Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

AGIP GAS BV LIBYAN BRANCH

Agip Gas BV

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE

CORPORATE PERMIT TO WORK PROCEDURE

AG-HSEQ-P-037

Written By Reviewed Endorsed Approved

Rev REASON FOR REVISION
and Date By and Date By and Date By and Date

A1 Issued For Approval and Implementation D. Gooding A. Ganidi M. Al Aherish F. Krekshi

20/01/2004 21/01/2004 21/01/2004 13/02/2004

P2 Issued for Initial Review D. Gooding A. Ganidi M. Al Aherish N/A

04/10/2003 21/12/2003 21/12/2003

P1 Draft D. Gooding A. Fairweather N/A N/A

29/09/2003 01/10/2003

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 OBJECTIVE

3 RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 HSE Nominees Responsibilities

3.2 Engineers Responsibilities

3.3 Permit Issuers Responsibilities

4 ONSHORE PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

5 ONSHORE TYPES OF WORK PERMIT

5.1 Cold Work

5.2 Hot Work
5.3 Equipment Disjointing
5.4 Confined Space Entry
5.5 Radioactive Equipment
5.6 Electrical
5.7 Pressure Testing
5.8 Excavations
5.9 Scaffolding
5.10 Handling of Mercury
5.11 Working With Explosives
5.12 By-Pass/Over-ride
5.13 Safety Valves

6 OFFSHORE PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM (HOLD)

7 OFFSHORE TYPES OF WORK PERMIT (HOLD)

8 ISOLATION TAGS AND LOCKOUT

9 ISOLATION BLIND

10 Production of PTW Forms

11 APPENDICES

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

1. INTRODUCTION

The Permit to Work System is a formal written system used to control all types of work
which are identified as potentially hazardous. It’s designed to guide all users towards
good and safe working practices

It is the intention of this Procedure to standardize the “Permit to Work” systems and to
give the user clear information as to the corporate requirements by AGIP GAS BV. in
its implementation.

2. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Permit to Work Procedure is to ensure that all Company personnel
who are required to use the Procedure are made aware of the necessary actions to be
adopted prior to work commencement and to ensure that the criteria is adhered to
throughout operations and any Project work undertaken.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of all personnel working within the AGIP GAS BV to clearly
understand both the Procedure requirements and their individual roles; to ensure the
correct application of the Permit To Work System implementation, moreover, Company
management have the responsibility towards its employees to ensure necessary training
and they undertake skills.

3.1 HSE Engineers

The HSE Personnel at all company facilities have numerous responsibilities to carry out
before a Permit to Work is issued, HSE engineers are to fully collaborate and assist
operations/maintenance to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained
throughout, their roles & responsibilities may be summarized as listed but not limited to
those below: -

• Ensure that the work to be done is authorized or approved

• Check if Permit to Work System is correctly applied
• Conduct regular talks/discussion on Permit To Work System
• Determine the type of permit to be issued and whether it is safe to start the job, or
what action is necessary to make it safe before job commencement.
• Ensure that all personnel involved fully understand the Permit contents
• Whilst the job is in progress the HSE Personnel must ensure that the conditions
remain safe, if conditions change they have the authority to cancel the Permit.
• Liase with operation for matters associated with Permit To Work System

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

3.2 Engineers

The Construction, Maintenance and Operation Engineers primary responsibility is to the

safety of their workforce, but it is also necessary for them to carry out the following
activities: -

• Indicate on the Permit to Work the number of people involved for the job duration.
• Ensure that worksite is safe prior to start of activities
• Inspect the work area to identify potential hazards and if necessary request a
HSE Representative or Permit Issuer to accompany him.
• Notify the HSE Representative or the Permit Issuer of any change of
circumstances in the work area to make the job unsafe.
• Ensure the entire workforce understands the Permit to Work terms and
conditions.
• All parties (construction, maintenance, operations) must liase with each other to
ensure safety of the workforces and the worksite.

3.3 Permit Issuers

The Permit Issuer is a designated qualified person, usually the Site Safety Officer or
Plant Operations/Process Supervisor or a joint effort, who completes the Permit to Work,
upon submission of the work request or at the request of the HSE Representative, the
Construction engineer, Maintenance engineer or Plant Operations Engineer, after
ensuring that all the relevant work related information supplied is correct and acceptable.

The Permit Issuer, and his subordinates, must keep comprehensive records of all
permits issued and monitor the working conditions for the duration of the Permit.
Should the conditions change to present a hazardous situation, the Permit Issuer or his
subordinates have the authority to cancel the Permit, until the hazard has been removed.

4. ONSHORE PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

The Permit to Work System is a formal written system used on all New Projects under
Construction, existing Plants for maintenance or modification work activities. This
enables all types of work to be controlled and monitored, and also identifies potentially
hazardous conditions in all work areas.

The HSE Representative and the Permit Issuer should use the discretion in deciding the
type of permit required for each particular task or activity and the types of which are
explained in section 5 of this procedure.

4.1 Purpose

The purpose is to develop, and document, a clear understanding between the people
who are responsible for doing the work, and the person or persons having responsibility
for the areas in which the work is to be done, with regard to potential hazards and any
special safety precautions or equipment that may be required.

To provide a structured means of initiating, processing, implementing and documenting

work activities. It also ensures that the workforce is protected, there is communication
before work commences, and there is an Inspection carried out before Handover of a
completed job, to ensure the area is left in a clean safe condition.

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

4.2 Basic Requirements

Generally Permits to Work are required in all areas where a Hazard or Potential Hazard
may exist. These areas are designated “Restricted Areas” by the Permit Issuer, and can
exist on New Sites under Construction, Maintenance and Plant modification projects.

A Permit to Work, or Vehicle Entry Pass is required for vehicular access to a

Construction Site or Operational Plant. Should a vehicle be transporting hazardous
material, a tanker for example, a permit to work is required; upon inspection by security
personnel however any vehicle not carrying hazardous materials is allowed access with
a Vehicle Entry Pass.

A Permit to Work is not required however, when visual Inspections are conducted without
the use of Mechanical Equipment.

4.3 Closing out of Permits to Work

A Permit to Work shall not be deemed close out until the signature of the Permit Issuer,
Operations Supervisor and/or the Construction Engineer have been appended, to
confirm that all concerned on completion of all activities has inspected the work area, and
the area has been left in a safe and acceptable condition.

The Permit Issuer must confirm that all permits, relating to work on Equipment especially
Rotating Equipment, are closed out before start-up is attempted or the
Electrical Power is reconnected.

5. ONSHORE TYPES OF PERMIT

There are various types of “Permit to Work” used to control all work activities which are
classed as potentially hazardous and are identified as follows: -

5.1 Cold Work

This type of Permit shall be used in restricted areas for general work, which can contain
potential hazards, but cannot be included in the category of Hot Work, Equipment
Disjointing or Vessel Entry. Non-ignition types of activity, which are commonly carried out
on Cold Permits to Work are: -

• Cold cutting
• Cold tapping
• Concrete chipping
• Use of air powered tools
• Wire brushing
• Brush painting
• Carpentry
• Use of hand tools
• Scaffolding

5.2 Hot Work

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

This permit is sub-divided into A & B categories.

Category “A” is for Minor Hot Work activities where non-explosive equipments can be
used, as described on the Permit

Category “B” is for any Major Hot Work activity, in any area that generates sufficient
heat to initiate ignition or ignite flammable products or materials that may be present in
that particular area and may necessitate deployment of major fire fighting equipments
and stand by safety officers.

Examples of these activities are listed but not limited to those below: -

• Oxy/Acetylene cutting torch

• Electric welding
• Electric grinding
• Hot tapping
• Use of non-explosion proof electrical equipment
• Operation of cranes, generators and vehicles

Before Hot Work activities commence, all conditions relative to correct equipment
preparation must be carried out, with regards to Isolations, Blinding, Disjointing, Gas
testing, Entry cleaning and Gas freeing.

Hot Work Permits are issued for work on specific areas or equipment, and for special
tasks only. Blanket Hot Work Permits to cover an entire Project or several different tasks
involving different groups of workers are not allowed.

Note: -
Category “A” and “B” Hot Work Permits can be used to supersede Cold Work
activities but not vice versa.

5.3 Equipment Disjointing

The Equipment Disjointing Permit must be obtained when any Piping or Equipment is
being dismantled, and there’s a possibility of Hazardous contents being released, such
as Toxic or Corrosive Liquids, Poisonous Gases, Hot Steam Condensate, Steam or
Cryogenic Substances. Disjointing and/or reinstating, or rejoining activities include but
are not limited to the following: -

• Opening doors on tanks, machines, boilers, stacks or vessels

• Installation or removal of blinds
• Installation or removal of orifice plates
• Removal of valves and strainers and replacing
• Removal of sections of pipelines and replacing

Before work on Equipment Disjointing can commence on any “non routine” job, with a
High Hazard Potential, it is necessary to produce a written procedure, which defines all
the Potential Hazards, and specifies any Special Personal Protection Equipment or other
Special Equipment that may be required to complete the job in a safe and competent
manner. It is also necessary to ensure that ”Do Not Operate” tags and Lockouts
(Padlocks) are in place, and properly marked, on Isolation Valves locking them in the
closed position.

5.4 Confined Space Entry

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

A confined space is any location, which has limited access and egress facilities inside of
which the conditions may be dangerous or injurious to human health e.g. poor ventilation
where oxygen contents is less than 20%, gas presence, poor lighting or a limited working
area. Examples of locations where confined space conditions apply are: -

• Process vessels
• Product storage tanks
• Process drums/columns
• Valve pits
• Sewer manholes
• Furnaces and chambers
• Boiler internals
• Underground pits & sewers

A Confined Space entry permit must only be issued when the Permit Issuer has
established that the following gas test readings (formerly BS7927, now IEC 61779: 1-5
since June 2003), apply whilst working without breathing equipment: -

• Flammable gas mixture readings do not exceed 1% of the Lower Flammable

Limit. (1% LFL max)
• Hydrogen Sulphide readings do not exceed ten parts per million (10PPM max)
• Oxygen content is at least 19.5% (19.5% min.)
• Ammonia readings do not exceed twenty five parts per million (25 PPM max)

The length of working time permitted for working in a confined space without breathing
apparatus depends on the size of the work area and the conditions. The duration will be
determined by the Permit Issuer and noted on the work permit prior to work starting.

A Confined Space entry permit must only be issued when the Permit Issuer has
established that the following gas test readings (formerly BS7927, now IEC 61779: 1-5
since June 2003), apply whilst working with breathing equipment: -

• Flammable gas mixture readings do not exceed twenty per cent of the Lower
Flammable Limit (20% max).
• Hydrogen Sulphide readings do not exceed one hundred parts per million (100 PPM
max)

For work being done using breathing apparatus, the length of time permitted for working
in a confined space is dictated by the size of the air cylinder, which usually gives a 30-
minute supply. This time limit must be noted on the work permit prior to work starting.

One of the most popular gas monitors used by Permit Issuers is the “Crow on Triple
Plus+”, which is an approved multi gas monitor covering a wide range. These monitors
are fitted with four elements to enable flammable gas, oxygen, H2S and carbon monoxide
to be monitored.

5.4 Radioactive Equipment

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

Radiation Permits are required in all instances where work involves the use of
radioactive material sources such as Gamma-Ray or X-Ray equipment.

Radiography is used to examine the integrity of pipe and plate welds, also to check for
blockages in valves or pipeline systems.

The Non Destructive Examination Inspector (NDE), should request the Radiation Permit
from the Permit Issuer responsible for the area concerned. It is his responsibility to liase
with the Permit Issuer or his subordinate, throughout the duration of the job, in case the
circumstances change, and become hazardous.

5.5 Electrical

Prior to work commencement, it is required that “Do Not Operate” tags and Padlocks be
in place on Isolation switches and properly marked. The person doing the job and/or the
Permit Issuer is responsible for installing their individual Padlocks.

Two formal Electrical Work Permit systems have been established to ensure the safe
isolation of electrical circuits, and equipment, whilst new Project installations are
connected, or where mechanical work is being undertaken on or in the vicinity of
electrically powered equipment.

5.6.1 Special Electrical Permit to Work

All work involving the Electrical Transmissions, Generating and Distribution Systems, i.e.
the Suppliers, requires a ”Special” Permit to Work. This is obtained and completed by the
AGIP GAS BV Power Engineer or the HSE representative requesting ”Prearranged
Interruption”, describing the work to be done, the equipment to be isolated and the
estimated period of interruption.

The AGIP GAS BV. Engineer, or HSE representative, sends the approved request form
to the relevant Maintenance Power Division Area Superintendent, who initiates a “Permit
to Work on Electrical Transmission Generating and Distribution System” form, stating to
whom the Permit is issued, the work activities, and the time and nature of the Switching
Operation.

5.6.2 Standard Electrical Permit to Work

All work on new Sites under Construction, Maintenance and Plant Modifications involving
Industrial types of electrically driven equipment or equipment with associated electrical
circuits, require the issuance of a “Standard” type Electrical Permit to Work. These
Electrical Permit to Work are issued in addition to the Major Activity or Task Permits,
which for example could be Hot or Cold Work Permits.

5.6.3 By-pass of Equipment Alarms or Safety Devices

(Refer also to section 5.12)

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

In order to ensure control in situations where process or equipment alarms, interlocks or

similar safety devices are by-passed, work permits are required, and the following criteria
shall be implemented.

If temporary by-passing, removal or de-activation, is required for maintenance or

operating reasons, such changes need to be authorised in writing on the work permit by
the Site/Plant Manager or delegated responsible.

Any such by-passing, removal or de-activation of safety devices must be kept to a

minimum, and must not exceed 24 hours without operation manager written authority. A
protective device that has been temporarily by-passed, with approval, for a period of
seven days shall be considered as a permanent by-pass.

A significant change such as the permanent removal or permanent by-pass must be

authorized by the relevant Design and Engineering. Before authorization can be granted,
a written proposal and change justification, prepared by the Site or Plant Manager, must
be accepted by the Design and Engineering, review committee.

5.7 Pressure Testing

All Pressure testing carries risk and must be properly controlled, whether it is a small
single item, part or complete systems, individual storage tanks, vessels or drums.
There are two types of Pressure Test for which a Permit to Work must be obtained,
which are: -

• Hydrostatic Testing, which is, pressurizing systems, tanks or single items using water
as the test medium.
• Pneumatic Testing, which is, pressurizing systems, tanks or single items using
compressed air.

5.8 Excavations

An Excavation Permit to Work is required for any grading or digging work in established
Industrial and Production areas as well as New Construction site locations.

Before a Permit can be issued, a joint visit of the proposed excavation area by the HSE
Engineer, the Construction Engineer, the Maintenance Engineer, the Operations
Engineer and a Representative from the involved Authority/other Companies,
Engineering Department, and Power Division Department, must be conducted. This is to
determine the location of any existing, or suspected existence, of underground services
such as electrical cables/conduits, pipelines and drainage systems, which could become
a hazard once excavations commence.

5.9 Scaffolding

A Permit to Work for the erection and/or dismantling of Scaffolding must be obtained in
all areas where access is required to work at height, which can only be accomplished in
a safe and competent manner, using scaffolding.

This Permit only relates to the erection or removal of the scaffolding, any work activities
to be carried out on the scaffolding once it has been erected, must be covered by its own
type of Permit to Work.

5.10 Handling of Mercury

A Permit to Work is required when handling Mercury in large quantities which will
necessitate the measurement of Mercury vapour in the work area atmosphere by the

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

HSE Representative, or a designated competent person, using a direct reading gold-film

Mercury analyser, type “Jerome, Model 411” or similar. Before starting with the Mercury
monitoring, it is important to ensure that the batteries are fully charged and the
instrument is properly calibrated.

The readings are shown in mg Hg/m3 on automatic 10-sec air sampling intervals. The
allowable average (time-weighted) concentration is 0.025 mg Hg/m3 air (8 hour
exposures, 5 days a week), as per BS EN1076 and BS EN838.

5.11 Working With Explosives

A Permit to Work with Explosives must comply with the Control Of Explosives
Regulations (COER) and the Civil Defence Authority, and it is mandatory that these
Regulations be strictly adhered to. COER covers all explosives used in
Industrial/Construction activities such as blasting explosives and detonators.

Note: -
Working with explosive in Libya is restricted to Local Civil Defence only.

5.12 By-Pass/Over-Ride Permit/Certificate

This Certificate/Permit must be completed prior to commencing any work that

necessitates the By-Passing or over-riding of any Mechanical or Electrical Equipment for
maintenance or new installation purposes.

Once completed with the relevant information, i.e. the hot or cold work permit number,
approximate job duration, the location/area, equipment type and tag number, together
with a brief description of the work activities, this certificate must be attached to the
permit to work for display at the work site.

When the Main Permit to Work has been closed out and the By-Pass/Over-Ride
condition remains, (Revalidation Section) of the By-Pass/Over-Ride Certificate must be
completed stating the reason for the requested extension.

When the By-Pass/Over-Ride condition is required to be removed, Sections 4 of the

Certificate must be completed and the Certificate must then be attached to the new hot
or cold permit, as applicable, should work activities continue without By-Pass/Over-Ride
requirements.

5.13 Safety Valves

A fully executed and authorized work permit is required prior to the removal or
reinstallation of any safety valve. Individual work permits are to be issued for work on
one safety valve only, details of which (tag number) must be noted on the permit at the
time of issue.

All safety valves, which relieve fluids or pressures, which are inflammable, toxic or
corrosive, must have isolation blinds fitted at either side of the valve prior to their
removal. This also applies to a safety valve which discharges into a closed system,
which may contain hazardous fluids.

Whenever possible, inspection and maintenance work on safety valves should be

scheduled to coincide with the planned maintenance shutdown of the plant. Refer also
to section. 9.0

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

6.0 OFFSHORE PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

(HOLD)

7.0 OFFSHORE TYPES OF WORK PERMIT

(HOLD)

8.0 ISOLATION TAGS AND LOCKOUT

An Isolation Tagging and Lockout (Padlocks) system shall be used to warn and prevent
other personnel that a particular system or piece of equipment, either Electrical or
Mechanical, has been isolated and disarmed, and will remain so until all tags and
padlocks have been removed.

Under no circumstances should any tags be removed or attempts be made to remove

padlocks without the relevant authority or permission.

9.0 ISOLATION BLINDS

Isolation blinds are installed as a safety precaution when maintenance work, or any
Modifications to piping systems and/or in-line equipment , containing flammable ,toxic or
Corrosive liquids or gases is to be carried out, or a vessel entry is scheduled to be done,
even if this is just for an inspection survey.

A Generic Blinding List should be prepared, maintained and recorded for each area/plant
in order for the insertion and removal of isolation blinds to be recorded and monitored
i.e. date in, date out etc. (Ref. Form AG-HSEQ-F-060 Rev. P1) .a typical applications
for generic blinding list is during turnaround activities or similar.

10.0 Production of PTW Forms

The PTW Forms shall be produced in color-coding as per the samples provided,
and shall follow the same formatting. The first page of the PTW Form shall be
printed in duplicate format with top cover produced using No Carbon Required
Paper (NCR). The second page shall be printed at the back page of the PTW
Form.

11.0 APPENDICES

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 Agip Gas – BV Corporate Permit to Work Procedure

AG-HSEQ-F-046 P1 Cold Work Permit

AG-HSEQ-F-047 P1 Hot Work Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-048 P1 Equipment Disjointing Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-049 P1 Confined Space Entry Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-050 P1 Radiation Entry Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-051 P1 Electrical Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-052 P1 Excavations Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-053 P1 Scaffolding Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-054 P1 Permit to Work On Power System
AG-HSEQ-F-055 P1 Request For Power Interruption
AG-HSEQ-F-056 P1 Equipment Tagging Form
AG-HSEQ-F-057 P1 Switch/Valve Form
AG-HSEQ-F-058 P1 Safety Valve Permit
AG-HSEQ-F-059 P1 By-Pass Over-Ride Certificate
AG-HSEQ-F-060 P1 Isolation Blinding List

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