SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I.

Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 1 OF 9

CONTENT:
This General Instruction outlines the requirements for moving/operating drilling rigs, cranes, high clearance
equipment and loads under or near powerlines to avoid conductor contact. The text includes:

1.0 PURPOSE
2.0 SCOPE
3.0 REFERENCES
4.0 DEFINITIONS
5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
6.0 RESPONSIBILITY
7.0 RIG MOVE
8.0 CRANE OPERATION
9.0 MOVING OVERSIZE EQUIPMENT/LOAD
ATTACHMENTS:
I - Pre-Rig Move Checklist
II - Pre-Rig Move Checklist (Contractors)
III - Oversize Equipment/Load Pre-Move Checklist
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this GI is to protect personnel and high clearance equipment that move or
operate under/near overhead powerlines and to prevent damage to powerlines and/or
unplanned power outages during such operations.
2.0 SCOPE
This GI shall apply to all Saudi Aramco departments and their contractors who move/operate
high clearance equipment and loads under/near powerlines regardless of location, voltage
rating, or type of involved equipment. This GI does not apply to moving mobile cranes along
Saudi Aramco roadways where crossing powerline heights are posted and/or equipped with
telltales indicating safe clearance.
3.0 REFERENCES
GI 2.100 Work Permit System
GI 7.025 Heavy Equipment Operator Testing and Certification
GI 7.026 Cranes and Heavy Equipment Accident Reporting Procedures
GI 7.027 Crane Suspended Personnel Platform (Manbasket) Operations
GI 7.028 Crane Lift: Types and Procedures
GI 7.029 Rigging Hardware Requirements
GI 7.030 Inspection and Testing Requirements for Elevating/Lifting Equipment
GI 6.012 Isolation, Lockout and Use of Hold Tag
GI 1809.001 On Job Training & Job Certification
ASME B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 2 OF 9

ASME B30.23 Personnel Lifting Systems

Library of Congress IPT’s Crane and Rigging Handbook by Ronald G. Garby
# 95234053
Library of Congress Handbook for Riggers by W.G. Newberry
# 72362605
4.0 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this instruction document, the following terms will be used:
Critical Lift Plan: A document (SA-9644) that identifies a specific load and the operating
restrictions. Pertinent information includes all weights on hook blocks and attachments.
Electrical System Operator (ESO): Power Operations Department (POD) employee who’s
authorized to switch the power system.
Highest Equipment/Load: The vertical clearance measured from the ground to the highest
point of the equipment/load while loaded on the truck or trailer.
Lowest Clearance: This height is the least height available from the ground to the bottom
powerline conductor.
Near: Work ‘near’ overhead power lines means a situation where there is a reasonable
possibility of a person carrying out work duties either directly, or through any conducting
medium, coming closer than the absolute limit of approach distances specified in this GI. For
the purposes of this GI the term ‘near’ can be interchanged with other commonly used industry
terms i.e. ‘in close proximity to’, ‘an unsafe distance from’ or ‘in the vicinity of’.
Oversize Equipment/Load: Equipment/Load that exceeds a standard or ordinary height that
would prevent safe passage under powerlines.
Power Dispatcher: POD employee who monitors the power system and coordinates switching
from Dhahran Power Control Center (24 hour operation.)
Powerline: Overhead, non-insulated electrical conductor.
Rig: Drilling rig and all auxiliary components.
Rigger: A person certified by Saudi Aramco to prepare a load for lifting. Saudi Aramco rigger
categories are Rigger-I, II, and III (Refer to GI 7.028 for details.)
Service Dispatcher: POD employee who monitors the power system and coordinates
switching. He operates from local area dispatch office (24 hour operations.)
Signalman: A person who has been assigned the responsibility to warn and stop drivers or
crane operators when high clearance equipment or loads may come in contact with powerlines
and/or other obstructions and to insure safe movement of the equipment and/or loads.
Telltale: Information sign on wire strung above and across the path of an approaching vehicle
to warn about the clearance height of the object above that is being approached.

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 3 OF 9

5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 If a powerline outage is required, the proponent department of the move or work shall
contact the local area POD Service Dispatcher and request a work permit. POD ESO
shall determine if a powerline outage can or should be scheduled before the move or
work is permitted to proceed. Scheduled outages required on any Saudi Electric
Company (SEC) owned and operated powerlines shall be coordinated by the Power
Dispatcher. Overhead powerline shall be considered energized until the ESO declares it
de-energized.
5.1.1 All equipment moving under energized powerlines shall maintain the proper
clearances shown in Table-1 below.
Powerline Absolute Limit of
Voltage Level Nominal Voltage Approach
Min (kV) Max (kV) kV m ft
0 50 0.11, 0.24, 0.48, 2.4, 4.16, 1.8 6
11, 13.8, 33, 34.5
> 50 200 69, 115, 132 3.1 10
> 200 350 230 3.1 10
> 350 500 380 4.9 16
Table-1: Absolute Limit of Approach for equipment passing under energized overhead powerlines

5.1.2 The facility proponent department shall issue a work permit only after the ESO
declares the powerline is de-energized and gives clearance to proceed with the
work.
5.2 A hot work permit is required for equipment lifts or crane operations where there is a
possibility for absolute limit of approach encroachment. Tables-2 shows the Absolute
Limit of Approach for operating equipment near energized powerlines.
6.0 RESPONSIBILITY
If in the vicinity of powerlines, it’s the responsibility of proponent departments and their
contractors to coordinate, with POD, rig and high clearance equipment/load move or crane
operation.
7.0 RIG MOVE
7.1 Select the most appropriate route for moving the drilling rig components with high
clearance to minimize powerline crossings.
7.2 Directly notify the Power Dispatcher or Service Dispatcher (if overhead powerlines have
to be crossed) at least 7 work days before the equipment move. Specify the date, time,
location of crossing, powerline(s) affected, and estimated duration of the scheduled
outage required so that facilities affected by the outage can be notified and the impact on
company operations is evaluated. Any changes in timing shall be communicated to the

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 4 OF 9

Power Dispatcher or Service Dispatcher as soon as they are known.

7.3 Prepare Rig Pre-Move Checklist Forms and obtain POD concurrence on it. (Attachment-I
for Saudi Aramco rig moves and Attachment-II for moves by contractors.)
7.4 If clearances cannot be met and the powerline cannot be de-energized, the proponent
department shall initiate a request for a hot work permit signed by the ESO. The hot
work permit shall indicate clearly that the powerline is energized and the person in
charge of the move is familiar with this GI. The hot work permit shall also indicate
precautions to be taken to prevent powerline conductor contact. Where practical, the
powerline crew shall be advised to cover the line conductors with protective equipment
made for this purpose.
8.0 CRANE OPERATION
8.1 The crane operator shall maintain proper clearance between powerlines and the crane
during travel, as per the table shown in paragraph 5.1.1. If this is not possible, the
proponent department shall immediately contact the Power Dispatcher or Service
Dispatcher. Hydraulic crane booms shall be fully retracted with no load attached. "Pick
and Carry" operations shall not be permitted near energized powerlines.
8.2 Operating cranes near energized powerlines shall be in accordance with GIs 7.027 and
7.028.
8.2.1 The facility proponent department shall issue a hot work permit countersigned
by an ESO. The hot work permit shall indicate clearly that the overhead
powerline is energized and that the Supervising Craftsman, Rigger-I is aware of
the powerline voltage and familiar with this GI. It shall also indicate
precautions to be taken to prevent contact with the powerline or to minimize
losses if contact occurs. Where practical, the powerline crew shall be advised
to cover the line conductors with protective equipment made for this purpose.
8.2.2 When working less than 1-1/2 fully extended boom lengths from energized
powerlines, a designated signalman shall ensure the following minimum
distances are maintained:
Powerline Absolute Limit of
Voltage Level Nominal Voltage Approach
Min (kV) Max (kV) kV m ft
0 50 0.11, 0.24, 0.48, 2.4, 4.16, 3.1 10
11, 13.8, 33, 34.5
> 50 200 69, 115, 132 4.6 15
> 200 350 230 6.1 20
> 350 500 380 7.6 25
Table 2: Absolute Limit of Approach for equipment working near energized overhead powerlines

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 5 OF 9

8.2.3 Crane lifting and use of crane to move loads near energized powerlines shall be
considered a 'critical lift' and require an approved Critical Lift Plan. The Critical
Lift Plan shall be prepared by a Rigger-I and co-signed by the facility proponent
department and POD.
8.2.4 Crane lifts near energized powerlines shall not be performed in inclement
weather conditions including wind speed exceeding 32 km/h (20 mph -17.4
knots), humidity above 80% and/or thunderstorm.
8.2.5 Use of a personnel platform (Manbasket) near an energized powerline shall not
be permitted. If no other viable option, the use of personnel platform shall be
considered a critical lift and requires an approved Critical Lift Plan. Its use
requires POD concurrence on the work permit. (Refer to GI 7.027 and 7.028.)
8.2.6 Operation of the crane boom or personnel platform (Manbasket) over
powerlines requires POD concurrence on the work permit.
8.2.7 Electrical system protective devices that automatically re-energize the circuit in
the event of powerline contact shall be blocked or disengaged to inhibit this
function.
8.2.8 Load control, when required, shall utilize non-conductive taglines near
energized powerlines. Flame resistant clothing (FRC) shall be worn by all
personnel working close to live powerlines as indicated in the Absolute Limit of
Approach table.
8.2.9 Non-conductive barricades shall be used during the crane lift near an energized
powerline to restrict access to the crane work area for personnel other than
lifting crew. All combustible and flammable materials shall be removed from
the vicinity of the energized powerline.
8.2.10 No one shall be permitted to touch the crane or the load near energized
powerlines, unless the Rigger-I indicates it is safe to do so.
9.0 MOVING OVERSIZE EQUIPMENT/LOAD
The proponent department shall prepare a Move Plan that shall include drawings, showing the
overall dimensions of the load/equipment mounted on the vehicle and the proposed route to be
taken. If the route is to cross under powerlines, POD representative shall be included in the
development and approval of the Move Plan. Clearances shall conform to those listed in
paragraph 5.1.1. Prior to the move, the proponent department shall prepare and obtain POD
concurrence on the Oversize Equipment/Load Pre-Move Checklist (Attachment-III.)

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 6 OF 9

Recommended:___________________________________________ Date: _____________

Manager, NA Power Operations Department

Concurred: _______________________________________________ Date: _____________

Manager, Transportation & Equipment Services Dept.

Concurred: _______________________________________________ Date: _____________

General Manager, Drilling & Workover Operations

Approved: _______________________________________________ Date: _____________

Vice President, Power Systems

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 7 OF 9

POD-44 (04/15) Attachment I GI 2.702

SAUDI ARAMCO RIG PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

Date: _______________

RIG Old New

Number: ___________________________ Location: ___________________________ Location: ___________________________

Expected Move Date: _____________________ RIG RIG & CAMP Distance: ______________ Km

RIG
Contact Charge
Foreman: ____________________________
Number: ____________________________ Number: ____________________________
Drilling Dept.

Prepared by: _________________________________

Rig Move Support Unit/T&ESD

ROAD INSPECTION SURVEY:

Road Description: Paved Skid (Marl) Up/Down Hill Deep Sand Tight Turns
Road Surface: Deep Ruts Mud Under Construction No Defects
Road Obstructions: Bridge Sign Board Highway Crossing Powerlines
Highest Lowest
Road Map Provided? Yes No Equipment/Loads: (Meters) Clearance: (Meters)

Is the road clear and safe for the move? Yes No

If no, explain why? _________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective action to be taken ________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Power outage required Duration: ______________________ Hours

Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Inspected by:

________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

Supervisor, Rig Move/T&ESD Convoy Leader/T&ESD POD Service Dispatcher

_________________________________ _________________________________
Wellsites Rep. Drilling Rig Foreman
cc: Supt, AreaT&ESD
Supervisor, Rig Move Support Unit
Supervisor, Rig Move & HH Unit
Service Dispatcher, POD
Rig File

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 8 OF 9
POD-45 (04/15) Attachment II GI 2.702

CONTRACTOR RIG PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

Date: _______________

RIG Old New

Number: ___________________________ Location: ___________________________ Location: ___________________________

Expected Move Date: _____________________ RIG RIG & CAMP Distance: ______________ Km

RIG
Contact Charge
Foreman: ____________________________
Number: ____________________________ Number: ____________________________
Drilling Dept.

Prepared by: _________________________________

Wellsites Division/D&WOSD

ROAD INSPECTION SURVEY:

Road Description: Paved Skid (Marl) Up/Down Hill Deep Sand Tight Turns
Road Surface: Deep Ruts Mud Under Construction No Defects
Road Obstructions: Bridge Sign Board Highway Crossing Powerlines
Highest Lowest
Road Map Provided? Yes No Equipment/Load: (Meters) Clearance: (Meters)

Is the road clear and safe for the move? Yes No

If no, explain why? _________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective action to be taken ________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Power outage required Duration: ______________________ Hours

Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Inspected by:

________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

Rig Contractor Representative POD Service Dispatcher Well Site Inspector

_________________________________ __________________________________
Drilling Rig Foreman Contractor Rig Mover
cc: Supt, D&WOD
Supt, Wellsites Division
Service Dispatcher, POD
Rig Contractor
Rig Well File

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) G. I. Number Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2.702

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. NA POWER OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 04/30/2015 04/01/2003
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT/ LOADS, APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT
OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR POWERLINES AMJ 9 OF 9

POD-46 (04/15) Attachment III GI 2.702

OVERSIZE EQUIPMENT/LOAD PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

Date: _______________

Transport Date: _________________

Location: From: ______________________________ To: _______________________________

Distance: ______________ Km

Brief Description:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Truck Type: _____________________________________________________

Load Type: ______________________________________________________

Highest Equipment/Load Point: __________________ (Meters) Maximum Width: __________________ (Meters)

Road Description: Paved Skid (Marl) Up/Down Hill Deep Sand Tight Turns
Road Surface: Deep Ruts Mud Under Construction No Defects
Road Obstructions: Bridge Sign Board Highway Crossing Powerlines

Remarks: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Road map available? Yes No

Powerline crossing? If yes, lowest point: __________ (Meters)
Power outage required? Duration _____________ (Hours)
Power Operations Department approval required?
Government approvals required?
Valid Saudi Aramco truck inspection sticker?

Approval:

Supt, Area Transp &Equip Svcs Division/T&ESD : _______________________________ Date: _____________

cc: Area Service Dispatcher, POD

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