All keys from the isolation points shall be collected and deposited in the Lock out Box under
the custody of API. Lock out box number should be entered in Isolation Certificate Attachment
1.
7.3 Tagging:
7.3.1 All equipment that is isolated shall be tagged as per unique identification number of isolation
point(s). Isolation point number on the tag shall be the identification number of valve, breaker,
earthing, etc. of the system that is being isolated at the location. All the isolation points
(valves, breakers, etc.) existing on the system in process areas should be clearly labeled with
a unique number and/or lettered to avoid the risk of isolating wrong equipment.
7.3.2 Three types of Tags shall be used i.e. red, blue and yellow in color.
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 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
a) Red tags: Red tags shall be used for identifying isolation points as required to commence
work under PTWC. Colour code: Background red, text red on white background & white
text on red background and white strips to write details.See Attachment 3.
b) Blue tags: Blue tags shall be used for equipment under Test or being adjusted live.
Colour code: Background blue, text red & white and white strips to write details.See
Attachment 3.
c) Yellow tags: Yellow tags shall be used when some specific information, instructions or
Caution are to be given. Color code: Background yellow and text black.(See Attachment
4)
7.3.3 Tags shall be used to define the limits or boundaries of isolation. Tags shall have provision for
the display of the following information:
a) DANGER / CAUTION UNDER TEST
b) DO NOT OPERATE.
c) Isolation Certificate No.
d) Facility, system, equipment & isolation point number on which the tag is being applied.
e) Status of Isolation Point.
f) Name of API or his nominee.
g) Date & Time.
7.4 Lock out Box:
7.4.1 It shall consist of a box fitted with five locks of a type operated by non-interchangeable keys. It
shall have five discrete keys.
7.4.2 All lock out boxes shall be marked with a unique identification number.
7.4.3 LOB shall be used for the secured retention of all keys of isolation points.
7.4.4 All keys pertaining to padlocks installed for securing isolation points for the issue of interacting
PTWCs, shall be placed in this box along with a copy of Isolation Certificate.
7.4.5 All lock out boxes shall be kept in Individual Department - Permit to Work Office under the
custody of API.
7.5 Handling of Lock out Box:
7.5.1 After completing isolations on equipment or systems as per the Isolation Certificate,
Authorized Permit Issuer will
a) Secure the isolations with padlocks and apply tags.
b) Open one of the lock out boxes and keep all keys of padlocks that are used for securing
isolation points, into it.
c) Enter the lock out box (LOB) number into Isolation Certificate which will be attached to
PTWC.
d) Keep a copy of Isolation Certificate in the lock out box (LOB).
e) Close and lock the LOB with all five keys.
f) Hand over LOB keys, one to each APR involved in carrying out work on the same system
or equipment along with PTWC.
g) Keep fifth key in his possession
7.5.2 On completion of work:
a) APRs shall return their keys back to API along with their PTWCs;
b) API shall unlock the lock out box with all five keys and remove the keys of padlocks from
LOB;
c) API or his nominee will unlock padlocks of all isolation points.
7.5.3 In case of test or adjustments on live equipment:
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(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
a) APRs shall return their keys back to API along with Test / Adjustment on live clearance
form (See: Attachment 5).
b) API shall unlock the lock out box with all five keys and remove only those keys of
padlocks from LOB that are required to remove some isolation points from the isolated
system(s) / equipment in order to carry out test or adjustments
c) API or his nominee will unlock padlocks of required isolation points.
d) On satisfactory completion of tests, isolations shall be restored and keys of padlocks shall
be kept in LOB.
e) API shall lock LOB and return one LOB key to each APR.
7.6 Tying of Lock & Lock out Box:
7.6.1 In the event that four keys from a LOB have been issued to four APRs and a fifth APR is to be
issued PTWC under same isolation Certificate, then API shall open another Lock out Box
7.6.2 He will deposit the fifth key of previous LOB into another Lock out Box.
7.6.3 He will lock second LOB and shall handover a key of second LOB to the fifth APR along with
PTWC and copy of isolation certificate. The API shall retain a key from this Lock out Box to
maintain the security of the system.
7.6.4 Tying ensures that should further LOB keys be required for other work(s) under same isolation
certificate then such keys are readily available.
8.0 Tests & Adjustments on Live Clearance: (See: Attachment 5)
8.1 Partial completion of jobs under same Isolation Certificate: When one APR partially completes his
job on the equipment or system under same Isolation Certificate and requires some of the applied
isolations to be removed for testing or adjustments, the following steps shall be taken:
8.1.1 APR shall request in writing on Test / Adjustment on Live Clearance form in Section 1. (See
Attachment5)
8.1.2 If there are other APRs with interacting PTWCs under same Isolation Certificate, he will take
consent from other APRs in writing on the same clearance form. He should handover
Clearance Form to API to remove some of the applied isolations with details of the equipment
to be tested or adjusted on live. All APRs shall handover LOB keys back to API.
8.1.3 API shall ensure that all APRs with interacting PTWCs under same Isolation Certificate have
agreed and the conditions are safe to remove some of the applied isolations as required to test
or make adjustment on live on part of equipment / system.
8.1.4 API will remove isolation keys from LOB and remove those isolations (including locks and red
tags) which are necessary, apply blue tags and record them into a Test / Adjustment on Live
Clearance (See attachment 5).
8.1.5 In case of tests to be repeated then APR and API should complete Section 2 into Clearance
form to de-isolate and isolate.
8.1.6 On satisfactorily completion of test or adjustments, APR shall request to API in writing to
restore isolations as earlier as required under PTWC to continue remaining work. APR shall
take consent of other APRs with interacting PTWCs in section 3 of Clearance Form.
8.1.7 API will restore the isolations whichever were removed, verify those with the original Isolation
Certificate, remove blue tags and apply again old red tags and locks.
8.1.8 API will place all isolation keys back into LOB and keep it locked under his custody. API shall
return to APRs their LOB keys.
Note: No APR shall carry out any work on equipment / system that is under test. Only APR(s)
who request removal of some of the isolations or the technician(s) working under him, shall
carry out adjustments on the equipment /system. Other APRs working under same isolation
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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
certificate having common isolations shall not carry out any work on the equipment /system on
which adjustments are being made.
9.0 Work on Fire Protection Systems
Fire protection systems shall not be isolated, defeated or worked on without informing in advance to
Loss Prevention / Fire Protection Division and Authorized Permit Controller (APC).
Notice shall be given to Loss Prevention / Fire Protection Division and to Authorized Permit Controller
by completing “Work on Fire Protection System Notification Form” (See attachment # 6) prior to
carrying out such work.
9.1 Section 1 Request
9.1.1 Request of the form will be completed by APR who wants
a) To work on fire protection system or
b) The fire protection system to be isolated or defeated for the purpose of carrying some
other work in the area which during its course can otherwise activate fire protection
system
9.2 Section 2 – Notification:
9.2.1 Notification will be completed by API specifying clearly if any temporary alternative protection
system(s) or deployment of fire watcher is required during such works.
9.2.2 API shall obtain approval for isolation from APC before isolating the system.
9.2.3 For Yanbu areas, Fire Protection Division will isolate the system and will sign in the given
column on the form.
9.2.4 For Jubail areas, API or his nominee will isolate or defeat the fire protection system and will
sign in the given column on the form.
9.2.5 Isolation points for fire protection system shall be recorded on original Isolation Certificate and
will be signed by Fire Protection Division or API or his nominee (whoever applies isolations at
the instructions of API) against each isolation point and will be certified by API.
9.3 Section 3 – Restoring of Isolations:
9.3.1 APR will inform in writing on completion of work and sign on the form.
9.3.2 For Yanbu areas, Fire Protection Division will normalise the system and will sign in the
column.
9.3.3 For Jubail areas, API or his nominee will normalise the fire protection system and will sign in
the column.
9.3.4 After normalizing the system, it will be recorded on Isolation Certificate and will be signed by
Fire Protection Division or API or his nominee (whoever removes isolations at the instructions
of API) against each isolation point and will be certified by API
9.3.5 APC will witness and sign after normalization.
10.0 Inter - Connection Point Safety:
When a work is to be carried out at an inter-connection point where the boundary isolation points
are under the control of two different departments or two different companies, isolations at two
ends of the interconnection point must be effective, reliable and documented.
These two different departments or companies shall be called as Requesting Party (RP) and the
other as Implementing Party (IP).
All necessary isolations and safety precautions must be documented in the form “Record of
Inter-Connection Point Safety” See Attachment 7.
10.1 Procedure:

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
10.1.1 Requesting Party (RP) shall identify isolations and safety precautions that are to be applied in
order to perform intended work at inter-connection point.
10.1.2 RP shall contact IP verbally and discuss the work to be performed and agree on isolations and
safety precautions that are to be applied.
10.1.3 RP shall apply isolations and safety precautions at his side of interconnection point and enter
into Isolation Certificate.
10.1.4 RP shall assign a unique number to “Record of Inter-Connection Point Safety” form. See
Attachment 7
10.1.5 RP shall complete Section 1 - Part I & II and part I of Section 2 and deliver to IP in person or
through fax.
10.1.6 IP shall implement isolations and safety precautions as agreed, record them in
“Implementation” Section 2 - Part II and deliver back to RP.
10.1.7 Section 2.1 will be used and completed by RP and IP in cases where grounding is to be
applied sequentially for safety reasons.
10.1.8 On completion of job, Section 3.1 will be completed by RP and IP in cases where grounding
was applied.
10.1.9 RP shall complete the intended work, complete Section 3 of “Clearance Request” Part I and
deliver to IP for removal of isolations.
10.1.10 IP on receipt of form will remove isolations and safety precautions and will complete
clearance confirmation on Section 3 Part II and send back to RP.
RP will record removal of isolations in Isolation Certificate.

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
Attachment 1 ISOLATION CERTIFICATE
Isolation Certificate No:
This isolation Certificate is to be kept in LOB and copies are to be attached to PTWCs.
Please write below serial numbers of PTWCs which are interacting regards to isolation points and issued to works either on same or different
system/equipment with common isolation points.
Permit To Work Certificate Sr. No: 1) 2) 3) 4)
LOCK OUT BOX No: SYSTEM:
LOCATION:
Identification no. of  Status of Isolation Points
Description of isolation point  
Sr. isolation point (same as no. on the tag  Isolation Applied by On Removed by
At the time of
/equipment applied)  Padlock Key (API or his completion of (API or his
issue of PTWC
Number Nominee) job Nominee)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
I certify that above isolations are applied I certify that above isolations
effectively and system/ equipment are rendered are removed, and
safe to work on. system/equipment is in safe
operational condition.
Name of API

Signature

Date

Time

N.B. Following terms must be clearly written regarding status of isolation in the column:
Switched On S/On Valve Closed C Drained D Vented V
Switched Off S/Off Valve Opened O Purged P Blinded B
Lock Applied L Racked In RI Earthing Applied EA Flushed F
Unlocked UL Racked Out RO Earthing Removed ER
Tag Applied Red / Blue / Yellow TAR TAB TAY Tag Removed Red / Blue / Yellow TRR TRB TRY

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
Attachment 2 ISOLATION SAFETY GUIDELINES

A – ELECTRICAL GUIDELINES

A1) Isolation:

a) Distribute plant loading and when system is found satisfactory open electrical isolator(s). When
switching off electrical systems, always open low voltage side first. When normalising
system(s), always start from the high voltage system and then proceed down to lower voltage
system.
b) Where work involves rotating equipment, always isolate electrical system first before
commencing with mechanical isolation.
c) Any electrical equipment that is isolated should not be considered as dead unless it is earthed
and proved dead by means of appropriate tester. Items such as insulated mats, screen, gloves,
face shields, tools and appropriate test equipment should be used whenever required.
d) Isolation and earthing points should be locked and tagged to ensure dead equipment will not be
energized under any circumstances during the execution of work.
e) Always maintain a safe working distance and do not make any direct body contact to the
equipment while carrying out isolations.

Safe Working (Minimum Approach) Distances for Instructed & Authorized Employees

Safe Working Distance is the closest distance an employee is permitted to approach bare or
exposed conductors & energized parts. It is the minimum distance beyond the reach of the
person’s body or any conducting or unapproved object touching any part of the persons body

No employee shall approach or take any conductive object, except with approved devices and
appropriate PPE, closer to unprotected energized parts than shown in the following table

Table 1 Safe Working (Minimum Approach) Distances for Instructed & Authorized Employees
AC Voltage Range Minimum Approach (Safe Working) Distance
Phase to phase in Kilovolts In Millimeters
1 to 33 700
>33 to 50 750
>50 to 110 1,100
>110 to 132 1,200
>132 to 220 2,100
>220 to 275 2,400
>275 to 330 3,600
>330 to 400 3,600
>400 to 500 6,000

f) Be accompanied by a competent person wherever necessary, to assist in case of

unforeseeable danger or deviations.

A2) Switching:
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THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
a) No switching on shall be carried out without an approval from Authorized Permit Issuer.
b) Switching shall be carried out according to a written plan. All switching operations shall be
recorded.
c) When a switch shows any signs of abnormality or defects (before/after operating), its condition
shall be reported to API.
d) If an authorized person has any objections or doubts for carrying out the isolations, it should be
reported to the API.

A3) Earthing:

a) Equipment must be proven de-energised with an approved voltage tester before earthing
b) High Voltage earthing switch shall only be operated by API or his nominee
c) All earthing operations and their locations shall be duly recorded on Isolation Certificate
d) Additional earth connections may be attached and moved by API or his nominee.
e) The special tools (earthing leads, cables, etc.) provided for fitting of earth bars / wires must be
maintained in good condition and insulated gloves & required PPE shall be worn when carrying
out the above functions.
f) Additional earthing leads shall be examined prior to use.
g) Apply earthing/grounding apparatus starting from the higher voltage end and work down to the
lower voltage switchgear.
h) Removal of earthing apparatus shall be carried out in the reverse order i.e. remove lower
voltage end earthing first followed by the high voltage end.

A4) Earthing/Grounding of Bus Bars:

a) Prior to the earthing of bus bars, the relevant section isolators must be locked opened and
isolated from all possible sources of energy. Appropriate warning/caution/danger notices must
be posted on the switchgear either side of the isolation point(s).
b) The portable earth must be an approved type.
c) When applying portable earth, earthing wire must be connected to earth before connecting to
conductor.
d) On completion of work, removal of earth leads must be done first from the phase conductor and
then from earthing point or bus bar.
e) On completion of test (requiring removal of Circuit Mains Earth) Circuit Main Earth shall be re-
applied.

A5.1) Application of Additional Portable Earths:

a) Authorized electrical staff only will be permitted to apply addition of Portable earths.
b) Confirm Zero Potential of the isolation points using an approved voltage tester.
c) Voltage tester meter must have a valid calibration certificate.
d) Portable earth equipment must be approved type.
e) On satisfactory completion of zero potential-test, one end of the portable earth cable shall be
connected to the known earth first followed by connection of the other end to the electrical
system being earthed.

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
A5.2) Removal of Additional Portable Earths: Remove earth connection from electrical system before
removing connection to earth

II) MECHANICAL GUIDELINES Before work is commenced on any system or equipment, physical isolation
and locking/tagging off from all sources of danger shall be adopted as the prime safety precaution. Where
this is not practicable, then other approved means of making the equipment safe to work on shall be taken.

1) Isolation

a) Where work is to be carried out on a piece of equipment that is electrically driven, the switch or
isolators controlling the power supply to such drives shall be locked in the open position and the key of
the isolation point lock shall be placed in the Lock out Box. When isolating rotating equipment ensure
that electrical supplies are isolated before commencing mechanical isolation.
b) Non-Return or Check valves shall not be considered as isolation points.
c) Isolate /shut valve(s) starting from the high-pressure (HP) side and progressing to low-pressure (LP)
side of a system.
d) Open vent(s) & drain(s) progressively & depressurize the system or equipment as necessary. Report
immediately any defects or isolation difficulties to API.

2) Normalisation:

a) When an item of equipment /system is being returned to service/standby the relevant operating
procedures must be complied with
b) Where practicable, complete the preparation of the equipment/system prior to making power supplies
available.
c) When pressurising/priming a system, unless conditions dictate otherwise, always start from the low
pressure side and progress toward the high pressure side ensuring that all air is expelled and drains
are flushed thoroughly prior to closing vent(s)/drain(s).
d) Due care and attention must be paid when carrying out these types of procedures on steam and water
systems particularly where there are high temperature/pressure differentials between incoming and
outgoing circuits. Should water hammering begin to develop in pipe lines, then the line pressurising
should be stopped immediately and once system has stabilized, the pressurising can be re-started at a
slower rate with condensation drain lines open

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
Attachment 3

RED TAG BLUE TAG

   
MARAFIQ MARAFIQ
DANGER CAUTION
DO NOT OPERATE
UNDER TEST
ISOLATION CERTIFICATE DO NOT OPERATE
NO ISOLATION CERTIFICATE
NO

FACILITY
FACILITY

SYSTEM
SYSTEM

EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT

ISOLATION POINT NO
ISOLATION POINT NO

STATUS OF ISOLATION
POINT STATUS OF ISOLATION
POINT

TAG APPLIED BY
TAG APPLIED BY
 
DATE & TIME
  DATE & TIME
 

Size of the tag: 20 cm x 10 cm

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
Attachment 4
YELLOW TAG

 M A R A F I Q
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
------------------------
ISOLATION CERTIFICATE NO:____________
FACILITY: _________________
SYSTEM: __________________
EQUIPMENT: ________________
EQUIPMENT NO _______________

STATUS OF ISOLATION POINT__________

TAG APPLIED BY:-

NAME: ___________________

SIGNATURE: ________________

DATE: __________________

________________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
______________ 

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
Attachment 5 TEST / ADJUSTMENT ON LIVE CLEARANCE
This sheet is to be attached to Isolation Certificate
Sr. No: Isolation Certificate No:
Section 1: Request for Test / Adjustment On Live
This section is applicable when one or more APRs working on same or different equipment or system, having same or some common
isolation points.
De-isolation Requirements: Please refer original Isolation Certificate
Partial Completion of job and enter reference no of isolation point to be removed in column below.
We agree to remove isolations Isolations to be De-isolated Isolation to be Isolated
Ref No
partially on system / removed by restored by
I have partially completed
equipment
work and request to
____________________
remove isolations for
__ for test / adjustment
carrying out test /
on live as requested by
adjustment on live on
APR 1. We shall not work
equipment
on the same till
_____________
completion of test or
adjustment.
APR APR 1 APR 2 APR 3 APR 4
Name
Signature
Date
Time
Section 2: TEST / ADJUSTMENT No
Performance of Test
1 2 3 4 Test is
or Adjustment
succe
Status of Equipment De-isolate Isolate De-isolate Isolate De-isolate Isolate De-isolate ssful
Requested by APR 1
Name
Signature
Date
Time
Implemented by API
Name
Signature
Date
Time
If no further work is to be continued, then it should be informed to API.
Section 3: Restoring of Isolations –(This is applicable If further jobs are to be carried out under the same Isolation Certificate and
the same PTWCs)
I have successfully completed test / adjustment on Isolations are restored as before as
equipment or We agree to restore isolations to continue per Isolation Certificate attachment
system________________________________ further works. 1 to continue further work on same
Please restore isolations to continue further works. PTWC.
Requesting APR 1 APR 2 APR 3 APR 4 Implementing API
Name
Signature
Date
Time

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
Attachment 6 WORK ON FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM NOTIFICATION FORM
(Loss Prevention Division / Fire Section should be notified prior to carrying out isolation or defeating the system. Permit to Work Certificate
must be obtained before starting any work)
SECTION 1 - REQUEST
Permit to Work Certificate No: ________________
Isolation certificate No: _____________
Fire protection system to be isolated or defeated:____________________________
Equipment: _____________________________Identification No: ____________________
Work to be performed:__________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
The above system / equipment to be isolated or defeated on Date: Time:
Requested By APR

Name: Signature: Date: Time:

SECTION 2 - NOTIFICATION
From: - __________________________ To: Fire Protection Division / Authorized Permit Controller
Facility: _____________________________________
Division: _______________________________________
Please be informed that fire protection system ____________________________
Equipment ____________________________________Identification No ____________________ will be isolated /
defeated on (date): _____________time: ____________ as requested above.
Please make the following arrangements:
1.____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________
Request received and Temporary fire protection arrangements are Fire protection system / equipment is
notification is made. I hereby approve for isolation of fire isolated or defeated as per request.
forwarded by protection system
Fire Protection Division (Yanbu areas) /
API APC
API or his nominee (Jubail Areas)
Name
Signature
Date
Time
SECTION 3 - RESTORING
I have completed
above mentioned I agree for I have witnessed and inspected
work and would like to normalizati Fire protection system is normalized. normalization of fire protection
restore fire protection on system. It is found satisfactory.
system
Fire Protection Division (Yanbu areas) /
APR API APC
API or his nominee (Jubail areas)
Name
Signature
Date
Time

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official. 
 
 Power & Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu  Document ID No : MSSM-1-SF-002
(MARAFIQ)  No of Pages : 18

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT  Rev. No.: 0

  MANUAL 
Date of issue: 02 Oct 2011
 
Attachment 7 RECORD OF INTER-CONNECTION POINT SAFETY
No: ____________
This record sheet is to be attached to Isolation Certificate
SECTION 1
Part I Part II
Requesting Party: Location: Implementing Party:
System / equipment to be worked on:
Description of job:

Period of Isolation required: From: To: Location:

Additional information or drawing attached as required, if any: Yes □ No. □

SECTION 2
Part I: REQUEST Part II: IMPLEMENTATION
Please carry out isolations and take safety precautions on your I confirm that isolations are carried out and safety precautions taken as
side as below: below:
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
Requesting Party
Signature Date Time. Implementing Party Name Signature Date Time
Name

Section 2.1 Request for Grounding (earthing) – To be completed where applicable

After isolating _________________________ We have applied grounding on our side for:
We have applied grounding on our side for: _________________________________________
__________________________________ Please apply  We confirm that safety precautions for isolating
grounding on your side 
___________________________________
for:_____________________________  and grounding have been established.

Requesting party
Signature Date Time. Implementing Party Name Signature Date Time
Name

SECTION 3 – Clearance on Completion of Job

Section 3.1 Request for removal of Grounding - To be completed where applicable
Above mentioned job completed. We have removed grounding of We confirm that we have removed grounding
________________________________ ___________________________________ and the line is 
Please remove grounding of___________________
ready for energisation. 
from your side and confirm for energisation.
Requesting Party
Signature Date Time. Implementing Party Name Signature Date Time
Name

Part I Clearance Request Part II Clearance Confirmation

Above mentioned job completed Please remove implemented We confirm that Implemented isolations and safety precautions are
isolations and safety precautions removed.
Requesting Party
Signature Date Time. Implementing Party Name Signature Date Time
Name

PROPRIETARY NOTICE  IMPORTANT 
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO MARAFIQ. ANY DISCLOSURE  Only document with stamps are considered 
OR USE IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT UPON WRITTEN PERMISSION BY MARAFIQ.  official.