Saudi Aramco

Safety Management Guide

Work Permit Reviews

Guide Number 06-006

Table of Contents

1. Purpose ................................................................................................ 1
2. Scope ................................................................................................... 1
3. Definitions ............................................................................................. 1
4. Introduction ........................................................................................... 2
5. Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 2
6. Requirements........................................................................................ 3
Supplement I – Work Permit Review Checklist .............................................. 4
Supplement II – Hazard Analysis Checklist (Questions Summary) ................ 5
Supplement III – Local Work Permit Process Checklist .................................. 8

Prepared by Loss Prevention

December 20, 2021

Responsible SME: LP / LPTSD / T&ESD / TSU / Safety Engineering Group Leader

Planned Next Revision: December, 2026

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

 Work Permit Reviews Guide Issue Date: December 20, 2021

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Safety Management Guide (SMG) is to provide Saudi Aramco proponent organizations
with a best practice methodology to assess the proper implementation of GI 2.100, Work Permit System, in
their area of operation. This assessment not only focuses on individual work permits, but also the
implementation of the proponent’s local work permit process.

Any best practices identified during work permit reviews should be shared with the relevant Admin Area and
respective Area Loss Prevention Division.

2. SCOPE

This SMG applies to all Saudi Aramco (SA) proponent organizations that are required to implement GI 2.100,
Work Permit System. The work permit system is required to be implemented for work activities performed in
restricted areas and to restricted activities designated by proponent organization managers that present a
potential hazard to company operations, facilities, personnel or equipment at all SA facilities, SA project sites
and at project support facilities covered under SA Land Use Permits, including laydown yards.
See GI 2.100, Section 2.0 for scoping requirements.

3. DEFINITIONS

Quality Work Permit Reviews

A review of the jobsite, considering the permit preparation and jobsite working conditions. Includes
verification that work crews are knowledgeable of the hazard controls specified on the work permit as well as
any supporting documentation, and that hazard controls are implemented.

Periodic Work Permit Process Assessment

A review of the overall proponent work permit process to evaluate the level of compliance with GI 2.100, and
determine the relative effectiveness of the process with regard to identifying, communicating and controlling
workplace hazards.

Low Risk Work Activity

Jobs that proponent managers have determined can be conducted safely in restricted areas without work
permits. In such cases, the work activity shall follow all applicable SA safety rules and standards and the
proponent shall maintain adequate control and account for personnel in all areas. (definition from GI 2.100)

Hazard Analysis Checklist

An assessment of the work activity conducted during the joint site inspection before the work is started. It is
performed by the work permit issuer (or his designated representative) and the receiver. For this purpose, the
individual job steps, the work equipment to be used and the working environment are discussed at the job site.
The protective measures specified by the applicable work permit(s) are reviewed to verify they are in place
and address the hazards of the work activity.

Major Non-Compliance
Unsafe acts or unsafe conditions observed during work permit reviews that could result in a significant loss
or immediate danger to life or health.

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 Work Permit Reviews Guide Issue Date: December 20, 2021

4. INTRODUCTION

GI 2.100, Work Permit System, requires proponent management to develop a department work permit process
that will satisfy the requirements of GI 2.100, and to verify that the department’s work permit process is
implemented in accordance with the GI by conducting work permit reviews (including job site inspections).
This SMG helps facilitate the successful implementation of these expectations by providing proponents with
methods to conduct quality field work permit reviews as well as for periodically assessing whether their local
work permit process meets the requirements of GI 2.100.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Proponent Management:

5.1.1 Ensure a periodic assessment of the local work permit process is conducted (using Supplement
III of this SMG).
5.1.2 Set targets for the percentage of work permits that should be reviewed each month. Supplements
I and II are provided as guides for work permit reviews.
(Note: The main focus for work permit reviews is to be on Quality Work Permit Reviews with
face-to-face interaction at the jobsite.
5.1.3 Monitor the local work permit compliance performance.
5.1.4 Promote identified areas of strength (i.e., best practices), throughout the department and admin
area.
5.1.5 Correct significant or repeat non-compliance with the work permit system implementation.
5.1.6 Ensure a periodic (i.e., annually as a minimum) assessment of the local work permit process is
conducted using the local process review tool that is included in this SMG. (Supplement III -
Local Work Permit Process Checklist).
5.1.7 Implement strategies to address all identified areas for improvement.

5.2 Proponent Work Permit Process Owner:

5.2.1 Develop a local work permit process that satisfies the requirements of GI 2.100.
5.2.2 Collate work permit reviews and provide monthly summary reports to proponent management.
An established Key Performance Indicator (KPI) may be utilized to gauge work permit
compliance rates and trends.
5.2.3 Initiate and support a periodic (i.e., annually as a minimum) assessment of the local work permit
process using the local process review tool that is included in this SMG. (Supplement III - Local
Work Permit Process Checklist).
5.2.4 If/when changes are made to the local process, communicate these changes to all concerned
parties.

5.3 Proponent Work Permit Reviewer:

5.3.1 Review the appropriate number of work permits, required to meet the targets in their assigned
area, using Supplement I – Work Permit Review Checklist.

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
 Work Permit Reviews Guide Issue Date: December 20, 2021

(Note: Supplement II – Work Permit System: Hazard Analysis Checklist may be used to give
guidance on example hazards that should be controlled).
5.3.2 Address all deficiencies observed during work permit reviews with the relevant work permit
issuer and/or receiver. This may include stopping work activities if warranted by job site
conditions.
5.3.3 Identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.
5.3.4 Report the review findings to the local process owner (monthly at a minimum).

6. REQUIREMENTS

6.1 An established number of work permit reviews should be conducted to verify that local work permits
systems are being implemented in accordance with GI 2.100 Work Permit System.
6.2 All work permit reviewers should understand the relevant work permit and surrounding hazards and
follow the safety requirements associated with the activity they are reviewing.
6.3 Emphasis should be placed on work permit reviewers conducting face to face reviews at specific job
sites with permit issuers and/or permit receivers and work crews.
6.4 High risk activities (e.g., live electrical work, open flame, critical lifts, equipment opening, excavations
or confined space entry) should be prioritized for work permit reviews.
6.5 A limited number of desk reviews may still be conducted (e.g., where distance or logistics hinder face
to face reviews).
6.6 Where it is found that hazards (or their controls) were not correctly identified at the time the permit was
issued, or where hazard controls have not been maintained at the worksite, the work is to be stopped.
The permit issuer and/or receiver should take steps to correct the observed deficiencies before work is
allowed to continue.
6.7 Any major non-compliances (e.g., findings that have a significant and/or immediate danger to life or
health) should be immediately communicated to local supervision, and be followed up formally to
proponent management for immediate rectification (i.e., via E-mail or in writing).
6.8 The proponent should address all work permit deficiencies highlighted during reviews, including any
significant or repeat non-compliance.
6.9 Areas of strength and areas for improvement should be highlighted to the permit issuer/ receiver and
the work permit process owner.
6.10 Periodically (i.e., annually as a minimum) the proponent’s work permit process should be
assessed/reviewed using Supplement III, Local Work Permit Process Checklist.
This should involve the following as a minimum;
• A compliance check of the process against the expectations of GI 2.100.
• Reviewing records of training, certification, mentoring and authorizations.
• Records of work permit review and trending of findings.
• Evidence of proponent management actions correcting any significant or repeat non-compliance.
6.11 Results from the work permit process assessment/review should be used by the proponent to drive its
work permit process continuous improvement.

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 Work Permit Reviews Guide Issue Date: December 20, 2021

Supplement I – Work Permit Review Checklist

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
 Work Permit Reviews Guide
Supplement II – Hazard Analysis Checklist (Questions Summary)
Supplement II – Work Permit System: Hazard Analysis Checklist (Questions Summary)
QUESTIONS
1. Is the correct type of permit issued for the
work?
2 Have the JSA and other applicable
supplementary forms been communicated
to the work crew?
3 Are weather conditions (e.g., wind speed)
acceptable to perform the work?
4 Are all slip/trip and storage hazards
controlled?
5 Does the crew have the correct tools and
equipment for the job?
Are they in good condition?
6 Do workers have the proper certifications
to perform the activity and/or operate the
equipment?
7 Is the equipment inspection sticker valid?
8 Have all requirements for working at
heights (i.e., fall protection) been applied?
9 Is the scaffold tag completed correctly,
signed with a valid inspection date?
10 Has the potential for contact with sharp
objects, rotating equipment, hot/cold
surfaces, or live electricity been
eliminated?
Guide Number 06-006
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
Issue Date: December 20, 2021
EXAMPLE
• Hot Work Permit • Confined Space Entry Permit
• Cold Work Permit • Equipment Opening / Line Break Permit
• Gas test records • Excavation Checklist
• Isolation plan • Hydrotest (or pressure test) procedures
• Blind list • Confined Space Entry Plan (mandatory)
• Critical Lift Plan • Confined Space Entry Log (mandatory)
• Management Of Change • Others
(MOC) documentation
• Excavations and low-lying areas may flood during wet weather
• Hot weather could affect exposed operations
• Crane lifts cannot function if wind speed more than 32kph
• Man baskets cannot be used if wind speed above 25kph
• Workplace housekeeping/storage, such as trash, electrical cords, furniture
• Uneven walking/working surfaces
• Spills and liquid concerns
• Wet floor in work area
• Uneven walkway with holes in floor
• Restricted access/egress to or from the work area
• The tools are in good condition/are being used properly
• Homemade/improperly modified tools are not being used
• All portable electric power tools are of a single voltage (110V or 220V)
• Portable electric power tools are not modified and are certified for use in
electrically classified areas
• Electrical cords are not damaged or spliced
• Crane operators have a valid crane operator certificate
• Crane loads were rigged by a certified rigger for the type and weight of load
• Heavy equipment/forklift operators have valid heavy equipment certificates
• All scaffold erections are overseen by a certified scaffold supervisor
• Permit receivers completed the training and possess a valid receiver’s card.
Equipment that must have a valid inspection sticker from a Saudi Aramco-
approved 3rd-party inspection service, per GI 7.030, includes:
• Man lifts, man baskets
• Mobile and fixed cranes
• Powered platforms/sky climbers
• Spreader bars, side-boom tractors
• Any work above 1.8m / 6ft must involve a fall protection system, such as
temporary or permanent platforms with a guardrail
• Personal fall arrest systems include a full-body harness, shock-absorbing
lanyard or self-retracting lifeline and a substantial anchor point and/or
horizontal/vertical lifeline.
• Fall protection equipment must be inspected periodically.
• Tag and holder numbers match
• Tag doesn’t appear to be reused
• Tag holder is mounted through structural component of scaffold
• Tag holder (and tag) are present at each access point to the scaffold
• Tag signed by scaffold inspector (if greater than 6 meters)
• Sharp objects: rebar ends, sheet metal corners are prevented/protected
• Rotating equipment: pump shafts, PTO drivelines should be guarded
• Hot/cold surfaces: (e.g., heat exchangers) protected by shielding or distance
• Live electricity: (e.g., open electrical bus panel with exposed live conductors
have controls in place, per GI 2.721, Arc Flash Hazard Mitigation)
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 Work Permit Reviews Guide
11 Is the system/equipment properly isolated
and locked out? Did all workers apply
their personal locks?
12 Has the system/equipment been
depressurized, drained, and/or purged
before being opening?
13 Has the potential for releasing flammable
liquids and gases been controlled?
14 Are all ignition sources eliminated or
controlled?
15 Does the fire watch have firefighting
equipment readily available and know how
to use the equipment?
16 Are health hazards identified and
addressed (e.g., the potential for exposure
to high noise levels, H2S, hydrocarbons,
asbestos, hazardous chemicals or
radioactive materials).
17 Is the correct personal protective
equipment (PPE) available for use by
personnel?
Guide Number 06-006
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
Issue Date: December 20, 2021
• Energy types include:
o Hydraulic/gas/steam/chemical energy, such as pressurized hydraulic systems
o Mechanical energy, such as rotating shafts, spring-loaded valves, or agitators
o Electrical energy, such as switch gear isolation
o Hydraulic/pneumatic energy, such as pistons, shear rams, or hydraulic
cylinders
o Potential (spring-loaded, gravity) energy, like elevated loads or pipe-levelling
devices
o Automated extinguishing systems, such as cooking CO2 fire suppression
systems
• Equipment properly isolated could be:
o Locked switch/breaker, used for isolation of electrical energy sources
o Mechanical block used to prevent fin fan blades from rotating
o Physical removal of a section of pipe (spool piece)
o All blinds installed and tagged
o Lock/Tag/Clear/Try conducted
• Have procedures been followed and completed for equipment preparation, such
as:
o Nitrogen or steam purged
o Water washed and drained
• Is the equipment fully isolated from all flammable sources, or could pockets
remain, like low points and dead legs?
• Area wetted to prevent combustible materials from igniting
• Fire barriers/shields to separate open flame hot work and welding from other
areas
• Cover/water seal all sewers within 23m / 75ft to prevent the escape of
flammable gasses
• Remove all ignition sources within 23m / 75ft to prevent ignition sources from
igniting any flammable liquids or gases that may be released when the
equipment/piping is opened
• Non sparking tools are provided
• Fire extinguisher present
• Fire monitor/hose available
• Fire watch knows how to use all provided equipment
• High noise levels – e.g., steam-shedding piping, relief systems, running
compressors
• H2S – e.g., sour gas lines, sewage lift stations
• Hydrocarbons (flammable liquids and gases) – e.g., process piping and
equipment
• Asbestos – e.g., damaged/frayed/exposed asbestos insulation
• Hazardous and toxic chemicals – e.g., sulfuric acid, chlorine
• Radioactive materials – e.g., tank level indicators
• Temperature – e.g., heat exchangers or furnace tubes
• Mandatory PPE includes: hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes
• Personal H2S monitor where applicable
• Goggles/face shield for protection from flying particles, hazardous liquids,
molten metal, etc.
• Chemical suit/overalls protect while handling asbestos or acidic/corrosive
liquids, etc.
• Fall protection to be worn when working above 1.8m / 6ft
• Barricades/warning signs warn personnel of hazards in the area, minimum PPE
requirements, or to keep unauthorized persons out of specific spaces
• Respiratory protection used by personnel exposed to air contaminants exceeding
PEL (e.g., SABA, SCBA)
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 Work Permit Reviews Guide
18 If the work may impact others nearby, or
vice versa, have the work crews discussed
their activities with each other (i.e.,
simultaneous operations [SIMOPS])?
19 Is there an emergency contingency plan in
place to respond to the work being
performed?
20 Does the work crew know what to do in
the event of an emergency, such as
evacuation routes, location of emergency
equipment and where assembly areas are
located?
Guide Number 06-006
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
Issue Date: December 20, 2021
• Your work may impact others, or other work may impact your job. Coordination
is needed to ensure there are no conflicts, such as an equipment opening/line
break job next to open welding.
• Inform downwind activities when opening a closed vessel or piping upwind of
others.
• What may go wrong at the job site and what precautions have been developed in
response?
• Standby man or fire watch needed to raise an alarm and support planned
emergency response actions.
• “In an Emergency” section completed and actions to take are identified on the
work permit.
• Work crew knows what to do in the event of an emergency; they know the
assembly areas and evacuation routes, and how to notify the facility that there is
an emergency
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 Work Permit Reviews Guide Issue Date: December 20, 2021

Supplement III – Work Permit System, Local Work Permit Process Checklist

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use