Life Saving Golden Rules
OGM/P-HSE-4.2(08) Revision Number 8
March 14, 2022
Lifesaving Golden Rules
Lifesaving Golden Rules are used as policy guidelines provide practical support in the application of OGDCL’s HSE Management System (HSE-MS). They are aimed at personnel, both employees and contractors, working at field locations/ sites who carry out, or are responsible for, activities with particular potential to cause serious injuries or incidents, especially fatalities.
Criterion for the selection of Lifesaving Golden Rules is based on critical operational areas and incidents trend over the past ten years in OGDCL.
Lifesaving Golden Rules, therefore, are for use at all worksites to remind everyone to keep people safe at field locations/ sites. They must be followed and can help field personnel to:
· Formulate standardized operating procedures and work instructions
· Perform risk assessment
· Check barriers and controls are in place before work starts
· Make part of toolbox talks and pre-work planning
· Facilitate inspections and walkthroughs
If these Lifesaving Golden Rules are NOT followed in letter & spirit, all unsafe work (behaviors and conditions) must be STOPPED! With the Stop Work Authority, anyone working within the OGDCL sites, as either an employee or contractor, is empowered to interrupt an activity whenever he observes an unsafe behavior or an unsafe condition.
Lifesaving Golden Rules must become part of our way of approaching and conducting any working activity in each tier as follows:-
Top and Middle Management
· Provide adequate resources to support the continued implementation of Lifesaving Golden Rules.
· Demonstrate their personal commitment, leadership and accountability.
· Empower all employees to intervene and to stop activities anywhere or at any time when Lifesaving Golden Rules are not correctly applied.
Area and Location Management
· Ensure all job activities are adequately planned, assessed and executed in terms of risk assessment.
· Ensure all personnel are adequately informed, trained and have all the necessary equipment to perform the work in a safe manner.
Supervisors
· Ensure that work conditions are safe.
· Ensure, leading by example, that their teams know, and
· Observe the rules and that they comply with them before starting, during and at the end of a working activity.
Workers
· Be responsible for the safety of themselves and that of their co-workers.
· Be aware that compliance is mandatory.
· Immediately report to their supervisor/person in charge, about any unsafe event (i.e. accident, near hit, unsafe act, unsafe condition) that occurs at the work site.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 1 – Hydrocarbon safety
Disciplined framework for managing the integrity of operating systems and processes that handle hydrocarbons and other hazardous substances to prevent unplanned releases which could result in incidents.
PLAN
· The basis of design of a facility or process, permanent or temporary, which transports, produces, stores, uses or disposes of hydrocarbon must be reviewed at least every five years utilizing a process risk assessment methodology such as HazOp – Hazards Operability (but cannot be limited to) or on as & when required basis within this period.
· Take into account the actual changes (or the changes that can reasonably be expected during the operations lifetime) in a workshop format led by an experienced Chairperson from independent party, Custodian from process/ project team, Secretary from HSEQ domain and concerned Discipline Engineers/ Sector Experts.
READY?
· Have you performed basis of design of a facility or process employing risk assessment?
· Is effectiveness/ suitability of existing and potential barriers or internal controls considered?
· Are drawings/ as-built drawings (e.g. process and instrumentation diagrams, process flow diagrams, layout drawings, isometrics, etc.) prepared/ updated?
GO!
· Check, verify and validate the efficacy of process controls and barriers/ internal controls.
· Up to date documentation/ arrangements for achieving safe operating limits and ensure availability to O&M personnel.
· Ensure placement of conscious labeling on equipment, storage vessels, containers, tanks and pipelines carrying or containing hydrocarbons or other hazardous material as per appropriate international standards.
· Ensure provision of an emergency response plan which includes means of escape; emergency response teams; appropriate safe refuge and assembly areas; and emergency response equipment for spillage containment, fires, explosions, burns, etc.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 2 – Explosives safety
Controls and monitoring of the reliability of explosives’ storage, handling, transportation and usage ensure the seismic and wireline crew safety.
PLAN
· Every consignment containing explosives must include original Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); If MSDS of any explosive is not included, the Location InCharge should immediately contact the Rep. of supplier, manufacturer or importer to get the MSDS (before final payments) and maintain record.
· MSDS of explosives must be readily accessible to all concerned workforce members in their work areas.
· Storage of explosives must comply with local government regulations. Storage sites must be located at safe distances from public buildings, factories & houses. The site to have a good road access.
· The explosives must be kept/stored in the magazine. Dynamite and detonators must always be stored in a separate magazine.
READY?
· Is an up-to-date inventory of the quantities and types of explosives maintained on site?
· Are all explosive operations being conducted under a Hot Work Permit?
· Are all personnel involved in explosives operation certified and trained for explosive handling by third party and understand MSDS?
· Are the explosive storage containers:
- Designed and constructed specifically for the purpose of storing explosives?
- Kept locked at all times, without the possibility of unauthorized access to keys?
- Have proper ventilation?
- Have proper external warning labels and markings attached?
- Provided with no electrical wiring or else explosion proof electrical (EXP) wiring?
GO!
· Inside the containers, separate explosives by type, size etc. and stack so that the oldest stock is used first.
· Install a suitable Lightening Arrestor on each magazine before storing the explosives.
· Smoking, matches, lights and spark producing devices such as sulfuric acids, petroleum to be not be allowed at any distance where explosives are stored and handled.
· Following rules to be followed during explosives transportation:
- Must not be conducted in any vehicle that is carrying passengers.
- Must only be transported as per approved procedure and as packaged by the supplier or service contractor.
- All such vehicles, containers and boxes to display proper warning labels.
· Following controls to be ensured during drilling operations:
- For wireline operations, the wireline cable must be rigged such that it does not contact any facility wiring.
- For drilling rig operations, checks must be made and continuously verified to ensure that no voltage exists between the facility, casing or wellhead, wireline cable armor and the logging unit.
- Prior to explosive operations, the logging unit must be prepared by isolating electrical circuits and removing the electrical isolation/safety key.
· Maintain a current inventory record of explosives on daily basis with issue & return of explosives signed for by each individual.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 3 – Working at height
Controls and monitoring of the reliability of equipment and protection systems during work at height activities ensure the workers safety.
PLAN
· Avoid physically working at height i.e. 06 feet (02 meters) or higher above the ground and consider a safe feasible alternative.
· Consider fall prevention systems rather than fall protection systems.
· Ensure that fall protection systems (e.g., full body safety harness, shock absorbing lanyards) are periodically inspected and maintained by an Authorized Person.
· Ensure that arrangements for emergency rescue at height are in place.
READY?
· Is the PTW in place, completed with the risk assessment for each work at height activity?
· Are the work surfaces and holes adequately protected from fall of personnel and objects?
· Are the scaffolds built according to the vendor manual/specifications or a specific project done by an Authorized Engineer?
· Are scaffolds, portable ladders, portable and mobile platforms inspected by an Authorized Person prior to use and equipped with a valid tag/panel certifying the inspection?
· Are personnel working at height provided awareness on safety?
· Are the PPE for the required task, in good condition and worn by all people?
GO!
· Only Authorized Workers to access the scaffolds, portable ladders, portable and mobile platforms.
· No permission to erect or carry scaffolds, portable ladders, portable and mobile platforms near live overhead electrical cables, or equipment.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 4 – Dropped object
Controls and monitoring of the reliability of equipment and protection systems involving height/ high overhead structures.
PLAN
· Risk assessment of a drilling rig to consider all objects that have the potential to drop.
· All permanently installed equipment suspended more than 2 meters (6 feet) above ground be reviewed for applicability of proper securing mechanism.
READY?
· Do the high-level workspaces have no loose or redundant equipment or material?
· Is a Drop Object Register developed and periodic inspection of all items recorded?
· Are personnel working on or under high-level workspaces provided awareness on safety?
· Are the securing mechanisms for the suspended equipment/tools in good conditions?
GO!
· Only Authorized Workers to access the areas where objects have potential to drop.
· Ensure equipment/tools be carried aloft and returned to ground level using an effective means of preventing them from falling.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 5 – Energized systems
Implementation of procedures, controls and specialized personnel guarantee safety during activities where energized systems are present.
PLAN
· Verify that a specific isolation procedure is in place for process fluids, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical, electrical, mechanical systems and/ or radiation.
· Each job shall be risk assessed and performed accordingly.
· Ensure that the permit to work refers the specific equipment.
READY?
· Are isolation checks completed in the PTW?
· Have you verified that no stored energy or other hazards remain prior to start your job, and that the energy isolation is properly done?
· Are the PPE for the required task, in good condition and worn by all people?
GO!
· Do not carry out unauthorized activities. Follow the provisions of the permit to work.
· Use lockout and tagout (LOTO) devices to communicate isolation and to prevent non-authorized operations.
· Ensure periodic monitoring is carried out.
· Ensure that the job specific area is barricaded, safety signs posted and emergency rescue in place.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 6 – Fire safety
Fire risk must be assessed and control measures such as procedures and active/passive fire protection systems implemented.
PLAN
· Ensure that a risk assessment is performed considering fire hazards.
· Ensure the use of a relevant PTW.
· Ensure that a Fire Emergency Response Plan is developed and all personnel are aware.
· Plan firefighting awareness of the workers.
· Periodically inspect and maintain the fire prevention and protection measures.
READY?
· Are workplaces equipped with fire & gas detection system and firefighting arrangements?
· Are sources of ignition under control or isolated/ removed?
· Are escape routes and muster points clearly marked and kept easily accessible at all time?
GO!
· Handle and store flammable materials and products properly.
· Ensure that workers do not smoke.
· Ensure that workers do not perform horseplay with any naked flames/ non-explosion proof equipment.
· Keep all areas clean and tidy.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 7 – Toxic gases
Procedures, staff training, specific collective and personal protective equipment are required to work in the presence of toxic gases.
PLAN
· Ensure that the operating procedures, work instructions and Emergency Response Plan (ERP) have been developed considering the risks related to toxic gas release.
· Ensure that everybody is informed on toxic gas risk and properly trained on their specific role during emergencies, and on collective/personal protective equipment.
· Ensure that each worker has both a personal toxic gas detector and a proper breathing escaping apparatus (full face mask / hood with specific filter / air bottle).
· Post safety signs and any other means, warning of the potential presence of toxic gas.
READY?
· Are you authorized to enter a toxic gas classified area?
· Is the Emergency Response Team (ERT) present on site and alerted?
GO!
· Always wear personal detection devices when working in an area where there is or could be the presence of toxic gas and ensure breathing escaping apparatus arrangement as a support exclusively during emergency.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 8 – Lifting operation
Lifting operations properly planned, implemented and monitored, prevent the workers risk of falling or being crushed or struck.
PLAN
· Plan the lift with a specific risk assessment to avoid crane overturning, load falling from the crane and load or machine striking someone or any other identified hazard especially related to wind speed and elevated structures.
· Always inspect and maintain lifting & hoisting equipment/ machines and accessories as per manufacturer’s instructions and site procedure requirement: check and record damages, color code, Safe Working Load (SWL) and certificate.
· Lifting authority be involved in all activities.
· Personnel lifts shall be done only with man-rated equipment and under a PTW.
· Plan to ensure that the minimum clearance distance from the energized power lines is 10 feet for up to 50 KV load and 15 feet for over 50 to 200 KV load.
· When the carriage of personnel by crane is required, the man riding basket must be suitably tested and have a valid third party test certificate and clearly marked "Man Riding Only" and “Load-bearing Capacity” on it. All wire ropes and other attached lifting equipment must also have a valid certificate. Crane hooks must be fitted with safety latches or equivalent. Man riding basket shall be used for carrying single person only who must be properly secured by a safety harness.
READY?
· Is lifting equipment certified by a Third Party in accordance with relevant local legislation or international standards and regularly maintained according to the planned schedule?
· Are all persons engaged in lifting and hoisting operations competent for that role and supervised at all times?
· Are lifting and hoisting equipment, machines and accessories (cranes, forklifts, slings, handles, hooks, baskets, etc.) in good condition according to national legislation and international best practices?
· Have you verified that the lifting area is marked out to prohibit unauthorized access?
· Are the PPE identified in the specific risk assessment for the required task, in good condition and worn by all people?
GO!
· Always ensure the presence of a banksman during the entire lifting operation and avoid unplanned blind lifts.
· Never allow personnel to be under or close to suspended loads for any reason.
· Ensure that the lifting operator keeps the machine/equipment under control at all time.
· No crane to travel with a suspended load.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 9 – Confined space
Atmospheric testing, specific training on confined space activities, implementation of dedicated emergency procedures, are mandatory to work safely in a confined space.
PLAN
· Each job shall be risk assessed and all hazards and controls shall be identified and implemented.
· Plan specific training for all persons engaged in confined spaces activities.
READY?
· Are Confined Space checks completed in conjunction with and referred to in the PTW?
· Did you verify that the confined space is positively isolated from all possible sources of hazards?
· Have Qualified and Authorized Personnel tested and recorded the atmosphere inside the confined space as designated in the permit?
· Is the Emergency Response and Rescue Plan prepared and tested? Is the ERT ready in location and communication means ready and tested?
· Are the PPE identified in the specific risk assessment for the required task, in good condition and worn by all people?
GO!
· Ensure testing of atmospheres inside confined space is conducted, verified and repeated.
· Suspend the work if Emergency Response Team (ERT) and/or means of communications are unavailable on site.
· Suspend the work if a Dedicated Qualified Attendant (Watcher) is not present close to the confined space.
· Suspend the work if there is no specific PTW for the activity.
· Suspend the work if Rescue Equipment are not in place.
· Ensure electrical lighting for use in confined spaces not to exceed 24 volts. Powered hand tools used in confined spaces shall, be air operated. Where this is not possible, all such tools shall be equipped with a deadman’s switch.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 10 – Management of change
Any plant/organizational change must be identified, assessed and authorized by the responsible of the work place.
PLAN
· Identify, analyze and assess any change or deviation to plant or facility’s design, work procedures/practices and organization.
· Support any change, in particular overriding/disabling/change of a safety critical element, with a specific risk assessment.
READY?
· Is the change, in particular deviations from mandatory requirements, duly structured, documented and approved by an Authorized Person?
· Is the change properly recorded and tracked?
GO!
· Communicate any change to all concerned personnel and keep track of the identified and implemented actions.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 11 – Driving safety
Driving behavior and recommendations for proper vehicle management reduce the risk of accidents.
PLAN
· Always ensure that the driver is in good physical condition.
· Drivers shall be Certified and Authorized for driving the allocated vehicle.
· For all routine journeys, Journey Management Plan shall be readily available in vehicles with predetermined risks especially considering hazardous situations;
- where paved roads are not available/ off road driving conditions.
- routes with security threats, dangerous intersections, sharp turns, landslide areas, slippery conditions, and/ or blind-spots.
- areas with potentially limited cellular phone coverage.
- indistinct stopovers.
- environmentally protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, etc.
- transportation of heavy/ fragile/ hazardous material or equipment.
- night travel or any other high rated risk aspect.
· However for the non-routine journeys, Journey Management Plan shall be chalked out on situational basis, accordingly.
READY?
· Is your vehicle in good condition and regularly maintained?
· Are seat belts fastened and appropriate shoes worn?
· Are you free from the influence of any drugs, etc.?
· Are loads properly secured and within the capacity of the vehicle?
· Are you sufficiently rested to drive a vehicle?
GO!
· Adopt defensive behavior in respect of other road users.
· Respect speed limits, adjusting your speed according to road and weather conditions, local legislation and Company rules.
· When you drive, do not use any mobile phone and respect the daily maximum driving hours and rest period.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 12 – Permit to work
Work permit is an essential and mandatory management tool to be adopted for non-routine or dangerous activities.
PLAN
· A PTW system must be in place with the relevant supporting procedures and systematically implemented.
· Simultaneous/concurrent activities shall be planned and subjected to risk assessment and PTW in order to eliminate/reduce interferential risks.
· Non-routine and high-risk activities shall be planned and subjected to risk assessment and PTW.
· Ensure that all personnel receive proper training on using the PTW system.
READY?
· Is the PTW discussed in dedicated safety/ pre-job meetings?
· Have all personnel working under a PTW received the necessary information about its contents?
· Have you verified that all requirements specified in the PTW are implemented on site before commencement of job?
GO!
· Post copy of PTW in the job area.
· Suspend and re-assess your work if a change occurs in the scope of the work, tools, equipment, personnel, shift change or any other condition of the PTW.
· Conduct special safety audits of PTW system.
Lifesaving Golden Rule 13 – Excavation safety
Soil characterization, protected excavation areas and correct use of machinery, guarantee the workers safety.
PLAN
· A soil survey shall be carried out and all the risks shall be identified and assessed.
· Always consider underground services in the area, those shall be identified, marked and isolated (if necessary).
· Plan specific training for all personnel involved in excavation works.
READY?
· Do you have a valid excavation related PTW?
· Has the site been inspected by an Authorized Person?
· Are the PPE identified in the specific risk assessment for the required task, in good condition and worn by all people?
GO!
· Effectively shore, slope, bench, barricade and sign all excavations.
· Provide suitable entry and exit point when working in trenches, considering any possible emergency and weather condition.
· Excavated material must be kept at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the edge of the excavation.
· Personnel to keep clear of machinery whilst it is in operation, minimum distance of 5 meters.
· Ground and environmental conditions to be continuously monitored for change.
