Field Safety

Chapter from the Field Operations Handbook.

SAFETY IN THE FIELD

Permit to Work System

ALL work in a process plant requires authorization through the Permit to Work (PTW) system.

Common Permit Types:
• Hot Work Permit: welding, grinding, open flame — requires gas testing, fire watch
• Cold Work Permit: mechanical work, no ignition sources — still requires authorization
• Confined Space Entry Permit: vessel entry — requires gas testing, attendant, rescue plan
• Excavation Permit: any digging — underground utility clearance required
• Electrical Permit: work on energized or de-energized electrical equipment
• Radiography Permit: X-ray work — radiation exclusion zone required

Field Engineer's Role:
• You may not issue permits, but you MUST understand the system
• Verify work is permitted before directing any activity
• Stop work immediately if conditions change from permit scope
• Know the emergency assembly point and emergency procedures
• Carry a gas monitor (H2S + LEL minimum) at all times in the unit

Life-Critical Safety Procedures

Hazard	Key Controls	Field Engineer Responsibility	Never Do	Emergency Action
Confined Space	Gas test, attendant, rescue, ventilation	Verify gas test current, attendant present	Enter without valid permit and gas test	Sound alarm, do NOT enter to rescue
Working at Heights	Fall protection >6 ft, scaffold tagged	Inspect scaffold tags, wear harness if required	Work above 6 ft without protection	Call emergency response, secure area
LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)	Energy isolation, personal lock, try start	Verify isolation before authorizing work	Remove someone else's lock	Contact permit issuer
Hot Work	Gas testing, fire watch 30 min after	Verify gas-free, fire extinguisher present	Weld/grind near open drains or vents	Activate fire alarm, evacuate
H2S Exposure	Gas monitors, wind direction, buddy system	Carry monitor, know wind sock locations	Enter H2S area without monitor or buddy	Move upwind, call emergency, use SCBA
Line/Equipment Opening	Blinding, draining, depressuring, flushing	Verify blind installed, system depressured	Open flanges under pressure	Evacuate, call emergency

Source: Field_Operations_Handbook_v1.xlsx · sheet “Field Safety”

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