4.

Work Permit System and Stop Work Authority

4.1 Purpose

This chapter describes minimum requirements of the Saudi Aramco (SA) Work Permit
System at maintenance and construction work sites that apply to SA employees and
contractors. It also describes the stop work authority program and the associated
signage requirements.

4.2 References

SA General Instructions (GIs):

GI 2.100, Work Permit System

GI 2.709, Gas Testing Using Portable Gas Monitors

SA Safety Handbook, Minimum Safety Rules

4.3 General Requirements

4.3.1 Work permits shall be used to control hazardous work activities at all SA
facilities and locations. For SA operated facilities and for projects after the
facility, or portion thereof, has been certified as mechanically complete, the
SA work permit system shall be implemented per GI 2.100.

4.3.2 During the construction phase of grassroots projects and before a facility,
or portion thereof, is certified as mechanically complete, or for any
location which does not meet the criteria as defined in Section 4.3.1, the
contractor shall implement an approved work permit system in line with GI
2.100 for all hazardous work, , to ensure safe execution of construction
activities. The contractor’s work permit system shall be subject to approval
by the SA proponent organization (SAPO).

4.4 Work Permit Certification

4.4.1 Work permit issuers and receivers shall have a valid SA issuer or receiver
certificate, respectively. They shall attend and pass the work permit issuer
or receiver course conducted by SA Training & Development, as well as
any required prerequisite training per GI 2.100.

4.4.2 The issuer/receiver’s division head or, in the case of a contractor, the
SAPO division head who has contractual authority over the contractor,
shall sign the issuer/receiver certificate.

4.4.3 Issuers/receivers with signed certificates from one organization shall not
issue/receive permits at a different organization/facility, unless the
responsible SAPO division head signs a reissued certificate that reflects the
current organization, or some other method of agreement between the two
organizations is agreed.

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4.5 Permit Types

4.5.1 There are four types of SA work permits. As per GI 2.100, they are:

Equipment Opening/Line Break, Form 9873-1 (yellow)

The purpose of the Equipment Opening/Line Break Permit is to ensure that

proper planning and precautions are taken during work activities associated
with the initial opening of equipment, vessels, or piping that is part of a
closed system that contains (or has the potential to contain) flammable,
combustible, toxic, or injurious materials (e.g., high-pressure steam).

This permit does not authorize releases; rather it is to ensure that the
appropriate precautions are in place to prevent a release.

Hot Work, Form 9873-2 (red)

The purpose of the Hot Work Permit is to control work activities that may
produce sufficient energy to ignite flammable atmospheres or combustible
materials.

Activities in restricted areas requiring a hot work permit include, but are
not limited to:
 Open flames, welding, or torch cutting.
 Use of spark-producing tools or equipment.
 Abrasive blasting.
 Use of internal combustion engines.
 Work on, or in close proximity to, live electrical apparatus.
 Use of a device not rated for the electrical classification of the area.

Cold Work, Form 9873-3 (blue)

The purpose of the Cold Work Permit is to control work activities that will
not produce sufficient energy to ignite flammable atmospheres or
combustible material but could contribute to injury.

This permit may be used for, but is not limited to, the following work in
restricted areas:
 Structural demolition or collapse of nonoperational buildings.
 Removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing material.
 Work activities involving cryogenic materials.
 Scaffold erection or dismantling.
 Painting.
 Excavating by hand.

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  Concrete pouring and formwork.
 Use of hand tools that have no electrical power.

Confined Space Entry, Form 9873-4 (green)

The purpose of the Confined Space Entry Permit is to ensure:

 Proper preparation of confined spaces prior to entry.
 Safe entry by personnel, including provisions for rescue.
 Restoration of confined spaces.

Work activities inside a confined space may require a Hot or Cold Work
Permit to be issued in combination with the Confined Space Entry Permit.
Refer to Chapter I-6, Confined Spaces, for further requirements.

4.6 Issuance and Approval of Permits

4.6.1 Issuers and receivers shall have in their possession a valid SA work permit
certificate.

4.6.2 Certified permit receivers shall request the proper permit(s) from a SAPO-
certified permit issuer (e.g., supervising operator, operations supervisor)
prior to executing any job. Permits shall identify the specific work to be
performed by the work crew at a specific location.

4.6.3 The issuer shall approve and issue a permit only after he (or his designated
representative) has performed the following:

A. Verified that “Section 1 - Work Description” of the work permit form has
been completed. Work permits shall clearly specify date and duration of
the work, work location, work to be performed, and equipment to be used
at the job site.

B. Completed “Section 2 - Hazard Identification and Control” of the work

permit form. Work permits shall clearly identify the types of energy,
isolation method(s), potential exposures, required protective equipment,
fire protection methods, additional safety precautions, and actions to be
taken in the event of an emergency. General statements, such as “work
safely” or “wear PPE,” are inadequate and shall not be written on the
permit.

C. Reviewed precautions taken and restrictions imposed to control the

hazards associated with the job site and/or work activity (see applicable
work permit sections in this instruction) with the receiver and listed them
on the work permit.

D. Attached applicable checklists/forms to the work permit that provide

supplemental information and/or approvals for the particular work
activity, including but not limited to excavation checklist, confined space

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 entry log and gas test form, blind list/isolation plan, critical lift plan, or
hydrotest form. All checklists/forms shall be completed.

E. Conducted a joint site inspection with the receiver using the Hazard
Analysis Checklist on the back of the work permit form. The individuals
who participate in the joint site inspection shall sign the Hazard Analysis
Checklist on the work permit to verify the checklist was completed. See
GI 2.100, Supplement 2.100-3 for information regarding the joint site
inspection and completion of the checklist.

4.6.4 The issuer’s and receiver’s signatures, plus any other required
approvals/signatures shall be on the completed permit. Issuers shall obtain
countersignatures from applicable units/departments as needed. See GI
2.100 for information regarding additional approvals/signatures and
countersignatures.

4.6.5 Additional approvals/signatures shall be required for renewed/extended

work permits (see GI 2.100 and Section 4.7 of this chapter), as well as for
when certain atmospheric limits are present at the job site (see GI 2.709).

4.7 Issued Permits

4.7.1 Permits are normally issued for a single operating shift.

4.7.2 Permits may be renewed for one consecutive operating shift, regardless of
the shift duration, but the total permit duration cannot exceed 24 hours.
This renewal requires the signatures of both the issuer and receiver coming
on shift, and the notification of all countersigning organizations.

4.7.3 Permits (except for equipment opening/line break permits) may be issued
for a period greater than two consecutive operating shifts, but not in excess
of 30 days. This extended duration applies to prolonged construction or
maintenance work where the job site hazards and precautions remain
unchanged. The permit shall be approved by the division head or above of
the issuing and receiving organizations, and the following conditions must
be satisfied:

A. It is highly unlikely that conditions at the job site will change or develop in
a manner that would create a hazard to personnel, damage to equipment or
facilities, disruption in operations, or harm the environment.

B. Precautions are taken, prior to performing the work, to ensure safe

conditions throughout the work activities.

C. Both the issuing operation’s division head and the receiver organization’s
division head (and countersignature organizations’ division heads, if
applicable) agree to the job conditions and control measures to be used and
sign the permit (see GI 2.100 for additional details).

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 4.7.4 The custody of open work permits shall be transferred to an alternate issuer
in the event that the issuer is required to leave work. This transfer of
custody of the work permit shall follow the same process as a renewed
work permit. However, the notification of all countersigning organizations
is not required.

4.7.5 Receivers are to remain on the job site at all times. However, if a receiver
must leave the immediate work area, he shall give the permit to another
SA-certified permit receiver. This alternate receiver shall be agreed to in
advance by the issuer and the alternate receiver’s name, certificate number,
and badge number shall be recorded on the work permit by the issuer.

4.7.6 Receivers shall keep permit copies, either in their possession or posted in
plain view at the job location, at all times, so that they are available for
inspection or cancellation if necessary.

4.8 Canceling Permits

4.8.1 Work permit(s) shall be immediately canceled, the work stopped, and new
permit(s) issued if a change occurs in the work activities or site conditions
that could potentially create an additional hazard to personnel, damage to
equipment or facilities, disruption in operations, or harm to the
environment.
4.8.1.1 When work is stopped the issuer must obtain the work permit,
write on the permit the reason for the work cancelation, the time,
and other relevant information.
4.8.1.2 The issuer and receiver shall take action to correct deficiencies to
allow the job to resume.
4.8.1.3 When all deficiencies have been corrected, the issuer shall issue
a new work permit(s).
4.8.2 The issuer and receiver have the responsibility to stop work any time the
job site does not meet the work permit conditions or any applicable SA
safety and health requirements. The issuer and/or receiver shall take action
to correct the deficiencies before work can resume.
4.8.3 In the event of an emergency, all work permits are canceled within the area
affected by the emergency condition and as specified by the Incident
Commander.
4.8.4 Emergency work can be authorized without applicable work permits under
the direction of the Incident Commander. However, the work activity shall
follow all SA safety rules and standards normally applicable for the
specific emergency situation. Once the “All Clear” has been declared, the
work permit system shall be used for all subsequent work activities.

4.9 Closing Out and Filing the Permit

4.9.1 After completion of the job or when the permit’s duration has expired, the
issuer (or his designated representative) shall ensure a joint site inspection

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 has been conducted with the receiver to verify that the work area has been
left in a safe and secure condition before the work permit can be closed.

Note: During activities involving cutting, welding or open flame, the 30

minute fire watch period must be completed prior to closing the permit.

4.9.2 Work permits shall be closed by both the issuer and receiver signing the
permit form. When distance and remoteness make signing impractical, an
alternative closing method must be determined and stated on the work
permit when it is issued.

4.9.3 The original permit shall be maintained on file by the issuing department
for a minimum of three months.

4.10 Permit Rules

4.10.1 The issuer and receiver are jointly responsible for the safety of personnel
and equipment at the job site. A joint site inspection shall be conducted for
all work permits. Work shall not begin before the permit has been properly
signed.

4.10.2 The correct permit(s) shall be issued for the job: Hot, Cold, Confined
Space Entry, and Equipment Opening/Line Break. More than one permit
may be required for some jobs (e.g., most confined space entries).

4.10.3 Atmospheric gas testing shall be conducted with SA-approved portable gas
monitoring equipment for all types of work permits for work that is
performed in “restricted areas” as well as for Confined Space Entry
Permits, Equipment Opening/Line Break Permits, and Hot Work Permits
outside “restricted areas” where the presence of flammable vapors or gases
is suspected. Tests for hydrogen sulfide (H2S), oxygen concentration,
flammable gases, and any applicable toxic substances shall be performed
before issuing these permits. Gas tests shall be performed for Cold Work
Permits where applicable. See GI 2.100 and GI 2.709.

4.10.4 Hot work is not permitted if the atmosphere is above 0% of the lower
explosive limit (LEL).

4.10.5 A breathing apparatus (e.g., self-contained breathing apparatus) shall be

used if any of the following atmospheric conditions exist:
 Oxygen (O2) concentrations are less than 20.0%.
 Flammable mixtures are at or above 5% and less than 10% of the LEL.
 Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration is at or above 10 parts per
million (ppm) and less than 100 ppm.

4.10.6 Job descriptions and equipment to be used shall be clearly stated on the
permit(s). Permits shall be issued for specific tasks at specific locations.
One permit shall not cover more than one location.

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 4.10.7 Proper locks and hold tags shall be used where applicable (e.g., multiple
clips with locks or chains with locks). See Chapter I-5, Isolation, Lockout,
and Use of Hold Tags, for further requirements.

4.10.8 Permits shall be issued for the specific period of time required to complete
the job.

4.10.9 Prior to the start of work, the work permit receiver shall communicate the
hazards and precautions for the job, as well as other requirements on the
permit, to all workers working under the permit.

4.10.10 Periodic reviews of the job site, including gas testing, shall be conducted as
required.

4.10.11 Oncoming shift issuers and receivers shall inspect the job site, write the
renewal time and sign the permits when renewing permits for another shift
(per Section 4.7).

4.10.12 Special requirements and precautions, such as fire watches, self-contained

breathing apparatus (SCBA), lifelines, and barricades shall be indicated on
the permit.

4.10.13 During activities that involve cutting, welding or open flame, a fire watch
shall remain in the area for no less than 30 minutes after the hot work is
finished.

4.10.14 In the event of an emergency, all active permits in the affected area shall be
immediately cancelled and work activities stopped.

4.10.15 Work areas shall be cleared of nonessential personnel to avoid exposing

them to unnecessary hazards.

4.10.16 The issuer or receiver shall stop work and cancel the permit if there are
changes in the work activities or site conditions that could potentially
create an additional hazard to personnel, damage equipment or facilities,
disrupt operations, or harm the environment. If a permit is cancelled, a new
permit shall be issued after the work site has been made safe (see Section
4.8).

4.10.17 Permits shall be closed out (per Section 4.9) after the work has been
completed or the permit expires. The issuer and receiver shall inspect the
job site and sign the permit to close it. When distance and remoteness
make signing impractical, an alternative closing method shall be
determined and stated on the work permit when it is issued.

4.11 Stop Work Authority

4.11.1 All personnel, whether Saudi Aramco employee or contractor, have the
authority and obligation to stop any observed unsafe work at all locations
covered in Section 4.3.

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 4.11.2 Contractors at SA grassroots project sites shall implement a stop work
authority program in line with these requirements. The contractor’s stop
work authority program shall be subject to approval by the SA proponent
organization (SAPO).

4.11.3 Stop work authority consists of five steps:

4.11.3.1 Stop Unsafe Work: Personnel shall stop work if an unsafe

behavior or condition is observed.

4.11.3.2 Notify Affected Personnel and Supervision: Notify the SA

supervisor as well as any additional applicable organizations,
such as the Loss Prevention Department, if needed.

4.11.3.3 Investigate the Cause for Stopping Work and Correct the
Hazard: Proponents shall discuss the situation and come to an
agreement on the behavior or condition in question. If it is safe
to proceed, the reasons for continuing the work shall be
explained to the individual that stopped the work as well as the
work crew prior to work resuming. If the concern is valid, work
shall remain suspended until it has been verified that proper
controls are in place. This may require modification of work
practices or procedures.

4.11.3.4 Communicate Findings and Resume Work: All affected

personnel shall be notified of actions that were taken.

4.11.3.5 Follow-Up: Proponents shall promptly evaluate and review all

stop work cases to identify any need for additional investigation
or follow-up.

4.11.4 Stop work signage, as defined further below, shall be mounted in clearly
visible locations at worksites.

4.11.4.1 The signage shall be in Arabic and English and shall contain the
following language:

4.11.4.1.1 English text: If it’s unsafe, stop work and report it

to your supervisor.

4.11.4.1.2 Arabic text:

‫ اوقف العمل وقم بابالغ مشرفك‬،‫اذا كان الوضع غير آمن‬

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 Figure 1: Example of Stop Work Authority signage

4.11.4.2 Signage design and color shall comply with SAES-B-067.

4.11.4.3 The number of signs and sign locations shall be determined by

the proponent based on facility design, size, and risks, in order to
ensure adequate coverage.

4.11.4.4 Contractors shall ensure that signage language is translated into

the additional language(s) of their workforce.

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