How to assess severity ratings
PDO uses the LEFT side of the Risk Assessment Matrix to determine ACTUAL severity
Columns (1 - 4) represent a type of consequences, the rows (A - F) represent the severity of the incident.
To define the actual severity of the incident, find the most appropriate consequences in rows A to F using
the descriptions in section 1.2 of GU612 page 10. The largest number is the most important, and if they are
the same then people consequences come before assets, come before environment then reputation.
1
2
3
4
For determining the actual severity ratings, ignore the colored box on right of the RAM.
PDO uses BOTH sides of the Risk Assessment Matrix to determine POTENTIAL severity
PDO looks at history to evaluate the potential future risk of the incident. First ask the question “What is
the worst scenario that could ‘feasibly’ have gone wrong from this incident?” Then review historical records
to see if or when that last scenario actually happened. If it did, then it becomes the potential for the
incident.
Different but similar historical incidents may have led to several different outcomes and severities affecting
people (P), assets (A), the environment (E) or reputation (R).
The columns (levels 5 to 9) represent the different levels of likelihood that an incident could have caused
these feasible consequences based on how often it has actually historically happened.
This provides a three digit potential risk rating =
Likelihood,(letter A-F), Severity, (0-5) , subject of the consequence. (P,A,E or R)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
e.g.
1 - C4(P) = Similar incident occurred in PDO with up to deaths to people.
2 - D3 (E) = Similar incident occurred in PDO in the last year with moderate effect to the environment
Boxes in the matrix represent different risk levels divided into light blue, blue, yellow and red areas.
In order to determine the potential risk rating, the person assessing the incident must find the color of the
box for the severity and likelihood you have agreed on.
1.
Red –
High risk potential incident
2.
Yellow –
Medium risk potential incident
3.
Dark Blue –
Low/minor potential incident
4.
Light Blue –
Low/slight potential incident
Definitions in the RAM to assess likelihood
Industry
Upstream Oil and Gas Industry
Company
PDO and its contractors/subcontractors conducting PDO contracted work
Heard of
By conducting a reasonable search in FIM, reviewing the website, industry literature, asking HSE
Advisers or operations
Has happened
The previous incident must be similar in nature to the incident being investigated and have similar
primary causes but can be more severe in consequences and does not include the incident being
investigated.
Year
Within the last twelve calendar months from the date of the incident being investigated, but not
including the date of the incident.
Location
Depends on the type of operation
1
Exploration – same survey field, (e.g. Lekhwair seismic field)
2
Drilling – rig involved, not where the rig is drilling (e.g. rig 18)
3
Asset Integrity – the same facility, (e.g. pumping station, gas plant)
4
Pipeline – the same pipeline (e.g. header, MOL)
5
Road incident – same operational area, (e.g. Fahud, Nimr)
6
Camp incident – the same camp, not where the camp is situated.
For more in-depth guidance see GUI612 page 8 and 15.
End of guidance