Trainee Handbook

Work Permit
Hazard Recognition
and Controls

Job Skills Curriculum & Testing Unit

Program Development & Evaluation Division
Training & Development
May 2016
 © Copyright Saudi Aramco, 2016.
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, by any process
or technique, without the express written consent of Saudi Aramco.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Control

TRAINEE HANDBOOK

Information Sheets................................................................1
Exercise A..........................................................................9
Exercise B.........................................................................19
Exercise C.........................................................................34
Exercise D........................................................................42
Exercise E.........................................................................49
Exercise F.........................................................................57
Exercise G........................................................................67
Exercise H........................................................................84
Exercise I..........................................................................92
Exercise J.........................................................................99
Glossary...............................................................................101
Appendix
Hazard Recognition Activity
Pre-Test Review Quiz

May 2016
 INFORMATION SHEET

Enabling Objectives Terminal Objective

You will correctly, and without help, be able to: You will be able to recognize
common work site hazards
1.1 and related controls when
Identify practices, hazards, and conditions that can issuing or receiving work
permits based on the
lead to an incident.
information in General
Instruction 2.100.
1.2
List methods to recognize and control hazards.

1.3
List common Saudi Aramco workplace hazards and
associated controls.

INTRODUCTION
As you can see on Slides 1 and 2, by the time you
finish this Work Permit Hazard Recognition & Controls
course you should be able to recognize common work
site hazards and related controls when handling work
Slide 1
permits.
Slide 1
Hazard Recognition 1.1
Slide 3 shows that this course has three parts. Each
part presents how to identify hazards and learning
how to control or eliminate them before they cause
harm and or lost time and protect Saudi Aramco assets.
Slide 2

When you are part of the work permit system, your

Slide 2
work can be extremely hazardous if you fail to
recognize and control hazards.

It is important to know and practice that each task

you do must be done safely. This means you must
Slide 3

Slide 3
Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 1
INFORMATION SHEET

think about the potential hazards and precautions

to improve safety.

This module will help them learn about what to look

for to identify and control Hazards before beginning
any task. This course does not teach you how to
operate a Crane, erect scaffolding or how to conduct
excavations; it teaches you about associated hazards
and control with these tasks. Always talked to the
certified operators and crew when conducting Hazard
Analysis Checklist or Joint sit inspection.

2 May 2016 Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls

 INFORMATION SHEET

PART I OBJECTIVE 1.1

Identify Practices, Hazards, and Conditions That Can Lead

to an Incident

Slide 4
WHAT IS A HAZARD?
Anything that may or can cause harm to people, the Slide 4
environment, assets and business”

WHAT IS SAFETY?
Freedom from risk or harm, loss or injury.
Slide 5

When we ask “Is it safe?” we are really asking, Slide 5

“What is the risk of me getting hurt or suffering a

financial loss?”

CLASSROOM DISCUSSION
o Are scuba diving or air travel high risk activities? Are Slide 6
they safe? How?
Slide 6
o What about the other activities Slide 6? What are
their risk components?
o Is it possible to do anything 100% safely all the time?
We rely on equipment, PPE, training and techniques to
reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
o How do these things help?

Safety does not mean “no” risk. It means that we

know there is a known and acceptable level of risk
and control.

Some jobs will always have one or more hazardous

components that cannot be eliminated or control
completely. For example, flying an airplane will always
have a level of danger and yet we all accept to fly
and accept the risks.

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 3

 INFORMATION SHEET

Because of this, Saudi Aramco has safety programs

and processes to manage risks to a level as low as
possible.

Programs, Processes, Procedures, and

Standards
To help you prevent injuries and illnesses, Saudi
Aramco has many programs, processes, procedures,
and standards in place to protect you.

Saudi Aramco aims and strives for safe and reliable

operations. To be safe, you must believe that all
Slide 7
incidents can be prevented. So follow the procedures,
Slide 7 ensure you are qualified and trained for the job, and
use all safety equipment.

Main Causes of Incidents

Saudi Aramco puts barriers in place at all levels to
prevent incidents but these barriers have weaknesses
and gaps.

Sometimes people make mistakes and equipment

fails. Hazards are always present and we must identify
them and reduce or control them.

You need to understand what causes incidents to

prevent them.

INCIDENTS ARE CAUSED BY

Unsafe Acts: People chose to do something unsafe or
not follow safety procedures.

Unsafe Conditions: Equipment is not well maintained,

missing safety guards.

Slide 8

Slide 8
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 INFORMATION SHEET

UNSAFE ACTS AND CONDITIONS

The main causes of lost time and incidents are listed
in Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1 shows Unsafe acts.

UNSAFE ACT EXAMPLES

Operating equipment without proper training or

certification

Removing or disabling safety devices (guards,

guardrails, failsafe switch)

Using defective equipment

Taking shortcuts and not following checklist

procedures and processes

Failure to secure (LOTO, Fall protection)

Improper use of equipment (use a wrench knock open

a valve)

Table 1
Unsafe Acts Examples

Table 2 shows unsafe conditions commonly found in

Saudi Aramco.

UNSAFE CONDITIONS

Inadequate guards or missing safety devices

(incomplete scaffolding)

Unsafe walkways and working surfaces (Wet surface,

poor housekeeping)

Damaged/defective/incorrect equipment (damaged

electrical cords not replaced)

Extreme weather (heat, heavy rain, wind and dust

Slide 9
storms)

Table 2 Slide 9
Unsafe Conditions

In the work place, an unsafe act may threaten the

health and/or the safety of workers.
Slide 10

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 5

Slide 10
 INFORMATION SHEET

To have an injury-free workplace and you must

understand that safety is everyone’s responsibility
(see Slide 10).

Slide 11
Look at Slide 11 and answer this question:

NOT following rules and

Can you think of a situation where you or someone
Slide 11
procedures is the Number 1 may have done an unsafe act?
cause of incidents in Saudi
Aramco.
Shortcuts are actions that we think will save time,
money and/or efforts but at the risk of being injured.

Why do we continue to take shortcuts on the job?

Slide 12 lists a few reasons.
Slide 12

Studies have shown that one major reason why

you would be tempted to take shortcuts and skip
Slide 12 important safety steps is that you are in a rush to
Slide 13
get the job done. You may get away with it some of
the times but it usually or eventually leads to injuries
or fatalities.

Slide 13
Checklists
You sometimes use checklists to assess hazards in the
workplace before beginning a task. This simple step
can help prevent incidents if each hazard is given its
due level of attention and done properly. Slide 13
lists some pitfalls you could be tempted to fall in.

Slide 14 tells you the number of people and the cost

of poor hazard recognition.

Slide 14

Slide 14
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 INFORMATION SHEET

❏❏ equipment
Trying to save a few seconds
❏❏ human could lead to an injury or even
death if you fail.

Slide 15 highlights the equipment and human barriers.

CLASSROOM DISCUSSION
o Can you think of equipment in your workplace that
controls incidents and injuries?

o Can you think of a situation where a colleague may

have corrected a problem and saved someone from Slide 15
an incident or fixed a problem before it became a
loss? Slide 15

Unfortunately, we often think that equipment or

human defenses work all the time. We often think
that once implemented, they will stop all hazards.

They don’t.

Your role is follow all safety practices and standards.

Identify potential hazards and controls before
conducting any work and always follow the
requirements of the work permit you are working
under. Safety and hazard identification and reporting
them to avoid accidents is everyone\s responsibility.

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 7

INFORMATION SHEET

SUMMARY
Saudi Aramco’s safety vision is to maintain the highest
levels of safety, security, health, and environmental
standards. To achieve this vision, Loss Prevention
Department has put safety policies in place. The main
safety document is the Safety Management System
Elements.

Saudi Aramco has processes, procedures, rules and

regulations for each department and you must follow
them.

As Slide 15 shows you, each time you do not follow

them, you are at risk of having an incident or
worse.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

EXERCISE A
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Most incidents in the workplace are caused by a

combination of unsafe acts and .

a. hazards

b. the environment

c. unsafe conditions

d. safe acts

2. What is a Hazard defined as .

a. Anything that has the potential to cause

harm to people, the environment, assets
and business

b. Anything that has the potential to cost

money to people, the environment and
business

c. Anything that has the potential to improve

the business

d. Anything that results in the environment,

assets and business changing

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 9

INFORMATION SHEET

3. The most common cause of incidents at Saudi

Aramco is a failure to follow .

a. rules and procedures

b. yellow lines in the workshop

c. co-workers good suggestions

d. supervisors instructions

4. Hazard recognition and reporting is the

responsibility of .

a. your supervisor

b. your co-workers

c. everyone

d. the Loss Prevention Department

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 INFORMATION SHEET

PART II OBJECTIVE 1.2

List Methods to Recognize and Control Hazards

Hazards are everywhere. They cause incidents, because

we fail to see them or control them. You work
Slide 16
around potential hazards like heights, machinery and
electricity. These are real dangers you will have to An16example of failing to
Slide
recognize and control hazards
recognize and control. is the Deepwater Horizon
incident in the Gulf of Mexico
Hazard recognition is required every day across in 2010. Concerns on safety
were raised many times during
Saudi Aramco. It is a critical safety activity. Failing the drilling operation, but
to recognize and control hazards can cause serious controls were not introduced.
This resulted in the loss of 11
injury, even death.
lives, the biggest environmental
pollution incident in the USA,
loss of the rig, lost income, and
THE PURPOSE OF HAZARD RECOGNITION a criminal investigation by the
US Government.
Slide 18 lists the six most common causes of incidents
in Saudi Aramco according to the Loss Prevention
Department.

As you can see in Slide 18, taking shortcuts in processes

and procedures leads to most of those incidents.
Slide 17

Slide 17

Slide 18

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 11

Slide 18
 INFORMATION SHEET

THE CATEGORIES OF HAZARDS

Slide 19 defines and categorizes hazards.

Guards, controls systems, work permits, safety devices,

training and more have all been used to identify and
Slide 19
control these hazards.
Slide 19

But hazards are always present and you and all staff
needs to be vigilant, ensure that these controls are
in place, adequate and being used.

Safety Hazards

Slide 20

Slide 20

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 INFORMATION SHEET

A safety hazard is anything that can have an adverse

impact on your safety. Some examples of safety
hazards in the workplace are listed in Slide 20.

Other common safety hazards include:

❏❏ Energy: includes pneumatic or hydraulic pressure,

steam, heat and electricity

❏❏ Material Handling: includes manual and

mechanical handling (e.g. lifting, lift trucks,
conveyors)

❏❏ Walking surfaces, slips, trips and falls, holes in

floors, fixed stairs (use the handrail)

❏❏ Working at heights: portable ladders, fixed

ladders, scaffolding, elevated platforms

❏❏ Hazardous/toxic gases

❏❏ Fire, flammability and explosion

❏❏ Confined Spaces can also pose many hazards

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 13

 INFORMATION SHEET

Health Hazards

Slide 21

A health hazard is anything that can have an adverse

Slide 21
impact on your health. Some examples of health
hazards in the workplace are listed in Slide 21.

Recognizing Hazards
Saudi Aramco uses different safety processes to
identify hazards early to avoid incidents. The main
safety processes are:
Slide 22

❏❏ Safety Observations Checklist

❏❏ Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

❏❏ Joint Site Inspection

Slide 22

❏❏ Work Permit system

❏❏ Hazard Analysis Checklist

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Joint Site Inspection (JSI)

Slide 23

Slide 23
Whether you are a work permit issuer, a designated
rep, or a work permit receiver, you will conduct a
Joint Site Inspection, a job site hazard analysis, and
review the work permit conditions.

This is a mandatory part of the work permit system

for all work permits. The permit issuer and receiver
inspect the job site before a permit is issued and
before the permit is closed. Those involved in work
permits must identify, control, eliminate or minimize
any hazards before work can begin, and then ensure
that the area is safe when the work is complete.

During the JSI, you must complete the work permit(s)

and the Hazard Analysis Checklist on the back. The
work permit issuer or his designated representative
and in consultation with the work permit receiver
must answer these questions and identify controls
for each of the questions.

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 15

INFORMATION SHEET

Work Permit System and Forms

On the work permit forms, Section 2 - Hazard
Identification and Control is an important step you
must complete as a work permit issuer to help identify
potential hazards, the types of energy, isolation
method(s), potential exposures, required PPE, fire
protection methods, additional safety precautions and
the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency.

Hazard Analysis Checklist

To ensure all hazards have been identified and all
precautions are in place, you must complete the
hazard analysis checklist on the back of the permit
as follows:

❏❏ Observe the work area and surroundings.

❏❏ Take action to control any hazards that may be

created because of the work activity.

❏❏ Discuss experience/lessons learned when

performing the same work previously.

❏❏ The issuer (or his designated representative) and

receiver should repeat the steps of the hazard
analysis whenever they encounter an unexpected
problem.

❏❏ The hazard analysis should recognize and

evaluate the hazards and controls listed in the 20
questions on the back of the work permit forms.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

CONTROLLING HAZARDS
Hazards that are unrecognized and uncontrolled will
eventually lead to an incident. It is only a matter of
time.

You have a responsibility to yourself, your co-

workers and the company to address your own at-
risk behaviors, and recognize and control hazards to
avoid these incidents. Everyone has a part to play in
reducing incidents in the workplace.

To avoid incidents and injuries, we make sure that all

appropriate control and precautions are in place. We
know that hazards exist in all that we do. Therefore,
precautions against them must be built so that they
do not lead to a catastrophic loss.

Saudi Aramco uses three main methods of controlling

hazards: engineering, administrative and PPE. Slide 24

Slide 24
Engineering:

❏❏ Eliminate

❏❏ Isolation LOTO

Administrative:

❏❏ Reduce, rotate crew and use warnings

❏❏ Rules, policies and procedures

PPE/RPE Personal and Respiratory Protective

Equipment:

❏❏ PPE such as safety helmet, gloves, shoes, shields

❏❏ SCBA/SABA

These methods and precautions help control the

hazards to conduct the work in a safe manner.

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 17

INFORMATION SHEET

SUMMARY
Failing to recognize and control hazards by putting
precautions in place can cause serious injury, even
death. In this part, you learned that the purpose of
hazard recognition is to identify potential hazards
before they can cause an incident. You also learned
the two main categories of hazards.

You must recognize hazards before they happen,

using the main safety processes in place. Finally, you
learned the main methods in controlling hazards.

After you complete exercise B, you will learn about

common Saudi Aramco workplace hazards and their
associated controls.

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EXERCISE B
Directions: Answer the questions below. Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Match the following hazard control methods with the correct description.

a. engineering 1. SCBA/SABA

b. administrative 2. Isolation and LOTO

c. PPE/RPE 3. Use PPE

4. Reduce

5. Eliminate

6. Rules and procedures

Directions: Fill in the missing words below.

2. The purpose of hazard recognition is to

hazards before they can
cause an incident.

3. A is anything that can

have an adverse impact on your safety.

4. Equipment noise, impact noise, and vibrations

are example of hazards.

5. A is a work permit process

that helps identify, control, eliminate or minimize
any hazards before work can begin, and then
ensure that the area is safe when the work is
complete.

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 19

INFORMATION SHEET

6. Select the main Safety processes Saudi Aramco

uses to identify hazards early to avoid incidents:

a. Safety Observations Checklist

b. Joint Site Inspection

c. Work Permit system

d. Hazard Analysis Checklist

e. All answers

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 INFORMATION SHEET

PART III OBJECTIVE 1.3

List Common Saudi Aramco Workplace Hazards and

Associated Controls

Slide 25
In this part you will learn about some of the hazards
Slide 25
you will see in the workplace, and what controls are
used to eliminate or minimize their risk.

Slide 26 lists the eight parts of this module.

Slide 26
1.3.1 COMMON HAZARDS AT SAUDI
ARAMCO Slide 26

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls account for the largest percentage
of workplace and “off-job” injuries in Saudi Aramco.
Slide 27 lists the four main causes of slips, trips and
falls.

❏❏ Uneven floor surfaces and changes in levels.

❏❏ Unsuitable floor coverings.

❏❏ Wet floors and trailing cables.

❏❏ Poor housekeeping. Slide 27

While they may seem simple to identify and control, Slide 27

they are commonly overlooked, resulting in many

injuries.

Simple steps, such as erecting warning signs near

recently mopped floors, or using handrails when
Slide 28
climbing or descending stairs reduces the potential
Slide 28
of these slip, trip and fall injuries. Slide 28 lists the
primary controls.

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 21

 INFORMATION SHEET

❏❏ Use handrail when using stairs

❏❏ Report hazards immediately

❏❏ Wear correct footwear

❏❏ Good housekeeping

While identifying these types of hazards related to

your work permit, look for uneven walking surfaces
and trip hazards from things such as poorly distributed
electrical cables.

Besides the list in Slide 29, work permit controls

include erecting warning signs or distributing cables
where they are no longer trip hazards (e.g., overhead).
Slide 29

Slide 29
Tool and Equipment Hazards
Using the wrong or defective tools and equipment
results in many injuries. For example, if you work near
live electricity use the wrong hand tool, it could lead
to an arc flash incident and even death.

Less serious injuries have resulted from flying tool

Slide 30
parts when they fail in use as shown in Slide 30.
Slide 30

For work permits:

❏❏ Choose the right tools for the right task

❏❏ Ensure tools are in good condition (homemade

tools are not allowed!)

❏❏ Ensure portable electric power tools are single

voltage, and not modified (e.g., an original plug
still in place), independently tested and certified
– (NO damaged or spliced electric cords!)

Note: In some instances (i.e., when working in or near potential

flammable atmospheres) spark proof tools are required.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Noise and Vibration Hazards

Noise and vibration can cause serious long term
health problems. They are often overlooked as the
ill-health effects are not immediately obvious and are
commonly irreversible.
Slide 31

A noise induced deafness commonly occurs due to Slide 31

repeated and long term exposure to high noise levels.
As stated in Slide 32, a temporary deafness is caused
by a short exposure to a very high noise level.

Nerve damage in the hands and vibration white

Slide 32
finger are very painful injuries and have significant
long term quality of life effects. Slide 32

Identifying a noise hazard is relatively easy: if you

have to shout to be heard by someone nearby, then
the surrounding noise level is probably above the 85
dBA (decibels).

Slide 32 states that reducing the noise or vibration

at the source is always preferred. This might involve
replacing a noisy piece of equipment with something
less noisy or a vibrating tool with a tool that vibrates
less.

When this is not practical, reducing worker exposure

Warning signs should also be
by limiting exposure time, or wearing PPE (i.e., ear
posted to warn others that
plugs or muffs in high noise areas) work well. they are entering a high noise
area.

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 23

 INFORMATION SHEET

Machine (Mechanical) Guarding

Machine guarding prevents you from being pulled in,
contacting hot or cold surfaces and prevents injuries
when machines fail and parts are ejected.

Slide 33
Very serious injuries have occurred when pulled
Slide 33 into machinery, ranging from cuts and abrasions to
amputations and even death (see Slide 33).

Machine guards (Slide 34) prevent such injuries and

must be maintained in good condition and be in
place when you operate the machine.
Slide 34

Slide 34
Moving parts to be guarded if less than 2.5m (8.2ft)
above the working surface.

Examples:

❏❏ Flywheels

❏❏ Belt/chain drives

Guards shall be:

❏❏ Installed before arrival on-site.

❏❏ In position during operation.

Always ensure guards are rReinstalled before the

equipment is returned to service.

When a potential exposure to high or low surface

temperatures exists, then simple shielding or barriers
and warning signs may be suitable hazard controls
to consider when preparing a work permit.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Plant Isolation (LOTO)

Slide 35 lists the many energy types of release,

All plant isolations must be conducted following

GI.6.012 Isolation, Lockout and Use of Hold Tags.
Slide 35
A separate (pre-requisite) training course has been
developed specifically for this topic. This course must Slide 35

be successfully completed to allow registration for

work permit issuer or receiver certification, and before
being assigned designated representative duties.

Slide 36 lists the three requirements before opening

closed systems or lines.

Before opening closed systems or lines they shall be:

❏❏ De-pressured
Slide 36
❏❏ Drained
Slide 36
❏❏ Purged

Confined Spaces
Slide 37 lists the core hazards associated with confined
space entry.

Confined space entry is listed in GI. 2.100, Work

Permit System as a mandatory critical activity requiring
a work permit (this applies to restricted and non-
Slide 37
restricted areas).
Slide 37

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 25

 INFORMATION SHEET

The confined space entry controls are listed on Slide

38.

❏❏ Confined space entry permit.

❏❏ Proper preparation.

Slide 38 ❏❏ Use checklist.

Slide 38 ❏❏ Proper isolation.

❏❏ Gas testing.

❏❏ Mechanical ventilation.

You are not allowed into confined spaces without a

Operations department
personnel must also have a Confined Space Entry Permit (CSEP).
CSEP to enter confined spaces.

There is a separate (pre-requisite) training course for

this topic. The course covers the points highlighted
in the slide and must be successfully completed to
allow registration for work permit issuer or receiver
certification, and before being assigned designated
representative duties.

Pressure Testing Hazards

Pressure testing is conducted for new and existing
mechanical systems such as piping, pipelines, pressure
vessels, and power boilers (see Slide 39).

Uncontrolled releases of energy from compressed air

or other gases can explode. High speed streams of
Slide 39
fluid can be created or piping and equipment can
Slide 39 move if pressure testing goes wrong.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Pressure Testing Controls

Specific pressure testing controls are listed in GI
2.102, Pressure Testing Safely, and include using the
correct test medium, the correct test equipment and
notifying others through barriers and signage as
Slide 40
stated in Slide 40.
Slide 40

Pressure testing of mechanical systems is listed in GI.

2.100, Work Permit System as a mandatory critical
activity requiring a work permit.

Weather Hazards
The weather can significantly contribute to the
hazards associated with a work activity.

For example, high wind speeds are great hazards

when personnel are working at height or when using
cranes (see Slide 41).
Slide 41

Slide 41
Heavy rain can result in flooding, particularly in low
lying areas and excavations, and an electrocution
risk increases if you work with or near live electrical
systems.

Weather Controls
Follow the wind speed limits for crane lifts (max.
32kph), manbaskets (max. 25kph), and for work on
scaffolds (max 65kph) (Slide 42).

Many work permit activities are outdoors where

temperature and humidity can be serious health
Slide 42
hazards to workers.
Slide 42

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Ensure heat stress programs include managing work

schedules during the hottest part of the day, and
providing suitable rest/shaded areas and enough
drinking water as stated in Slide 42.

PPE

Safety Helmet
Many Saudi Aramco restricted areas require you to
wear a hardhat. Hardhats must be approved and
have no defects (see Slide 43). Metallic hardhats are
prohibited.

Hardhat internal harnesses must be fitted correctly

Slide 43
to ensure the correct level of protection.
Slide 43

Most hardhats have a peak; wear these with the peak

at the front (see Slide 44).

❏❏ Approved helmets.

❏❏ No defects.

Slide 44 ❏❏ Metal helmets are prohibited.

Slide 44 not allowed (or cool) to

It is ❏❏ Ensure internal harness installed correctly.
wear a hardhat with the peak
at the back!

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Safety Footwear Hazards

Footwear (shoes and boots) hazards are listed in
Slide 45.

Safety Footwear Controls

Slide 45
Always wear approved safety footwear in field
Slide 45
operations, process areas and other designated areas.

Safety boots and shoes includes toe protection, slip

resistant soles and a heel (mandatory for climbing
ladders).
Slide 46

Only wear safety footwear for work permit activities Slide 46

when they are in good condition and can control the
hazards associated with the tasks. For example, avoid
laced boots and shoes if you are handling corrosive
materials or when welding, burning or cutting.

Eye and Face Protection Hazards

Eye injuries are extremely painful and can result in
temporary or permanent blindness.

Eye and Face Protection Controls

Always wear approved safety eyewear with side Slide 47
protection in designated areas (Slide 48). Specific work
Slide 47
permit activities require additional eye protection
(e.g., goggles and/or face shield) that you must
wear around flying objects. If you are unsure about
specific eye protection requirements when dealing
with hazardous materials, always check the Chemical
Hazard Bulletin (CHB). Slide 48

Slide 48

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC)

Wearing flame resistant clothing (FRC) is mandatory
in many Saudi Aramco facilities. Slide 49 lists some
of the hazards.

Slide 49
You must wear FRC over or instead of ordinary
Slide 49 clothing to reduce the severity of burns from flash
fires, jet fires, electrical arc flashes, etc., and to protect
yourself while escaping a fire. FRC for electrical arc
flash protection is covered in GI 2.721, Electrical Arc
Flash Hazard Mitigation.
Slide 50
Always wear FRC correctly if you work in areas where
Slide 50
potential exposure exists. This includes buttoning
shirts and coveralls and having sleeves rolled down.

Hearing Protection
We have already discussed high noise hazards as
listed in Slide 51. When choosing hearing protection,
ensure it is the right protection for the right noise
level you will be exposed to.
Slide 51

Slide 51 If high noise levels (see Slide 52) are identified on

the work permit forms (Section 2) as a potential
exposure, wear the hearing protection as identified in
the Additional Safety Precautions section of the form.

Ensure your hands are clean before inserting earplugs

Slide 52
to prevent ear infections.
Slide 52

30 May 2016 Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls

 INFORMATION SHEET

Gloves
Cuts and bruises (Slide 53) to hands are a common
first aid injury reported in Saudi Aramco.

Slide 54 lists the controls for wearing gloves.

Slide 53
Remember to wear the correct type of gloves for the
potential hazard: chemicals, electrical, hot surfaces, Slide 53

sharp edge hazards, etc.

Refer to the CHB when handling hazardous materials,

and replace gloves if damaged or contaminated.

Slide 54
Identify the specific glove type required in the
Slide 54
Additional Safety Precautions section of the work
permit form.

Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)

Always wear respiratory protection equipment (RPE)
when one or more hazardous airborne contaminants
are present in the work area (Slide 55).

It is important to know the type of airborne

contaminant and its quantity (or volume in air) to
Slide 55
support choosing the correct respiratory protection.
Slide 55
This is commonly done by gas testing – though other
methods might be used (e.g., for measuring asbestos
fibers in the air).

You must ensure that your RPE protects you against

the identified hazard and that you are trained to
wear and use it properly (Slide 56).

Slide 56

Slide 56
Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 31
 INFORMATION SHEET

If you need to wear RPE (highlighted on the work

permit forms, Section 2), then it must be identified in
the Additional Safety Precautions section of the form.

You must wear Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus

(SABA), or Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Slide 57
when working in areas with 10ppm or more of H2S
Slide 57
See the gas test information (see Slide 57).
table on the back of all work
permit forms for mandatory
breathing apparatus conditions.
Breathing Apparatus
When engineering controls cannot adequately control
levels of exposure, it is mandatory to supplement
them with PPE such as respiratory protection.

Slide 58 presents a video on the Scott Air-Pak.

Slide 58
H2S RPE MUST BE FULL-FACE POSITIVE PRESSURE
Slide 58
o self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

o supplied air breathing apparatus (SABA) with a

5-min. escape air bottle

YOU MUST USE SCBA OR SABA WHEN

o entering areas where H2S concentrations are equal

to or above 10 ppm

o testing for H2S

o there is any indication of equipment failure or

product leak

o entering a confined space containing sour liquids

or sour gases

Table 3
H2S RPE

32 May 2016 Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls

 INFORMATION SHEET

If you work in areas where H2S is present you must

be trained on the hazards and effects of H2S exposure
and the proper use of respiratory equipment (see
Table 3).

Personal H2S Monitor Slide 59

Slide 59
Personal H2S monitors (also called Rattlers) warn the
wearer of high levels of H2S.

You must wear these where you may be exposed

to 10 ppm or higher of H2S. This means most Saudi
Aramco plants and facilities that store and process
oil and gas and in sewage treatment areas.

Saudi Aramco also has fixed and portable gas

detection in areas that contain high H2S levels.

More details on the hazards and controls associated

with hydrogen sulfide will be covered later in the
Chemical Safety/Hazardous materials module.

Slide 60 presents the video on the T-40 Rattler personal

monitor.

Slide 60

Slide 60

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 33

INFORMATION SHEET

EXERCISE C
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Why do you wear safety shoes, harnesses and

lanyards?

a. To have a place to put their tools

b. To store tools when they climb ladders

c. To prevent slips, trips and falls

d. To be more comfortable

2. What indicates an area has a noise hazard

requiring earplugs or earmuffs to be worn?

a. "Hearing protection required" signs are

present in area

b. Work and see if your hearing is damaged

c. Wear ear plugs in one ear and see what

happens

d. See if other workers in the area are wearing

ear plugs

3. Mechanical energy can be hazardous if it does

not have adequate .

a. Guarding

b. un-guarding

c. guardianship

d. velocity

34 May 2016 Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls

 INFORMATION SHEET

4. Select a method used to protect people on the

ground, from tools or equipment falling from
elevated areas?

a. Install ladders at all platforms

b. Installing barricades and signs to keep

people away

c. Wearing safety shoes

d. Watch the wind direction

5. What is the maximum wind speed limits for crane

lifts, manbaskets, and for work on scaffolds?

a. Crane max. 32kph, Manbasket max. 25kph

and Scaffold max. 65kph

b. Crane max. 25kph, Manbasket max. 32kph

and Scaffold max. 65kph

c. Crane max. 32kph, Manbasket max. 65kph

and Scaffold max. 25kph

d. Crane max. Unlimited, Manbasket max.

55kph and Scaffold max. 55kph

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 35

INFORMATION SHEET

6. When entering areas where H2S concentrations

are equal to or above 10 ppm, testing for H2S,
there is any indication of equipment failure
or product leak or entering a confined space
containing sour liquids or sour gases you must
wear?

a. SCBA or SABA

b. Safety shoes and dust marks

c. Rubber gloves and dust respirator

d. No RPE required below 100ppm of H2S

7. What will happen if a confined space is not

properly isolated?

a. Air will enter quickly inside a confined space

b. Flammable, toxic or hazardous gases could

enter by accident

c. The space will become noisy

d. SCBA will not work properly

36 May 2016 Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls

 INFORMATION SHEET

1.3.2 WORKING AT HEIGHTS

We will now look at the hazards and controls related
to all forms of work at height.

This includes mobile elevated work platforms,

scaffolding, ladders as well as the provision and use Slide 61

of fall protection systems. Slide 61

While work at height is commonly means working

above 1.8m or 6 ft. serious injury (and even death)
can occur from falls from relatively low heights.

Elevated Work Platforms

It is not the height that matters, it is the potential
fall distance and what surface will brake your fall. For
example, working at ground level, but next to a deep
excavation may also be considered work at height.

The names of various elevated work platforms include

Slide 62
cherry-picker, MEWP, scissor lift, or manbasket.
Slide 62

As you can see in Slide 62, regardless of the name

or type of equipment, the hazards are generally the
same.

The general controls for elevated work platforms are

on Slide 63. Slide 63

Slide 63

Ladders
Ladders come in many shapes and sizes. However,
if you use them incorrectly a fall from a ladder can
be very serious.

Slide 64

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Common ladder hazards include, using the wrong

type or length of ladder, poor condition, and falls
from height due to improper use.

BASIC CONTROLS WHEN USING A LADDER

Slide 65 o inspect and remove all damaged ladders

Slide 65
o ensure they are the correct type and length for
the task

o ensure ladders extend at least 3 ft. above the

landing area

o have a slope ratio of 4:1

o only have one person on a ladder at a time

o maintain 3 points of contact if working from a

ladder

o always face the ladder while climbing or

descending

Table 4
Ladder Basic Controls

You should also never work off the top step of step
ladders and always ensure that ladders are secured
at the top or are securely footed.

Scaffolding
Scaffolding, when built and used correctly, provide
a temporary, and safe means of access to elevated
work areas.

As listed in Slide 66, if scaffolds are not built and used

correctly, there is an increased risk of falls from height,
Slide 66
the potential for being stuck by materials falling from
Slide 66
scaffolds, or scaffolding failure and collapse.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

GI 8.001 and the Construction Safety Manual specify

requirements for all types of scaffold work. They
set out specific requirements for the safe design,
erection, supervision, inspection, use, alteration, and
dismantling of stationary and mobile scaffolds with
fixed platform heights used for personnel access.
Slide 67

Slide 67
Some of the main controls and precautions are:

Has a safe means of entry and exit:

❏❏ Gates

❏❏ Drop bars

❏❏ Fall protection

All Safety lines are present.

❏❏ Harnesses

❏❏ Nets

All Tools and equipment secured.

Now let’s look at some basic safety checks that should

be made before accessing scaffolding.

❏❏ materials must be in good condition (no rusty

tubing and no split boards) Slide 68

❏❏ no leaning Slide 68

❏❏ no evidence of collision damage

❏❏ no gaps in the planks or boards

❏❏ toe boards are fitted

❏❏ Do not store materials and tools close to open

edges

❏❏ Do not overload with too much weight Slide 69

Slide 69

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 39

 INFORMATION SHEET

❏❏ Keep ladders in good condition, the right length,

and secured

❏❏ Ensure a safe means for getting on/off the ladder

(i.e., gate or drop bar)

❏❏ Fix all posts (standards) on a level surface and

Slide 70 on sill boards
Slide 70

Scaffolding Tags (SCAFFTAG)

Ensure scaffold tags (SCAFFTAG) are present and they
WHICH COLOR TAG?
are clearly visible at all access points.
Red tag: No access except
scaffolders erecting or
dismantling. Using tags properly requires the following:
Yellow tag: Everyone must use
a full-body harnesses on the ❏❏ The tag and holder number should match and
scaffold.
not be re-used
Green tag: You may use the
completed scaffold without a ❏❏ Mount the holders through a component of
harness.
the scaffold

❏❏ The Scaffold Supervisor must sign the tags for

all scaffolds above 1.8m

❏❏ The scaffold inspector must sign the tags for all

scaffolds above 6m

❏❏ Scaffolds must be re-inspected every two weeks

Slide 71 or after any alteration
Slide 71

Fall Protection
Sometimes work permit activities mean working where
a potential to fall exists. This might be when working
close to unprotected edges, in mobile elevated work
Slide 72 platforms, or when erecting a scaffold.
Slide 72
In these cases approved fall protection controls are
required if the potential fall is greater than 1.8m, 6ft.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Hazards associated with using fall protection devices

include, using poor quality or damaged harness and/
or lines, failure to secure to a suitable or secure fixed
point, or simply failing to wear the equipment.

Slide 73 lists the basic fall protection controls. Slide 73

Slide 73
Remember to inspect your equipment prior to each
use and remove defective equipment and protect
from sharp edges while in use.

For shock-absorbing lanyards, secure at least 18 ft

above impact surface. These lanyards must be either
a “Y” lanyard (i.e., two lanyards sharing a common
deceleration device) or double-leg lanyard (i.e., two
lanyards each with their own individual deceleration
device.
Slide 74

Do not use waist belts and non-self-locking snap Slide 74

hooks. All users must be trained on how to wear

and fit personal fall protection systems.

Slide 75

Slide 75

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INFORMATION SHEET

EXERCISE D
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Identify the proper angle to set a ladder against

a wall before climbing.

a. 50 degrees or a 2-to-1 slope

b. 10 degrees or a 9-to-1 slope

c. 60 degrees or a 6-to-1 slope

d. 75 degrees or a 4-to-1 slope

2. What must be installed on every scaffold?

a. Wooden planks

b. Barricades and warning signs

c. Safety harness and tag lines

d. A safe means of access

3. What is used to tell people to keep away from

a scaffold?

a. Hot work permit

b. Green scaffold tag

c. Barricades and warning signs

d. Standby man

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 INFORMATION SHEET

4. What are some of the basic safety checks that

should be made before accessing scaffolding?

a. materials must be in good condition (no

rusty tubing and no split boards)

b. no leaning

c. no evidence of collision damage

d. no gaps in the planks or boards

e. toe boards are fitted

f. all of the above

5. In the SCAFFTAG process, a Red tag means?

a. No access except scaffolders erecting or

dismantling.

b. Everyone must use a full-body harnesses on

the scaffold.

c. You may use the completed scaffold without

a harness

d. Color not important only the tag number

matters

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 43

 INFORMATION SHEET

1.3.3 HEAVY EQUIPMENT MOVEMENT

Heavy Equipment
Slide 77 lists the core hazards of heavy equipment
movement.
Slide 76

Slide 76

Heavy equipment operations are the most common cause

of work related fatalities in Saudi Aramco!

Slide 77

Slide 77 Further to Slide 78, table 5 below lists heavy equipment

controls for the operator and the equipment itself.

Slide 78

Slide 78

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 INFORMATION SHEET

HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND OPERATOR CONTROLS

o The operator must designate a spotter (or a signal person) when visibility is obstructed.

o Keep motor vehicles, cranes and heavy equipment away from the edge of the
excavation at least 2 m (6.5 feet) or the depth of the excavation, whichever is
greatest—unless the excavation is in stable rock or protected by shoring as designed or
approved by a degreed civil/structural engineer.

o Operate heavy equipment around power lines in accordance with the distances
provided in the Electrical Safety section or the Construction Safety Manual (CSM).

o The operator must not jump from the equipment to the ground. Maintain three points
of contact during entry/exit.

o Do not ride in or work off any part of the equipment unless specifically designed for
personnel.

o Do not leave equipment running unattended.

o Never sleep or rest under or near heavy equipment.

EQUIPMENT CONDITION CONTROLS

o All heavy equipment must have an audible backup alarm.

o Heavy equipment must be inspected daily before use by the operator and maintained
in operable condition, including seat belts.

o All cab glass must be safety glass and kept clean without obstructions or damage.

ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE (ROPS)

All material handling equipment that includes ROPS (e.g., bulldozers, loaders, and scrapers)
must be equipped with them.

Table 5
Heavy Equipment and Operator Controls

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Certification
Many types of heavy equipment require certification
by Saudi Aramco.

GI. 7.025, specifies the requirements for testing and

Slide 79
certification of Saudi Aramco and contractor onshore
Slide 79 and offshore heavy equipment operators. It also
identifies personnel authorized to operate and/or
drive Heavy Equipment and Industrial Vehicles, as
well identifies personnel authorized to rig/sling loads
in support of lifting operations.
Slide 80
If you are a heavy equipment operator, you must
Slide 80
immediately provide your heavy equipment operator
certificate and SAG license (if license is required), to
any authorized Saudi Aramco representative (e.g.,
the work permit issuer, on request).

Cranes
Crane operations can cause significant incidents if
specific hazard controls are not established.

Some of the outcomes from improper crane operation

might be; contact with overhead power lines, toppling
over, or contact with people and equipment. All
Slide 81
of these outcomes can have significant and tragic
Slide 81 consequences.

To reduce the chance of these incidents, all crane

lifts (standard and critical) require properly licensed
and certified operators.

Slide 82

Slide 82

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 INFORMATION SHEET

GI.7.028 specifies the crane lifts types and procedures

to be followed when using various types of cranes.

Some common hazard controls include; inspection

by operators, barriers and signs warning of crane
operations, valid inspection stickers, certified crane
operators, and the use of critical lift plans.

Critical Lift Plans

High risk crane lifts require a critical lift plan. Some
examples of critical lifts are shown on Slide 83.

Approved critical lift plans must be on site prior

to the lift. Local work permit requirements such as
attaching the critical lift plan to the work permit,
Slide 83
must also be followed.
Slide 83
Remember: only a Saudi
Aramco certified Rigger-I may
Look at the restrictions on Slide 83. approve critical lift plans!

Fork Lifts
The hazards of fork lifts and their operation are
listed in Slide 84.

Some common fork lift hazard controls include

ensuring they are operated by trained and certified Slide 84

personnel, that daily checklist are completed routinely, Slide 84

backup warnings and other safety devices (including
seatbelts) are operational, and that unsafe behaviors
such standing on or walking under the raised forks, or
driving without the seatbelt fastened are discouraged
and reported.
Slide 85

Slide 85

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 47

 INFORMATION SHEET

Ensuring they are operated by trained and certified

personnel, that daily checklist are completed routinely,
backup warnings and other safety devices (including
seatbelts) are operational, and that unsafe behaviors
such standing on or walking under the raised forks, or
driving without the seatbelt fastened are discouraged
Slide 86
and reported.
Slide 86

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 INFORMATION SHEET

EXERCISE E
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Identify a major hazard when using heavy

equipment in an operating area?

a. The machine could hit and damage people

or equipment

b. Tire ratings may be too high for safe work

c. The operator’s certificate may expire

d. The operating manual may be missing

2. What should be done if a heavy equipment

operator’s certificate expired yesterday?

a. Prevent the operator from using the

equipment

b. Get a waiver from the operations

superintendent

c. Assign a standby man who is at least a

Rigger II

d. The crane inspector should renew the

certificate on the spot

Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls May 2016 49

INFORMATION SHEET

3. Which two things must be checked before

operating heavy equipment?

a. Manufacturer’s manual and inspection

certificate

b. Lift plan approval and operator’s certificate

c. H y d r a u l i c p r e s s u r e a n d o p e r a t o r ’s
certificate

d. Operator certification and safe clearance

from equipment

4. Which of the following must be checked before

issuing a work permit to operate a crane in an
operating area?

a. Crane balance sheet and wind direction

b. Lift plan and operator’s certificate

c. Crane boom length and log book

d. Log book and lattice boom extension

5. What must be checked before a man-lift basket

can be used?

a. Load moment indicator and tire pressure

b. Grab bars and the three point hitch

c. Inspection sticker and lift plan

d. Crane operator’s manual and wind speed

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1.3.4 EXCAVATIONS AND SHORING

Excavations are common where underground utilities,
water lines, sewage pipes or communication cables
are being laid or repaired.

Slide 87
Unsafe excavations have caused many accidents and
even death at work sites around the world and at Slide 87

Saudi Aramco.

A cave-in of excavation sidewalls is a serious and life- A cubic meter of soil can
threatening hazard. This happens when the sidewalls weigh approximately 1200
kg (2700 lb). A person buried
are not properly supported and they collapse due under just 0.6 cubic meters of
to pressure from the surrounding soil. A cave-in can soil is likely to suffer serious
internal injuries, lung collapse
severely injure or kill workers because of the weight or suffocation.
of soil.

Sometimes excavations are dug for access to leaking

hydrocarbon or chemical lines. A build-up of toxic or
flammable gas could cause an explosion or expose
workers to toxic materials. This is dangerous if safety
precautions are not taken.
Slide 88

Many excavations are dug with an excavating machine Slide 88

All excavations deeper than 1.2
called a backhoe. Excavating machines easily remove meters (4 feet) are confined
sand and rock and save manpower. Unfortunately, spaces. You must have a
Confined Space Entry Permit
backhoes can easily rupture underground utility lines before any personnel can go
or pipelines. They can also cause a fire or explosion inside.
if there is a hydrocarbon leak.

Because some hazardous gases are heavier than air,

excavations can fill with these gases. This includes Be careful of where, what, and
how you dig!
sewers, pipelines, process areas or chemical storage
areas. Digging an excavation near or on top of a
leaking hydrocarbon or chemical line is even more
dangerous.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

As you know, gas testing is the only way to find out

if the atmosphere inside an excavation is safe.

Any excavation deeper than 1.2 meters (4 feet) is a

confined space. Therefore a proper excavation plan

Slide 89
and design must be developed and a Confined Space
Entry Permit is required before workers can go inside.
Slide 89

A competent person must inspect all excavations

every day. This is to control hazards and prevent
accidents and ensure conditions have not changed
since the JSI took place and work permit was issued.
If an inspector finds an unsafe condition, no one can
enter the excavation. New precautions must then be
taken to control the hazard.

Motor vehicles, cranes and heavy equipment shall

be kept away from the edge of the excavation a
distance of 2 m (6.5 ft) or the depth of the excavation,
whichever is greatest.

Excavation work should be carried out carefully and

Slide 90
follow Saudi Aramco Standard and Work Permit
Slide 90
requirements for safe digging practices.

Saudi Aramco Standard excavation safety checklist

is required.

Note: Instructor will review the checklists in the Power Point

slides.

52 May 2016 Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls

 INFORMATION SHEET

Here are some of the basic requirements from the

checklists.

❏❏ Excavation 4ft (1.2 meter) deeper requires Hot

Work Permit and Confined Space Entry Permit.

❏❏ Appropriate method of excavation should be

determined, benching, shoring or sloping, the
methods of combination depends on soil, the
nature of operation and space available.

❏❏ Spoils piles should be placed at least 2ft (60cms)

away from the edge of the excavation.

❏❏ Scaffold should not be erected near the

excavation; it should be at least 1.5 times the
depth of the trench.

❏❏ Cranes shall be operated away from the trench

more than the depth of the trench.

❏❏ Daily inspection of the trench shall be made for

every shift.

❏❏ If the excavation is left unattended overnight,

it shall be barricaded, with flashing lights to
warn the passer.

❏❏ Emergency rescue equipment shall be immediately

available for excavation considered as confine
space.

Everyone working in an excavation must be properly

trained for an emergency. Make sure that safety or
rescue equipment, if needed, is nearby and working
properly. Some examples include SCBAs, safety
harnesses, lifelines, basket stretchers, and mechanical
lifts.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

Shoring
Shoring means supporting the sidewalls of an
excavation with an engineered structure of cross
braces, vertical uprights and horizontal rails. Shoring
can be made from wood or metal. It may be a
Slide 91
hydraulic or mechanical system. Shoring is the third
Slide 91 best choice to prevent sidewall collapse. Sloping and
benching are safer protective methods.

Know the Soil Types

Table 6 list the requirements for designing an
excavation.

EXCAVATION DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

A qualified excavation designer identifies existing and

predictable hazards, soil types, or working conditions
that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous. He must
also determine and decide:

o the method of excavation – benching, shoring or

sloping, or combination of methods depending
on space available, nature of operations, and soil
type.

o soil type prior to entry (i.e., stable rock, or Type A,

B, or C soil) as described in Table 1.

o whether to guard the walls by benching, shoring,

sloping, or a combination.

Table 6
Excavation Design Requirements

Sloping
Sloping means laying back the sides of an excavation
at an angle. Sloping is the best protective system. The
"safe" angle of the slope varies with different types
of soil and loads. In Saudi Aramco, the maximum safe
angle of the slope is 34° (for “Type C” soil).

Slide 92

54 92May 2016
Slide Work Permit Hazard Recognition and Controls
 INFORMATION SHEET

Benching
Benching forms one or more steps in the sidewall.
Benching is the second best choice after sloping. This
excavation is in the process of being benched so that
a sidewall collapse will not harm the workers. The
horizontal step and the vertical rise between each
step should be approximately 1.2 meters (4 feet).

Buried Cables
Electric, gas, sewer, water, telephone lines, cables
or process piping are all found underground. If
underground equipment is damaged, an injury or
death could occur.

If you are digging, avoid damaging underground

Slide 93
services. Underground electrical cables can be
Slide 93
particularly hazardous because they often look like
pipes and it is impossible to tell if they are live just
by looking at them. When you excavate to expose
the cable, you can hit and damage it by a crowbar
or shovel.

Excavation work should be properly managed to

control hazards, you must respect all the warning
signs like the yellow tapes while excavating. During
excavation yellow warning tape, red tiles and sweet
sand are the signs to indicate that the cable is buried
below and to proceed with caution and the proper
tools.

As a work permit Issuer, you must ensure all

underground utilities or hazards are identified, located
and marked them (e.g., by flags or chalk) before
starting any excavation activities.

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 INFORMATION SHEET

When underground utility lines are known or suspected,

the work permit issuer must get countersignatures
from other issuers. The other issuers may be from
Power Distribution, Communications or Utilities. The
work permit issuer must get the countersignatures
before excavation work is allowed to start.
Slide 94

Slide 94
Excavation work should be properly managed to
control hazards, you must respect all the warning
signs like the yellow tapes while excavating. During
excavation yellow warning tape, red tiles and sweet
sand are the signs to indicate that the cable is buried
below and to proceed with caution and the proper
tools.

Underground equipment must first be exposed by

hand digging. Mechanical excavators should only be
used when all piping, cables, vessels, or structures
have been exposed. Hand digging must be done
with extreme care to avoid damaging underground
equipment with picks, shovels or other tools.

Hand digging should continue for at least 3 meters

(10 feet) away from exposed underground equipment.
Mechanical digging may resume 3 meters (10 feet)
away.

Excavating machines are not allowed to operate closer

than 3 meters (10 feet) from the nearest underground
hazard.

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EXERCISE F
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. What must be done before a backhoe can dig

an excavation in a hydrocarbon process area?

a. Shut down all critical process equipment

b. Have a standby man at all access points

c. Install shoring after the excavation is

finished

d. Locate and mark all underground equipment

and cables

2. What does shoring, benching and sloping refer

to?

a. Installing catalyst in a vessel

b. Gardening or tree removal

c. Carpentry or woodworking

d. Preventing excavation collapse

3. What precaution must men take before they

work in an excavation?

a. Ground all double-insulated equipment

b. Assign a certified fire watch

c. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus

d. Check shoring, benching or sloping is in

place

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INFORMATION SHEET

4. Which precautions should be taken to make

sure people cannot accidentally fall into an
excavation?

a. Install barricades and warning signs

b. Have all people wear safety harnesses

c. Have all workers wear safety lanyards

d. Have all workers tie-off to the excavation

5. Why is it important to keep heavy equipment,

sand, rock or other debris away from the edge
of an excavation?

a. To keep access ladders from becoming

blocked

b. To keep the weight from caving in the

excavation

c. To make enough room for barricades and

warning signs

d. To keep bench guards from being covered

or blocked

6. Excavating machines are not allowed to operate

closer than how many meters from the nearest
underground hazard?

a. 3 meters

b. 1 meters

c. 5 meters

d. 10 meters

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7. Why is it unsafe to operate internal combustion

engines near excavations?

a. Fuel leaks can fill up the excavation

b. Toxic exhaust fumes can build up in an

excavation

c. Barricades and warning signs may be moved

d. Workers in the excavation could get an

electric shock

8. How can you control the hazards of underground

cables or utilities before starting any excavation?

a. Identify and mark cables and services before

digging.

a. Use cable drawings and plans.

b. Use cable locating devices

c. Safe digging practice last 3 meters by hand

d. All answers

9. True or false: The heavy equipment is parked as

close to the excavation as it deep. For example
if the trench is 10 feet deep you park 10 feet
away.

a. True

b. False

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10. How close to the edge of an excavation can

heavy equipment is parked?

a. 1.3 meters

b. 5 meters

c. 3.1 meters

d. Not important

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1.3.5 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Hazardous materials are everywhere.

From H2S in some of our oil and gas streams, to

chemical inhibitors, and corrosive (acids) for water
Slide 95
treatment, to oils used in vehicle maintenance and
household products for cleaning—hazardous materials Slide 95

are at work and at home.

The list of hazardous materials is massive and their

hazardous nature varies greatly.

This section highlights some of the most common

hazardous materials found in Saudi Aramco.

Hazardous Materials
In Saudi Aramco, we handle, produce and store a
wide range of materials, many of them are hazardous.

This course cannot educate you in the hazards and

controls related to all of these materials. But there
are general guiding principles that you can apply
every day.

A product’s hazardous nature is usually attributed to

their health hazard, flammability and reactivity. See
the HAZCOM label example on Slide 95.

Health hazard is a broad term that includes potential

hazards to health, based on they enter the body
(e.g., hazardous to the skin, by inhalation, and by
adsorption or injection). They may be irritants, toxic,
corrosive or a combination of these.

Slide 96

Slide 96
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 INFORMATION SHEET

When controlling exposure to these materials you

must understand their hazardous properties. This
information is in the CHB, the HAZCOM label, and
or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

These will help you determine how to correctly

handle and store materials, their reactivity with other
materials, correct PPE and RPE and the recommended
first aid steps if the material is released.

For more information on chemical/hazardous material

hazards – contact Saudi Aramco Environmental
Protection Department.
Slide 97

Slide 97
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders are often used in our
plants and facilities. They can contain inert gases
such as nitrogen to highly flammable gases including
acetylene. Oxygen cylinders and cylinders containing
other oxidizers (e.g., chlorine, nitrous oxide) MUST
be stored at least 6.1 m (20 ft) from flammable gas
Slide 98
cylinders or they MUST be separated by a 1/2-hour fire
Slide 98 rated barrier at least 1.5 m (5 ft) high. (See CSM 9.4)

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Table 7 lists common controls when storing and using

compressed gas cylinders.

COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDER CONTROLS

o Store in upright position.

o Secure during transportation.

o Maintain good housekeeping.

Slide 99

o Separate incompatible materials. (O2, Oxidizers, Slide 99

Flammable etc)

o Store away from all heat sources and direct

sunlight.

o Clearly identify and label all cylinders.

Slide 100
o Ensure that flash back arrestors are installed on O2
and acetylene cylinders. Slide 100

o Do not use oil or grease as a lubricant on valves

or attachments.

Table 7
Compressed Gas Cylinder Controls

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)

Asbestos is extremely dangerous when disturbed.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers results in the potential for
long term ill-health problems and potentially death.

Asbestos is not easy to identify, but when it is, you

should take all the steps required to ensure that it is
not disturbed, releasing hazardous fibers into the air.

Once identified and decisions are made to keep it or

remove it, then specific controls are required. These
Slide 101
are explained in GI.150.001 and the Construction
Safety Manual and include that you or your colleagues. Slide 101

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❏❏ Post warning signs where known asbestos is

found.

❏❏ Apply specific “wet methods” when it is removed.

❏❏ Wear specific PPE and RPE for the task when

removing asbestos.
Slide 102
❏❏ Practice good hygiene e.g., no smoking, eating
Slide 102 or drinking in asbestos work areas.

Use PPE and RPE when working with asbestos and

do not use dry cleanup methods: No sweeping or
shoveling.

Slide 103
Painting and Coating
Slide 103 Paints and painting may seem like common day/low
risk type activities but some paints and paint thinners
can be very hazardous. Some types are flammable and
some have significant inhalation hazards (dangerous
to the breathing), and some are irritants (dangerous
to the skin).
Slide 104

Slide 104 Paints require specific hazard controls:

❏❏ Read the CHB and/or HAZCOM labels—you must

know the product!

❏❏ Store paints and thinners in well ventilated

spaces, away from heat sources and that lids
are sealed.

❏❏ Choose and use the correct PPE and RPE and be

trained in their use.

❏❏ If you paint or coat inside a confined space,

regularly measure the atmospheric conditions
to ensure oxygen or flammable limits are not
exceeded.

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❏❏ If you are splashed, or have clothing contaminated

with paints or thinners, remove the clothing and
wash affected areas as soon as possible.

❏❏ Follow good hygiene practices, such as washing

your hands before eating or smoking.

Slide 105
Abrasive Blasting
Slide 105

You must be Saudi Aramco certified to perform

abrasive blasting.

Abrasive blasting equipment requires specific safety

checks before work begins, such as grounding/bonding
checks, inspection of compressors and air delivery
systems, safety pins installed at potential disconnect
points and “dead man” (automatic shut-off) switches
fitted on blasting nozzles.

Other Hazards include, high noise levels, and spark

potential (a hot work permit is required in restricted
areas).

Hazard controls include, using approved blasting

materials (Silica sand is extremely hazardous and
Slide 106
is prohibited), erecting barriers to prevent others
from entering blasting areas, and special PPE/ Slide 106

RPE requirements including approved air supplied

breathing hoods.

Full details of abrasive blasting controls and PPE

requirements are described in GI 6.021 and the
Construction Safety Manual.

Slide 107

Slide 107

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Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation can be extremely hazardous to your
health, resulting in short and long term ill-health.
Do not work with ionizing radiation without a Saudi
Arabian Government-issued radiation practice license.
Slide 108

Slide 108 Ionizing radiation work must always be performed

under the control of an appointed Radiation Protection
Officer (RPO). Due to its extremely hazardous nature,
it is tightly controlled through GIs and standards.

You must never use or operate ionizing radiation

equipment without being trained and competent
in the safe handling of ionizing radiation sources
related to your job.

WHAT IS NORM?
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material, a less hazardous
radiation.

You must obtain work permit(s) for any NORM-related

work and personnel working with or around NORM-
contaminated piping, equipment, materials (e.g., filter
cartridges), soil or wastes must be trained in NORM
hazards.

Slide 109
All tasks involving NORM-contaminated equipment
Slide 109 or materials must be covered by a job safety analysis
(JSA), which must identify the hazards and associated
controls.

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EXERCISE G
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Why is it mandatory that asbestos material be

kept wet with water while it is being handled?

a. To prevent fires and explosions from

happening

b. Water changes it into a non-hazardous

material

c. Water keeps it cool during hot summer

months

d. Water keeps the fibers from becoming

airborne

2. What is the distance compressed flammable gas

cylinders must be kept from those containing O2
or oxidizers?

a. 6.1 meters or 20 feet

b. 5 meters or 16 feet

c. 10 meters or 33 feet

d. 3 meters or 10 feet

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3. Identify two hazards that might be found when

using compressed air driven equipment?

a. GFCI missing and not double-insulated

b. Damaged base plates and missing guards

c. Damaged hoses and missing coupling safety

pins

d. Tools rated over 115 volts and damaged

hoses

4. Why should you inspect a compressed gas cylinder

before you use it?

a. To see if it needs to be painted

b. To check the bonding cable

c. To make sure it is safe to use

d. It is a GI requirement

5. Identify two hazards that are associated with

abrasive blasting equipment.

a. Nonflammable gas and toxic gas

b. Iron sulfide and hydrogen sulfide

c. Ignition source and water spray

d. Low visibility and ignition source

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6. Which of the following safety precautions must

be used when abrasive blasting?

a. Dead-man switch, dust masks and steel-toed

safety shoes

b. Air-supplied hoods, dead-man switch and

bonding

c. Foot protection, dust masks and grounded

equipment

d. Isolate, purge and ground all electrical

equipment

7. What must be provided to protect from radiation,

when radiography work is done?

a. Respirators and skin protection

b. Hazard Identification Plan

c. Time, distance and shielding

d. Time, shielding and elevation

8. Why is spray-painting inside a confined space

more dangerous than spray painting in an open
area?

a. Flammable paint vapors may become

explosive in confined spaces

b. Paint can build up on the inside of the

vessel walls, top and floor

c. Dust can cause paint not to dry properly

in confined spaces

d. Paint cans can trip and injure workers in

confined spaces
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9. Identify three safety precautions workers must

take when doing abrasive blast cleaning?

a. Dead man switch, respirator and bonding

b. Bonding, dead man switch and fire watch

c. Respirator, fire watch and bonding

d. Fire watch, respirator and dead man switch

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1.3.6 HYDROGEN SULFIDE: H2S

Many of the following slides discuss H2S hazards and
controls.

Why?
Slide 110

Because H2S causes the most common and largest Slide 110

number of deaths in the oil and gas industry

worldwide.

Where is H2S in Saudi Aramco?

Highly toxic H2S is present at most processing areas,
from the well site through the processing and
treatment plants, to the oil tankers at the terminals,
as well as sewers, wastewater, and sewage treatment
plants.

Almost every Saudi Aramco producing field yields sour

crude (i.e. plus H2S) and/or gas. Some of the areas
at risk include drilling and/or workover rigs, gas oil
separation plants (GOSP), and associated equipment
like pumps, compressors, sump pits, pipelines and
storage tanks.
Slide 111

Slide 111
H2S Properties
Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and colorless—you
cannot see the gas in the atmosphere.

More than its flammability, its greatest danger for

humans is its high toxicity. By the time flammable
concentrations are reached, its toxic hazard will kill
you in one breath.

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Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs at very low

concentrations. But you cannot smell it at higher
concentrations and/or longer exposures.

Consequently the sense of smell does not give you

enough warning of hazardous concentrations.

NEVER TRUST YOUR SENSE OF SMELL TO DETECT H2S!

If you smell H2S and it goes away, it does not mean all
Classroom Discussion: H 2 S is fine. It probably got worse!
Suffocates!
Inhaling H2S does not let you
breathe, causing suffocation.
The amount you inhale, the H2S kills your sense of smell if you are exposed to
length of your exposure, it for a length of time and more quickly at higher
and your physical condition
determine the negative effects concentrations. The only safe way to detect hydrogen
H2S can have on you. sulfide is by using a calibrated gas monitor. Always
o H a v e y o u e v e r b e e n carry a gas monitor when you enter an area where
exposed to H2S?
H2S may be present.
o If so, how did you know
and how did you feel?
o Did it effect you behavior H2S is soluble in hydrocarbons and forms in the same
or performance at work? conditions as hydrocarbons. Hydrogen sulfide is also
o If it was an H2S leak, what soluble in water and acts as a weak acid. It also reacts
did you do?
with metal ions to form metal sulfides.

Even in low concentrations, a single breath of H2S

can paralyze the respiratory center in your brain and
kill you. Because H2S leaks cannot be seen, H2S has
killed many people who enter areas they thought
looked safe.

Slide 112
When there is a breeze, an invisible H2S cloud will
Slide 112 travel in the direction the wind is blowing (downwind).
When the gas is detected and there is an alarm, always
move crosswind to reduce the chance of increased
exposure.

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H2S is heavier than air and tends to sink into low-

In confined spaces, H2S settles
lying (below ground) areas, such as pipeline trenches, to the bottom, forming a toxic
valve boxes, sumps, sewers, excavations, and low areas gas layer.

around rig platforms.

In still (no wind) conditions H2S leaks can spill to

the ground and move long distances at fairly high
concentrations and settle into low lying areas. If it
settles into a protected low area like the bottom
of an excavation or valve box, it can remain there
undisturbed (like a snake).

Even if the wind at ground level begins to blow very

hard, when you enter into the trench or valve box,
H2S drifts up to your nose and knocks you down.
Then you breathe the high concentration and die.

That is why excavations deeper than 4 ft. require gas

testing and a confined space entry permit regardless
of where they are located.

Besides being highly toxic, H2S is extremely flammable

and explosive over a wide range of concentrations in
Slide 113
air. The gas will catch fire at the right concentration
with oxygen. Slide 113
Hydrogen sulfide and oxygen
burn with a blue flame to form
sulfur dioxide (SO2) and water.
The lower explosive limit (LEL) is 4.3% and the upper
explosive limit (UEL) is 46%. That is 43000 ppm and
460000 ppm respectively and will certainly kill you
dead in one breath, but it can also pose an explosion
hazard at these concentrations.

The ignition temperature of H2S is 260°C (500°F).

A H2S leak may travel a considerable distance to a
source of ignition and flashback.

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When H2S burns to a blue flame and it produces sulfur

dioxide (SO2) - a colorless and toxic gas, which can
irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system.

H2S and moisture form a corrosive acid that can

irritate the eyes and mucous membranes (SO2 + H2S
forms sulfuric acid).

When H2S is inhaled it goes from the lungs into

the bloodstream immediately, where it can rapidly
paralyze the breathing control center in the brain
and cause the lungs to cease from functioning, with
death from suffocation within minutes.

Even at relatively low concentrations H2S is toxic

and its concentration in air is measured in parts per
million (ppm).

It is dangerously reactive with nitric acid and strong

oxidizers, such as chromates, chlorine gas, and
peroxides. When H2S reacts with steel (found in pipes
Slide 114 and other equipment), iron sulfide scale is formed. Iron
Slide 114 sulfide scale is pyrophoric (i.e., it can spontaneously
What immediate health effects
are caused by hydrogen sulfide ignite when dry and exposed to air).
exposure?

The effects of H2S varies depending on your size and

The higher the exposure, the
more severe and immediate condition, but the effects in the table on Slide 120
the symptoms. are general guidelines that apply to most people.

Saudi Aramco’s current unprotected limit for an 8

hour shift is 10 PPM. Between 10 – 100 PPM you must
wear SCBA. Above 100 PPM no work or confined
space entry is allowed. Now look at the following
questions and answers.

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Q: Can H2S poisoning be treated?

A: There is no proven cure for hydrogen sulfide

poisoning, but the effects of low level hydrogen
sulfide exposure can be treated and most exposed
people get well after being brought into clean air.
People who have had serious exposures may need
to be hospitalized.

Q: Are any future health effects likely to occur?

A: A single small exposure from which a person

recovers quickly is not likely to cause delayed or long-
term effects. A serious exposure that causes coma or
convulsions may damage the brain and heart.

Q: What tests can be done if a person has been

exposed to hydrogen sulfide?

A: H2S blood and urine tests generally add very little

value in medical diagnosis. If a severe exposure has
occurred, blood and urine analyses and other tests
may show whether the brain, nerves, heart, or kidneys
have been injured. If you inhale hydrogen sulfide,
blood tests and a chest X-ray may be necessary to
determine if your lungs have been injured.

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Inhalation of H2S

Slide 115
In most cases H2S enters your body by inhalation
(breathing in).

At low concentrations, the body is able to break down

the gas over time. However, as the concentration
increases, the body is no longer able to handle
the inhaled gas and this leads to paralysis of the
respiratory system. The inhaled gas inhibits cellular
Slide 115
respiration and prevents the uptake of oxygen. This
is referred to as biochemical suffocation.

If the body is exposed to low concentrations for

extended periods of time, it can lead to bronchitis,
pneumonia, migraine headaches, pulmonary edema
and loss of motor skills coordination.

Slide 116 H2S Detection

Slide 116 The only reliable way to determine exposure levels is
to measure the amount in the air. Regular monitoring
will help to identify danger in areas and operations
where it is possible to exceed permissible exposure
limits, and any areas that have potential leak sources
should be equipped with continuous fixed monitoring
systems located at those leak sources.

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Because H2S is approximately 20% heavier than air,

it can collect in depressions in the ground and in
confined spaces. Using H2S gas detectors is required
before entering confined spaces such as manholes,
tanks, pits, trenches deeper that 4 ft. and reaction
vessels.

Saudi Aramco has installed fixed H2S detectors in

operational areas where H2S may be present. When
H2S levels exceed the preset high limit, normally
20 ppm, an alarm is sounded in the control room
and locally near the detector. With the Operations
Manager’s approval, the high alarm set points may
be set lower than 20 ppm.

Continuous sensing detectors must be regularly

checked, maintained, and calibrated or they may
fail to alarm when a H2S release occurs. Failure to
maintain and inspect gas detectors is a violation of
company requirements.

Detectors and both the local and remote alarm devices

must be checked by a qualified instrument technician
using a known gas concentration to calibrate the
detector. A regular calibration schedule should be
maintained and a record of calibration dates should
be kept. Notify every person in the area when a
detector is being tested.

Saudi Aramco uses the Ventis MX4 and MX6 portable

gas monitors and their accessories to perform gas tests.
Only Certified Saudi Aramco Gas Testers are allowed
to do gas testing and use the gas monitors. These
monitors and their accessories can test or continuously
monitor the concentration of combustible gases or

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vapors, oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide, and H2S

in air. Gas testing is generally required whenever
you or your colleagues enter work locations where
H2S or hydrocarbon is or may be present, during all
confined space entries, and where work is performed
in low-lying (below grade) areas.

If you are a Certified Gas Tester, you must routinely

maintain and calibrate portable monitors (see Table
8). Failing to do so may result in inaccurate readings
and is a violation of gas testing requirements.

TO MAINTAIN A CALIBRATED PORTABLE GAS MONITOR

Every day:
o conduct pre-use checks
o visually inspect
o conduct leak test of the pump
o function test in a clean environment at the start
of each shift
o keep the sensor areas clean
o follow the calibration and maintenance schedule
and only use a monitor with a valid calibration
sticker or days since calibration.

Table 8
Calibrated Portable Gas Monitor

H2S personal gas monitors (Rattlers) continuously

measure the concentration electronically and have
an audible, visual, and vibrating alarm when levels
at or above 10 ppm are detected.

Operating areas require personal monitors where H2S

Slide 117
concentrations may be at or above 10 ppm.
Slide 117

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Hazardous H2S Effects – Company

Standards
Slide 118 lists the concentrations and policies for H2S
readings.

Slide 118

H2S Control Measures – Engineering

Controls
Wherever possible, exposure should be minimized
by introducing control measures such as engineering
controls such as ventilating and cleaning the
equipment
Slide 118 (water wash or steaming).

Slide 119

Slide 119

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Slide 120 lists the additional PPE. Saudi Aramco CHB

155 details the PPE that you must wear when working
near H2S.

Slide 120

H2S Precautions
Warning signs must be posted to warn of the presence
of hydrogen sulfide. Fixed monitors should be installed
Slide 120 at facilities that process hydrocarbons where there is
a possibility of H2S leaks.

When you work in areas with an H2S leak risk, be

aware of the wind direction and make sure you know
where to go to move away from the hazard.

Atmospheric testing must be conducted in all

potentially hazardous areas to confirm that it is safe
for work. Repeat testing as required. In the event
of an alarm, escape immediately crosswind. Always
work with a ‘Standby Man’ and keep him informed
of where you are and what you are doing. Stay in
constant touch with each other.

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A STANDBY MAN:
1) monitors the work area, 2) recognizes problems and
3) calls for help when required.

Keep your work area well ventilated. Use mechanical

ventilation systems to deliver clean air to the worksite
and remove any hazardous gases and vapors.

Be aware of the emergency procedures, response plan

and responsibilities before you start your work. Call Slide 121

for help when needed.

Slide 121

Emergency Arrangements and Response

In this section of the course you will be made aware
of the emergency arrangements and response required
in relation to H2S.

The ‘buddy system’ is mandatory when responding

to H2S emergencies, alarms or when working in H2S
Slide 122
100ppm Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
(IDLH) conditions. Slide 122

This means organizing employees into work groups

so that each employee is observed by at least one
other employee in the group: co-workers in line-of-
sight of co-workers.

It is important that regular training and drills are

Slide 123
conducted to test that work crews not what to do
in an H2S emergency. Slide 123

Standby personnel must constantly monitor the work

area, be aware of the hazards of H2S, and know how
to summon help.

Slide 124

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 INFORMATION SHEET

It is important that regular training and drills are

conducted to test that work crews not what to do
in an H2S emergency.

Standby personnel must constantly monitor the work

area, be aware of the hazards of H2S, and know how
Slide 125
to summon help.
Slide 125

Emergency Actions
Table 9 lists the seven steps to take during a hydrogen
sulfide emergency.
Slide 126

Slide 126 7 EMERGENCY ACTIONS DURING A H2S EMERGENCY

An H2S alarm means there may be hazardous concentrations in the
Step 1 building or area. Get to a safe new area immediately by moving
Evacuate crosswind from the release until you know that you are in clean air
Immediately by checking your personnel gas monitor. Move to higher ground if
possible.
Step 2
Immediately notify someone that there is an H2S release, relay any
Sound the
information you may have, and tell them that you require assistance.
Alarm
Step 3 Locate the log of personnel in the area, do a head count. Consider
Assess the other hazards. If possible, and safe to do so, shut down the hydrogen
Situation sulfide source.
Use SCBA/SABA to protect rescue personnel. H2S is an extremely
Step 4
rapidly acting, highly toxic gas. Fatalities have occurred to rescuers
Protect Rescue
entering the affected area. Only trained H2S rescuers are allowed to
Personnel
use SCBA and attempt rescue.
First ventilate the area with fans and/or open all the doors. If safe,
Step 5 you may perform the rescue, but remember to wear breathing
Rescue Victims apparatus and follow the buddy system. Enter the area and remove
the victim to fresh air.
Apply artificial respiration or CPR until the victim revives or until
Step 6
additional help arrives. Only qualified personnel may use mechanical
Revive Victims
resuscitators or oxygen or perform CPR.
All H2S victims require medical attention. Even if they revive quickly,
there is still a possibility that the lungs may collect fluid some hours
Step 7
after exposure. Arrange transport of the victim to a medical facility
Get Medical Aid
and provide the necessary information to the emergency medical
services.
Table 9
Emergency Actions During a H2S Emergency

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Emergency Arrangements
To rescue victims, the first responder(s):

❏❏ remove any contaminated clothing.

❏❏ flush irritated eyes with plain water or saline

for at least 15 minutes. Slide 127

Slide 127
❏❏ administer supplemental oxygen as required.

❏❏ wait for medical personnel to arrive.

You will now watch the video Complacency Kills and

have a discussion after with the instructor and the
group on what went wrong and could be done to
prevent such an accident.

Slide 128

Slide 128

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EXERCISE H
Directions: Answer the following questions, or fill in the
blank where appropriate.

1. What are six hazardous properties of H2S gas?

2. What is produced when H2S burns?

3. Why should you look for the windsock if you

hear a gas alarm?

4. What happens to your sense of smell at higher

concentrations of H2S?

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5. What is the main route of entry of H2S into

your body?

6. When mixed with

H2S may form a corrosive acid?

7. What are four types of control measure that

reduce the risks associated with H2S gas?

8. If you hear the H2S alarm, you should immediately

move to safety in which direction?

a. Upwind

b. Downwind

c. Cross wind

d. Not important just run away

9. Never attempt a rescue in an H2S area, unless

you are fully , and
wearing protection.

10. Yo u m u s t w e a r
protection before entering an area where the
H2S concentration is 10ppm or more.

11. O n l y trained personnel wearing an

should attempt to
rescue a victim of H2S exposure.

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12. What are three Saudi Aramco facilities where

H2S may be found?

13. What is the most common way for H2S to enter

the body?

14. Who is authorized to enter an area where the

H2S alarm is sounding?

15. Which direction should you move if you hear

the H2S alarm?

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1.3.7 FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS

Fires in the oil and gas industry continue to be a major
cause of significant loss. Many make the headlines
(e.g., the Chevron fire in Richmond, the Total fire in
Buncefield, the BP-Deepwater Horizon and Texas City
fires, etc.). Many others do not make global headlines, Slide 129
yet they continue to occur throughout the industry. Slide 129

Saudi Aramco has also had fires resulting in significant

losses to plant and personnel.

Fires and Explosions

Fire and explosions commonly occur due to the
uncontrolled release of flammable materials (liquids
and/or gasses). Once materials are released they look
for a source of ignition. This could be a nearby hot
work activity (e.g. welding or cutting), a vehicle engine
running, or a smoker. In worst cases, materials are
released at such temperatures that they automatically Slide 130

ignite when mixed with air. Slide 130

The first priority (control) in preventing fire and

explosions is to keep the flammable materials inside
our processing lines and equipment.

Fires may also occur without flammable materials.

For example, combustible materials can be ignited
by hot work activities, sparks from faulty electrical
circuits and discarded cigarettes.

To prevent fires and explosions it is important to

establish hot work controls. For example, restricting
vehicle access to high risk areas, establishing safe
areas for smoking, keeping workplaces and storage
areas tidy, and sheeting in areas (with fire resistant
materials) where welding/burning/grinding activities
are undertaken. Slide 131

Slide 131
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 INFORMATION SHEET

In addition to these controls, also consider the

firefighting ability. Most large fires start as small
fires. Having a fire watch and extinguisher available
are controls aimed at preventing fires from growing.

Slide 132 CSB Video: The Chevron Richmond

Slide 132 Refinery Incident
You will now view a short video that highlights
some incorrect decision making and responses to a
hydrocarbon leak incident that resulted in a large
fire and a significant loss at a Chevron refinery in
Richmond, California.

Slide 133
Make notes of what you consider were the wrong
Slide 133
decisions or actions taken.

CUTTING, WELDING, AND BRAZING

Flammable atmospheres and combustible material can
be easily ignited by welding, cutting and brazing tasks.
Performing these in confined spaces also increases
the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and/or
low oxygen levels.

Slide 134 Hot work controls include ensuring the area is well
Slide 134 prepared before activities begin. This may include gas
testing to ensure no presence of flammable gasses,
removing nearby combustible materials, wetting areas,
and sheeting areas to prevent spray sparks or welding
slag from escaping.

Slide 135 Welding equipment requires inspection before use,

Slide 135 and should only be used by Saudi Aramco certified
operators. Hoses must be checked for leaks on gas
welding sets and flashback arrestors fitted at O2/
acetylene cylinder regulators.

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Gas welding hoses must be protected from damage

during use (for example, not routed over sharp edges),
and gas regulators must be turned off and hoses bled
at the end of a shift or task, to prevent gasses being
released. Acetylene cylinders must have a handle or
valve wrench in place at all times.
Slide 136

Slide 136
Hot Work Permit Controls
Electric welding machines must be properly bonded
and grounded and be 110 volt with ground protection.
220 volt electrical outlets are not permitted.

Slide 137
Fire Watch Slide 137 cut, weld or braze in
NEVER
Who can be a fire watch? It can be an Aramco oxygen-enriched environments
(i.e., an oxygen concentration
employee, SMP or a contractor. He must be designated greater than 23.5%).
on the hot work permit form by the Work Permit
issuer only if he:

❏❏ is aware of the inherent hazards of the work

site and of the hot work.

❏❏ ensures that safe conditions are maintained

during hot work operations.
Slide 138
❏❏ has the authority to stop the hot work operations
Slide 138
if unsafe conditions develop.

❏❏ has fire extinguishing equipment readily available

and is trained in its use.

❏❏ is familiar with the facilities.

❏❏ knows the procedures for notifying proper

personnel in the event of a fire.

❏❏ watches for fires in all exposed areas.

❏❏ tries to extinguish fires only when they are

obviously within the capacity of the equipment
available.

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If the fire is not within the capacity of the extinguishing

equipment, then the fire watch must immediately
notify proper personnel to activate emergency
response. He must be identified by badge number
on any hot work permit forms issued.

A qualified fire watch must be assigned to any cutting,

welding or burning operation (even if a hot work
permit is not issued).

Electrical Arc Flash Fire Hazards

Many arc flash incidents across the company have
resulted in serious consequences, including injuries
(and in some cases death) resulting from electric shock,
exposure to arc flash and arc blast, and excessive light
Slide 139 and sound energies.
Slide 139
GI 2.721 Electrical Arc Flash Hazards Mitigation was
updated to give clear instructions on the controls
required to prevent this type of incident.

Where ever practicable, do not work on electrical

systems while still live. Where live electrical work is
Slide 140
required, GI 2.721 details specific requirements, such
Slide 140
as approach boundaries and specific PPE.

Electrical Fire Hazards

Slide 141 lists common electrical fire hazards.
Remember that once an electrical system short circuits
it can generate enough heat or sparks to ignite nearby
combustible materials.

Slide 141

Slide 141

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 INFORMATION SHEET

To prevent these types of fires, you should only use

UL listed equipment and appliances, ensure they are
maintained in good condition by competent and
qualified electrical personnel, and prevent the buildup
of combustible materials nearby.

Slide 142
In addition, use ground fault circuit interrupters
Slide 142
(GFCI) or grounding for all portable electrical tools,
temporary wiring, and in damp areas.

Inspections of your electrical hazards, such as

a Quarterly Safety Inspections can help you in
preventing these fires.

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EXERCISE I
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Why is a hot work permit required for abrasive

blasting?

a. A bonding system is not used

b. It may cause an ignition source

c. It creates extremely high temperatures

d. A fire watch is not required

2. How do we control welding activities in restricted

areas?

a. Tell the area foreman

b. Use portable radios

c. Hot work permit and assign a fire watch

d. Cold work permit and warning signs

3. Why are welding, cutting and brazing tasks in

confined spaces dangerous?

a. Flammable atmospheres and combustible

material can be easily ignited by these tasks

b. They increase the risk of carbon monoxide

(CO) exposure

c. They increase the risk of low oxygen levels.

d. All the above answers

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4. True or False: For any cutting, welding or burning

operation (even if a hot work permit is not
issued) a qualified Fire watch must be assigned?

a. True

b. False

5. What are the some of the best precautions and

controls to prevent electrical fire?

a. Regular inspections

b. UL listed equipment and GFCI or grounding

for all portable electrical tools

c. Good housekeeping

d. Qualified personnel for maintenance

e. All the above

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1.3.8 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

In the previous six modules we identified common
hazards and the controls required to prevent incidents/
injuries occurring.

Slide 143 You will look into the actions/mitigation steps required
Slide 143 to deal with emergencies and prevent their escalation
later.

Orientations
Orientations inform of the local hazards and controls/
response plans in facilities and local area operations.

These orientations inform you of the site lay out

Slide 144 (including the access/egress routes), specific site
Slide 144 hazards, including H2S if applicable, the local alarm
sounds and the actions you will be expected to take
during an emergency. For example, when to stop
work, where to go in an emergency, how to safely
leave your work location.

Slide 145
The orientation may also include the coordination of
Slide 145 work activities. For example, where to get your work
permits, notification and authorization requirements
for work and accessing restricted areas, and the
coordination of different work activities (simultaneous
operations).

Response Plans
An incorrect or delayed response to a real emergency
can result in incident escalation and/or increased
damages or casualties (as seen earlier in the H2S
segment of this course or in case of fire).
Slide 146

Slide
94 146
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Saudi Aramco organizations have specific emergency

response plans. You should know what is expected
of you, whether you are a responder, an employee,
a contractor, a fire watch/standby man or simply a
visitor. The response plan should state what you are
expected to do in the event of an emergency, such
as how to raise the alarm, and where or how to get
to a safe location during an emergency event.

If you have a specific role within an Emergency

Response Plan (ERP), you must know that role and
complete it safely. Performing assigned roles during
an emergency is learned through training and tested
through drills and exercises.

High risk activities, such as inert confined space entry, Slide 147
require specific rescue plans. These should be tested
Slide 147
before, or at the start, of particular high risk activities.

Contractor ERPs should be specific to assigned

contracts and work locations, and should fit with/
compliment the site emergency response plan (generic
corporate contractor plans will commonly not align
with site specific plans). Drills should be conducted
to test site and contractor plan alignment.

Reporting and Responding to an

Emergency
In case of an emergency you must immediately report:

❏❏ all work related injuries/illnesses or vehicle

collisions, no matter how slight, to your
supervisor.

❏❏ all fires, spills, and releases, no matter how small,

to your supervisor. Slide 148

❏❏ any unsafe condition, practice, near miss, or Slide 148

incident to your supervisor.

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Table 10 lists the seven steps on how to report and

emergency.

HOW TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY

1. Say, “This is an emergency!”

Slide 149
2. Describe the incident location.
Slide 149
3. Describe the incident.

4. Report injuries, if any.

5. Give your name and badge number.

6. Repeat the above information.

7. Stay on the line until further instructed.

Table 10
How to Report an Emergency

For example: “This is an Emergency, Ras Tanura

Building 814A, Room 211, Fire in mechanical room,
One person suffering from smoke inhalation, My
names is Mohammed Zahrani, My badge number is
123456. I repeat… [Repeat all the items].

Table 11 lists what you must know and what to do

in an emergency.

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WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

You must know in advance how to:

o Follow local plans or instructions

o Remain calm

o Stop work

o Proceed immediately and safely to the designated

assembly point

o Remain at assembly area until the “all clear”

signal is given

Table 11
What to Do in an Emergency

Make sure you are familiar with at least two evacuation

routes from your work area. In an emergency, proceed
to the nearest exit and assembly point via a safe
route, and remain at the assembly area until the “all
clear” signal is given.

Your building or facility should have a local emergency

plan. Ask your supervisor for a copy and make sure
you are familiar with it.

As a work permit issuer or receiver you must identify

the proper emergency response and procedures on
the permit.

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SUMMARY
Hazard recognition means identifying and reducing
hazards. Once you recognize a hazard, you can take
the appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize the
hazards using the Work Permit system.
Slide 150

Slide 150 In this part of the module, you have learned about
basic hazards, precautions and task-specific PPE.

As a work permit issuer, receiver or designated

representative you must identify the hazards associated
with work permit activities and to implement the
required controls.

The Saudi Aramco work permit system and its forms

have been updated to support you in this task. To
achieve this, the Joint Site Inspection (JSI) is now
supplemented by the completion of a Hazard Analysis
Checklist (HAC) that you must complete.

Slide 151

Slide 151

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EXERCISE J
Directions: Circle the correct answer(s) or fill the blank(s).

1. Why does Saudi Aramco organizations have

specific Emergency Response Plans?

a. To avoid incorrect or delayed response

b. To avoid escalation and/or increased damage

or casualties (victims)

c. To ensure everyone knows their roles and

responsibilities

d. To ensure you know how to respond, report

and evacuate to safe location

e. All the above

2. In case of an emergency you must immediately

report:

a. All work related injuries/illnesses or vehicle

collisions, no matter how slight, to your
supervisor.

b. All fires, spills, and releases, no matter how

small, to your supervisor.

c. Any unsafe condition, practice, near miss,

or incident to your supervisor.

d. All the above answers.

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3. In case of an emergency, you must:

a. Follow local plans or instructions

b. Remain calm and stop work

c. Proceed immediately and safely to the

designated assembly point

d. Remain at assembly area until the “all clear”

signal is given

e. All the above answers

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 GLOSSARY

Act Flammable
The doing of something such as a task. A material that can easily catch fire
under normal conditions, a simple spark
Action may be enough to ignite the material.
Accomplishing an act.
Gas Test
Asphyxiant Analysis, using a company-approved
A vapor or gas which can cause gas monitoring instrument, of an
unconsciousness or death by suffocation atmospheric sample to determine
(lack of oxygen). the concentration of oxygen, and
presence of combustible or toxic gases.
Barrier
Something such as a fence or natural Hazard Analysis
obstacle that prevents or blocks movement An assessment of work activity
from one place to another. conducted during the joint site
inspection before the work is started.
Compressed It is performed by the work permit
Something pressed or squeezed so that issuer (or his designated representative)
it is smaller or fills less space. and the receiver.

Contaminant Hazardous Atmosphere

Something that contaminates. An atmosphere in which workers
are exposed to the risk of death, injury,
Deficient incapacitation or illness.
Not having enough of something that is
important or necessary. Hydrocarbon
A naturally occurring organic
Ergonomic matter containing only carbon
The way things are designed and and hydrogen and often occurring
arranged to make them easier for people in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and
to use. bitumens.

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 GLOSSARY

Ionize PPM (Part Per Million)

To become positively or negatively A unit of measurement used for
charged due to transfer of electrons. small portions or concentrations of
gases. This term literally means one part
Isolate out of one million possible parts.
To separate and remove from service
by closing valves upstream and Pulley
downstream. A device that uses a rope or chain to
lift or move heavy weights.
Joint Site Inspection
An inspection conducted by the work Repetitive
permit issuer (or his designated Something that repeats over and
representative) and the receiver, to over.
conduct a job site hazard analysis,
perform necessary gas tests and review Suffocate
the conditions. To die because you are unable to
breathe.
LEL (Lower Explosive Limit)
The minimum concentration at Swamp
which a gas will explode. A common Land that is always wet and often
unit of measurement is a percent of the partly covered with water.
LEL.
Toxic
Mold Poisonous.
Growth that is produced on damp or
decaying matter. Trench
A long, narrow hole that is dug in
Parasite the ground.
An organism that lives in or on another
organism. Unconscious
Not awake because of medication or
Permeable an injury to the head.
Having openings that allow gas or
liquid to pass through.

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Work Permit
Hazard Recognition
and Controls
Appendix
• Hazard Recognition Activity
• Pre-Test Review Quiz
 Appendix

HAZARD RECOGNITION ACTIVITY

Appendix Slide156

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Appendix Slide 157

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Appendix Slide 158

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Appendix Slide 159

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Appendix Slide 160

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Appendix Slide 161

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HAZARD RECOGNITION AND CONTROLS

PRE-TEST REVIEW QUIZ
Instructor may choose to use this quiz as he see fit and time permitting. (e.g.: written
or verbally, individually or as a group activity)

EXCAVATION

1. Identify two common excavation hazards?

2. Why should gas test be taken before entering an excavation?

3. What hazard does a back hoe cause when digging an excavation?

4. What is the best way locating underground hazard before starting to dig an
excavation?

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5. How do you make sure excavating machine operators know where the underground
hazards?

6. How close to an underground hazard can an excavating machine be used while

digging?

7. What is the minimum distance a crane can operate next to an excavation?

8. How far away from an excavation side wall must the spoil pile be kept?

9. Why lifting equipment must never be raised, lowered, or swung over the people
who are working in an excavation?

10. Why do we slope or bench excavations?

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11. What is the best method of preventing the side wall of an excavation from
collapsing?

12. What do you call the excavation support system that uses an engineered structure
to support the sidewall?

13. How close must ladders or other means of access be spaced in larger excavations?

14. What must be done if traffic must be re-routed because of an excavation?

15. What can be used to mark an excavation at night so people can see it?

16. Who should be assigned to direct traffic around an excavation?

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17. What must be installed to allow people to cross over an excavation?

18. How deep must an excavation be before it is called a confined space?

19. What is the only way to find out if the atmosphere inside an excavation is safe?

20. What should be done whenever workers enter an excavation?

21. Who must inspect all excavation, every day before workers go inside?

22. What is the proper way to remove shoring from an excavation?

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

23. How can toxic material get into our lungs?

24. How do we protect our lugs against toxic material?

25. What minimum eye protection must workers wear while working in area where
eye injuries could occur?

26. What safety equipment protects your eyes against flying particles, airborne mists
or chemical splashes?

27. What can a worker do to have the best possible eye protection?

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28. What is the minimum safety equipment that a worker must wear when there is
danger of head injury?

29. Why must safety helmets not be painted?

30. Why metal safety helmets are prohibited at all Saudi Aramco facilities?

31. What will happen if you do not wear hearing protection in an environment of
85db of higher noise?

32. How can you tell if hearing protection should be worn in a work area?

33. What safety equipment provides the best possible hearing protection?

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34. How can you prevent most hand injuries?

35. Which type of gloves can protect against damage from rough surfaces and sharp
edges?

36. Which hazard can chemical resistant gloves protect against?

37. What cause foot injuries?

38. What minimum foot protection must employees wear in area where a foot injury
could occur?

39. Where must workers wear personal fall prevention equipment?

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40. What equipment is used to keep workers from falling from elevated work areas?

41. What should you look for when inspecting fall prevention equipment?

42. How can you prevent injury from toxic or oxygen deficient atmospheres?

43. What must be done before using a respirator?

44. What is the best way to find out which type respirator you need to wear?

45. Which type of respirator must be worn whenever hydrogen sulfide may be
present?

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46. SCBA is set to (positive pressure). This gives what safety condition?

47. What setting should be used when using an SCBA in potentially hazardous
atmospheres?

48. What should you do or ensure before using an SCBA?

49. What advantage does a cascade breathing air system have over SCBA?

50. What is used with a cascade breathing air system to give emergency breathing
air if you must escape or if the breathing air supply stops?

51. What do SCBA and cascade breathing air system do that air- purifying respirators
do not do?

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52. Which type of respirator only protects the respiratory tract?

53. Who can you contact to help you choose the correct type of respirator?

COMPRESSED AIR EQUIPMENT

54. What equipment uses compressed air?

55. Can compressed air equipment cause severe injuries?

56. Identify two hazards when using compressed air hose?

57. What should you look for when you inspect compressed air hoses and couplings?

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58. What must be done to prevent compressed air hose couplings from separating
by accident?

59. What safety precaution should be taken to make compressed air equipment safe
at the end of the workday?

60. Why are most paints and paint thinners used in Saudi Aramco hazardous?

61. Why is spray painting inside a confined space more hazardous than spray painting
in open area?

62. What is the best way to find out if certain paint is hazardous?

63. What first aid equipment is required to help a worker if paint gets into his eyes?

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64. What is the best way to make sure flammable paint vapors do not become
explosive?

65. How do spray painters protect themselves from toxic paint vapors?

66. Identify two hazards from abrasive blast cleaning?

67. Identify the safety precaution workers must take when abrasive blast cleaning?

68. What is a dead – man switch used for?

69. Why is a bonding system used with abrasive blast cleaning equipment?

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70. What type of respiratory protection equipment must abrasive blast operators
wear?

ELEVATED WORK PLATFORM

71. What do you do before any ladder is used?

72. How do we inspect the ladder?

73. Can we paint the ladders?

74. What is the correct angle to use when placing a ladder?

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75. Why must ladders extended from 91cm (36``) to 107cm (42``) above the top edge
of their supporting structure?

76. What problems might you find during a ladder inspection?

77. What two things cause most ladder accidents?

78. Do you support the ladder by the rung?

79. Can we use a ladder as a platform?

80. When are ladders safe & best to use?

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81. Can we use the ladders temporary as a work platform, like a scaffold work deck,
or truck bed or man basket?

82. Why do we not use metal ladders or ladders with metal reinforced side rails
near electrical equipment?

83. What is the best way to climbing a ladder?

84. What must be installed on all scaffolds to prevent people or equipment from
falling?

85. What problem might you find when inspecting scaffold planks?

86. Identify a hazard you might find when inspecting a scaffold?

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87. Why are base plates installed on scaffold?

88. What is used to tell people to keep away from scaffold?

89. What must be installed on every scaffold?

90. What tells an operator of an elevating work platform the checks that must be
made during the pre-operational inspection?

91. What must an elevating work platform operator have before he can operate the
machine?

92. What must workers wear when they are being lifted in an elevating work platform
basket?

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93. What should be done to warn employees to stay away from an elevating work
platform while it is in operation?

ENERGY

94. Why do we install lock and hold tags on main circuit breakers?

95. Who must install lock and tags on main circuit breakers before work starts?

96. Why is it important to try to start electrical equipment at the field start-stop
switch after the main circuit breaker has been locked and tagged?

97. Who must be at the work site when work must be done on energized electrical
circuits?

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98. What are the closest distance men or equipment can work away from energized
power lines?

99. What safety precaution should be taken before working a pneumatic or hydraulic?

100. What safety precaution should be taken before working a hydraulic system?

101. What should be done before a hydro test begins?

102. What is the most serious hazard about a hydro test?

103. What should be done to keep people away from a hydro test?

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104. Why must we have the hydro test procedure at the work site before the test
begins?

105. Why must a checklist be completed before a hydro test is done?

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

106. What disease can you get from breathing asbestos dust and may lead to lung
cancer?

107. What is the main hazard from working with asbestos?

108. Who must be trained about asbestos hazards?

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109. Who is allowed to go into an area where asbestos work is taking place?

110. What safety equipment must workers wear when they handle asbestos?

111. What safety equipment must workers wear who remove asbestos?

112. Why must asbestos kept wet with water when it is handled?

113. How do we protect ourselves from the radiation used when radiography work
is done?

114. Who is authorized to handle radioactive sources?

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115. How do we identify an area where radiography work is taking place?

116. What safety equipment is used to wash chemicals from your eyes or skin?

117. What should you do about the safety showers and eye wash fountains while
working in chemical areas?

118. How must compressed gas cylinders be stored?

119. How far apart must compressed gas cylinders containing flammable gas kept
from those containing oxidizers when not in use?

120. What is the best way to ensure a compressed gas cylinder is safe to use?

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121. What is the correct way to move a compressed gas cylinder?

HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND CRANES EQUIPMENT

122. Identify three potential hazards when using machines powered internal combustion
engines?

123. Name three things that should be checked when inspecting a gasoline or diesel
powered machine?

124. What should always be available when operating an internal combustion engine?

125. What should be done before refueling equipment?

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126. What are machine guards used for?

127. What must be done before using any equipment that will dig into the ground?

128. What should be done when towing trailer-mounted equipment in congested

area or near plant equipment?

129. What can be done to prevent heavy equipment from hitting equipment or people
while it is being operated?

130. What should you do when working near heavy equipment to keep from being
hit by the machine?

131. What should be done if a heavy equipment operator’s certificate has expired?

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132. What must crane operator do before he uses a crane?

133. Who must be in charge of all crane lifts?

134. What certification must a crane operator have in his possession to operate a
crane?

135. What does a lift plan do?

136. What must be attachment to a crane before it can be used?

137. What must be done is a lifting sling is found damaged?

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138. What condition would require a sling to be destroyed?

139. What must be stamped on a wire rope sling before it can be used?

140. What must be marked on the stitched label attached to a fabric sling?

141. What should crane hooks, shackles and connectors be checked for before they
are used?

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

142. What should be done before using any hand tools?

143. What can make hand tools dangerous to use?

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144. What should you do if a hand tools is found in poor condition?

145. What is the most common problem with electric power tools?

146. Why is frayed or damaged electrical wiring dangerous on power tools?

147. At what volt rating must electrical power tools used at work be rated?

148. What does a ground fault circuit interrupter do?

149. Identify one hazard when using cartridge?

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150. What safety equipment must be worn by a person using a cartridge operated
tools?

151. Why welding hoses must be removed from confined spaces during work breaks
or overnight?

152. When you are welding, why is it important to position the welding return lead
as close as possible to the weld point?

153. Why must portable welding machines that have 110-volt circuits be grounded?

154. Why must welders and other workers nearby wear special eye and face protection?

155. What safety equipment must a welder wear if he is welding in a confined space
with poor ventilation?

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