2020

VN-CS-PMO-HS-SF-PR-0002_B07 Working at Height Procedure

ROLL OUT

01 October 2018
2020
 3.0_ DEFINITION

Work at height means work in any place where, if precautions were

not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal
injury. You are working at height if you:
 Work above ground/floor level
 Could fall from an edge / through an opening / or through a
fragile surface
 Could fall from ground level into an opening in a walkway, floor or
a hole in the ground

6.0_ VERIFICATION AND ASSURANCE

 OOS &/or HSE Officer shall conduct Procedure and Practice audit
of WaH Procedure annually.

2020 P1
 7.0_ ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Position Role/Responsibility

 Ensures WAH Equipment is fit for purpose and inspected, with a current inspection tag and correct color-code.
Discipline Supervisor  Undertake WaH risk assessment and WaH rescue planning.
 Provides proper working platforms.
 Ensures that equipment designed to lift a person or provide fall protection is inspected thoroughly (twice a year)
by a qualified third party

 Checks that personnel working at height are competent to do so before carrying out the job.
 Ensures that a WaH rescue plan is in place
 Ensures that WaH equipment is physically checked prior use
 Ensures that WaH equipment is in good condition.
Work Team Leader or  Ensures that WaH equipment is fit for purpose.
PIC WaH  Ensures appropriate barriers and signs are in place and the worksite is controlled.
 Ensures workers comply with all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements while they are working at
height.
 Understands and complies with work procedures, safety precautions and emergency procedures.
 Has a current inspection tag and correct color-coding.
 Ensures WaH equipment is issued-from and returned-to the lifting loft at the end of use.
 Ensures worksites are clear before, during and after the job.

Comply with Life Saving Rule 9

All WaH Personnel  “I inspect personnel fall protection equipment before use”
 “I secure tools & work materials to prevent dropped objects”
 “I tie off 100% to anchor points while outside a protected area”.

HSE Officer  Provide periodical in-house training to all personnel.

 Monitoring - ensures that WaH activities are compliant with procedure.

Site Managers: (OIM)  Each Site shall maintain a list of Competent Personnel. The discipline Supervisor can be the Competent Person.
and Shore base  Ensures WaH procedure is implemented, maintained and the requirements are followed.
Manager

WaH Competent  Shall be authorised to take prompt corrective action where they deem the hazards are not adequately controlled.
Person(s)  A WaH competent person must select the components of the fall protection system considering the type of work,
workplace hazards and the environment.
 Helps to enable workers meet the requirements of this procedure.
 Shall be assessed to have the necessary skills, experience, knowledge and familiarity with the relevant
processes, plant and equipment so that they understand the risks involved and can define necessary precautions
and controls, and perform any required checks or calculations.

2020 P2
 9.0_ WORKING AT HEIGHTS PLAN

A working at heights plan is required for all work activities >1.8m or less if personal fall
protection equipment is required to be worn.
1. Perform Site Check hazard identification and evaluation of your work site.
2. Use the hierarchy of control to minimize the risk
3. Prepare working at heights plan (Appendix A);:
4. Submit the plan as part of PTW documentation.
5. WaH Plan is NOT required for Routine Access Egress of Vertical Ladders.
6. A generic WaH Plan may be required IF there is a requirement to ascend vertical
ladders with personal fall protection equipment. In such cases Emergency Response
Teams shall be on call and are not required to be on “standby”.

2020 P3
 8.3_Hierarchy of Control

2020 P4
10.0_ PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS “ABCD”

2020 P5
 10.1_ Anchor Points

2020 P6
 10.1.1_ Anchor Points Suitability

Anchor Type Requirement Use

Arresting Permanent (Certified by > 16kN strength For fall arrest system
Engineer) requirement
Travel Restraint and Permanent (Certified by > 3.8 kN strength Used to limit the distance
Work Positioning Engineer or by requirement or breaking a person can work within
declaration of conformity) strength > three times in a travel restrain
the users’ body mass in system, or to hold
the direction in which the someone in place to free
load is to be applied in up their hands when
service working at height (work
positioning system)
Anchor Connectors Temporary anchors such > 22kN strength Fall Arrest System
as web ties used to
Must be identified in
connect to solid structural
PTW / WaH plan
anchorage.
Lifting focal point (Bosun)
Must have declaration of
must approve their use
conformance from
manufacturer

July 2019 P7
 10.1.2_ Permanent anchors

Must be clearly identified as suitable for fall-arrest and inspection

must be checked to be in date before use

 Fall protection eyebolts and single point anchors are to be inspected and
certified a minimum of every six months;
 Any anchor point used for fall protection that is also used for lifting are to
be inspected and certified on a minimum six month basis
 Abseil anchors must undergo a six month visual inspection.
 An anchor must be re-inspected after it has been used to arrest a fall before
it is used again
 A suitably qualified/competent person must perform all inspections.

2020 P8
10.1.3_ Temporary Anchor Points

Tie Back Anchors:

Do not tie a fall arrest lanyard back on itself to anchor, unless you have
identified that it is specifically designed to do this (tieback anchor)

10.1.4_ Pipework Anchor Points

If anchoring to pipework is required, Operational Risk Assessment must be

conducted and approved by OIM. In addition;

 Do not anchor to gas or instrument lines, or any

pipework less than 3inch (76mm)
 Do not anchor to pipe hangers, piping supported by
hangers, or cast iron, riveted, plastic or screwed
piping.

2020 P9
 10.1.5_ Scaffolding Anchor Points

 Only structural elements of the scaffolding assessed to be suitable and

designated as anchor points shall be used. It must be clearly stated in the
permit documentation / TRA / Working at heights plan that the capacity of
the scaffolding has been considered and approved as suitable for
anchoring
 Handrails are not generally suitable unless designed to be anchor points.

10.3.1_ Lanyards

POVO only uses self-retracting lanyards (not shock adsorbing lanyards)

2020 P10
 10.7_ FALL FACTOR

July 2019 P11

 10.9_ DECENT RESCUE PLAN

13.0_ WAH EQUIPMENT INTERIM EXAMINATION

A monthly inventory and visual inspection is conducted by the Bosun

13.1_ WAH EQUIPMENT LABELLING

July 2019 P12

 13.2_ WaH Equipment Storage

On the FPSO, all WaH equipment are controlled and stored in Lifting Loft and subject to the
same colour coding and inspection scheme as lifting equipment.
When not in use, fall protection equipment should be stored in a dry and clean place out of
direct sunlight.

 Do not store with sharp objects, e.g. blades

 Do not store on hot surfaces
 Do not store with chemicals, particularly corrosives (acids, alkali) and hydrocarbon substances

July 2019 P13

 14.3_ PORTABLE LADDERS

 All POVO Sites shall maintain a “Ladder Register” which includes inspection,
condition, maintenance and servicing.
 The Marine Supervisor is accountable for the ladder register.
 Lead Electrician shall ensure that only fit for purpose ladders are used for any
electrical work.
 Only use portable ladders for low risk, light work of short duration (only stay
up a ladder for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time). Use a working platform or
scaffolding if these conditions cannot be met.

 Do not use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks

 Do not use ladders made of aluminium alloy in a hazardous area (Process area)
or when working on electrical circuits.

July 2019 P14

 15_ VERTICAL LADDERS

 Vertical Ladder Survey and Risk Assessment will determine the need for ladder
fall protection systems for fixed vertical ladders ≥ 4.0m.
 “Working” on fixed ladders where a fall greater than 1.8m may occur requires a
permit and working at heights plan.
 A rescue plan is required if “Working” on fixed ladders >2.5m whilst wearing
Fall Prevention equipment.

 OIM shall conduct a Survey (Risk Assessment) of all Vertical Ladders ≥ 4.0m on
board Chim Sao Facilities. The survey shall include location, condition,
frequency of access, comparison to as-built condition and compliance with the
procedure.
 The Vertical ladder Survey is the basis to determine requirements for Ladder
Fall Prevention Equipment.
 OIM shall submit EMOC if there is a requirement for the structural modification
to facilitate the installation of retractable reel for ladders ≥ 4.0m.
 If fall arrest devices (inertia reels) are used in combination with Hooped
Ladders then Operations Superintendent shall provide assurance to OIM that
the provided Fall Prevention Devices are compatible when used in a hooped
ladders.

July 2020 P15

 15.5_ VERTICAL LADDERS

 Personnel who have had Familiarization & Training in “Safe Vertical Ladder
Ascent Decent Techniques” may ascend/descend ladders ≥ 4.0m for routine
access to operate and check plant. OIM shall identify locations for the
installation of a Permanent Retractable Fall Arrest Reel Devices reels above
Ladders ≥ 4.0m where access is frequent (>4 times per 12hr shift e.g cranes).

 OIM shall conduct a Survey (Risk Assessment) of all Vertical Ladders ≥ 4.0m on
board Chim Sao Facilities. The survey shall include location, condition,
frequency of access, comparison to as-built condition and compliance with the
procedure.
 The Vertical ladder Survey is the basis to determine requirements for Ladder
Fall Prevention Equipment.
 OIM shall submit EMOC if there is a requirement for the structural modification
to facilitate the installation of retractable reel for ladders ≥ 4.0m.
 If fall arrest devices (inertia reels) are used in combination with Hooped
Ladders then Operations Superintendent shall provide assurance to OIM that
the provided Fall Prevention Devices are compatible when used in a hooped
ladders.

July 2020 P16

 17.0_ WORKING OVER OR NEAR WATER/ OVERSIDE

Shall stop when:

 Significant wave height Hs>= 3.0 m
 Mean wind speed at 10m, exceeds 25knots
 Mean wind speed exceeds 20knots for rope access work
 Darkness, except in emergencies or at a quayside that is suitably
illuminated
 Visibility is less than 1km for offshore work
 Dedicated standby person or MOB equipment is not available
 ERRV is not available for close standby for offshore work
 During helicopter operations
 There are lifting operations overhead

July 2020 P17

 17.0_ WORKING OVER OR NEAR WATER/ OVERSIDE

 All work near or over water shall be planned and risk assessed and authorised
(e.g. by PTW system). As a minimum there shall be a work pack or method
statement submitted.
 All personnel must be equipped with personal floatation work vest, full body
harness attached to retriever that is anchored to strong structure all times.
 A dedicated safety standby person shall be assigned to stay at the job site at
all times. The standby person shall:
 Throw lifebuoy to MOB location and maintain visual contact with the MOB in
line with emergency procedures.
 Sound an alarm if anyone is injured or fall off the work platform
 Request assistance from the ERRV and guide them via radio on a dedicated
channel. ERRV shall be informed of overside work activities by the radio
operator including the number of workers involved, their location and be
instructed to take a safe position to effect a rescue before work starts.

July 2020 P18

 24.1_ WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITS
Factor Limits
Wind Rope Access: Mean Wind Speed >20knts or gusting >30knots
All Other WaH: Mean Wind Speed >25knts or gusting >35knots
 Cease work at lower wind speeds if indicated by any equipment manufacturer’s instructions or if handing
lightweight boards, etc., when the cut off will need to be defined in the TRA.
 Sheeting, netting, a temporary roof, habitat, shelter or large sign boards must not be added to scaffolding or
other work at height equipment unless it has been designed for the additional wind loads

Waves Significant wave height Hs> 3.0m for overside or near side working (must also meet wind criteria)

Lightning No work shall be executed at height when there is a risk of lightning.

WaH equipment may need to be earthed if it interferes with a facility earthing system or in proximity to HV electrical
equipment.
Scaffolding is normally OK when attached to superstructure

Wet Surfaces Work Team Leader (WTL) must inspect any wet structures, surfaces and access and confirm that it is safe prior to
starting work.
WTL will stop work if such facilities become wet during the operation. Work may continue only in order to make
structures safe. Work shall then cease until work team leader inspects and confirms that it is safe to continue

Lighting & WaH is not permitted offshore at night except in emergencies and permitted by OIM
Visibility
Lighting levels shall be considered during planning for all work at height activities and where necessary suitable task
lighting shall be provided to work safely.
Standby person shall stop work if they cannot clearly see the activities until normal visibility returns or is restored by
lighting

Overside / near side working cannot be performed if visibility is <1km as this may impact on recovery of personnel in
the water.

Heat See VNM-HSE-PRO-080 Heat Stress Management Procedure.

Work duration, access and egress and hydration must be considered in task planning when working at height

July 2020 P19

 25.4_ FALL ARREST DEVICES APPROVED FOR USE WITH HOOPED
LADDER

July 2020 P20