Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.
Document Title: Excavation Certificate
Document ID
Document Type
Security
Discipline
Owner
Issue Date
Revision
PR-1002
Procedure
Unrestricted
Operations and Engineering
Functional Operations Manager - UOP
January 2012
6.0 (IA0913-01)
Copyright: This document is the property of Petroleum Development Oman, LLC. Neither the whole
nor any part of this document may be disclosed to others or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form by any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic recording or otherwise)
without prior written consent of the owner.
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i
Revision: 6.0
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Document Authorisation
Authorised For Issue – January 2012
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ii Revision History
The following is a brief summary of the 4 most recent revisions to this document. Details
of all revisions prior to these are held on file by the issuing department.
Revision No.
Date
Author
Scope / Remarks
6.0
Jan-12
Robin Norman UOP6/
Dell Ellbec UOP7
Full review by Custodian. Main change
inclusion of Omanatel/Nawras as
External Party
5.0
Aug-10
Robin Norman UOP6
Full review and revalidation. Changed
Custodian to UOP7. Added 3.1.6
Confined Space Entry
4.1
May-09
Robin Norman UOP6
Minor changes to Section
deletion of “White Original”
4.0
May-07
UEV11
Reformat & General Review
1.0
Dec-98
BOT/5
SI-20 Rewritten on new format, close
out PDOTRACK action item 12.2.3.1B
(Dec. 97)
2.3
-
iii Related Business Processes
Code
Business Process (EPBM 4.0)
EP.72
Maintain and Assure Facilities Integrity
iv Related Corporate Management Frame Work (CMF)
Documents
The related CMF Documents can be retrieved from the CMF Business Control Portal.
CP-114
Maintenance and Integrity Management CoP
CP-115
Operate Surface Product Flow Assets CoP
PR-1172
Permit to Work System
SP-1279
Specification for Civil & Building Construction – Excavation & Earthworks
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.1
Background ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.2
Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.3
Distribution / Target Audience .......................................................................................... 6
1.4
Changes to the Document................................................................................................ 6
1.5
Step-out Approval ............................................................................................................. 6
2
Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................................... 7
3
Excavation Certificate Process .............................................................................................. 9
3.1
Precautions to be Observed when Carrying Out Excavation Work .................................. 9
3.1.1 Detection of Buried Services ....................................................................................... 9
3.1.2 Mechanical Digging ..................................................................................................... 9
3.1.3 Heavy Machinery Excavation ...................................................................................... 9
3.1.4 Rock Breaking ........................................................................................................... 10
3.1.5 Vehicle Movements ................................................................................................... 10
3.1.6 Confined Space Entry................................................................................................ 10
3.1.7 Shoring Excavations .................................................................................................. 10
3.2
Excavation Certificate ..................................................................................................... 10
3.3
Excavation Certificate Process....................................................................................... 11
Appendix 1 – Excavation Certificate ............................................................................................ 14
Appendix 2 – Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 16
Appendix 3 - User Feedback Page ............................................................................................. 17
Interim Ammendment IA0613-01 ................................................................................................ 18
Interim Ammendment IA0913-01 .............................................................................................. 189
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1
Introduction
1.1
Background
Revision: 6.0
Effective Jan-12
In compliance with the Permit to Work system requirements excavation and earth work
undertaken in a ‘process’ and ‘hydrocarbon’ area shall only be permitted on completion
and approval of an Excavation Certificate.
NOTE: Excavation work on a ‘green field site’ where it can be demonstrated that
underground services are not present may not require an Excavation Certificate to be
completed. However this should be Risk Assessed. The Risk Assessment may identify
additional controls that require to be put in place.
1.2
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide a consistent method for undertaking
excavation and earth works where underground services are or maybe present i.e.
within process and hydrocarbon areas, to ensure compliance to the PTW system
requirements and safeguard asset integrity and personnel safety.
1.3
Distribution / Target Audience
This procedure shall be referenced by the Responsible Supervisors, Area Authorities,
Permit Applicants, Permit Holders and Contract personnel undertaking excavation and
earth moving works.
1.4
Changes to the Document
Responsibility for the upkeep of the Document shall be with the Functional Production
Manager UOP, the Owner. Changes to this document shall only be authorised and
approved by the Owner.
Users of the Document who identify inaccuracy or ambiguity can notify the Custodian or
his/her delegate and request changes be initiated. The Requests shall be forwarded to
the Custodian using the “User Feedback Page” provided in this Document.
The Document Owner and the Document Custodian should ensure review and reverification of this procedure every 3 years.
1.5
Step-out Approval
This procedure is mandatory and shall be complied with at all times. Should compliance
with the procedure be considered inappropriate or the intended activity cannot be
effectively completed or safely performed, then step out authorisation and approval must
be obtained in accordance with PR-1001e – Operations Procedure Temporary Variance,
prior to any changes or activities associated with the procedure being carried out.
.
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Roles and Responsibilities
Role
Production Coordinator
Responsible Supervisor /
Production Supervisor
Responsibility

Accountable for all works undertaken within his / her area
of control

Knowledge of the Procedure

Knowledge of the Procedure

Review and ensure that the Excavation Certificate details
are correct and authorise its application

Inspect work site with Permit Applicant when required to
ensure proposed hazard /precautions are adequately
identified

Ensure ‘As-Built’ drawings are available and marked up to
identify all buried services
NOTE: This may include drawings for Omantel / Nawras
underground services within the area
Area Authority
Permit Applicant

Check the Job Safety Plan and Method Statement are
complete for work being undertaken

Knowledge of the Procedure

Validate the PTW and ensure the Excavation Certificate is
correctly completed and attached to the Permit

Ensure that all safety equipment is available

Ensure TRIC talk has been conducted and TRIC card is
completed

Perform and / or check any isolations that are required
prior to works being carried out

Perform frequent audits and safety checks and ensure
PTW system is complied with

Complete Excavation Certificate

Ensure ‘As-Built’ drawings are available for ‘underground
services
NOTE: This may include drawings for Omantel
underground services within the area
Permit Holder
Page 7

Carryout site visit with Responsible Supervisor ensure
proposed hazard /precautions are adequately identified

Prepare Job Safety Plan and Method Statement

Obtain authorisation for the Excavation Certificate.

Sign for acceptance of the Excavation certificate

Conduct the TRIC talk and complete the TRIC

Ensure that the Job Safety Plan, the method Statement
and TRIC are adhere to during the execution of the work

If the conditions or the risks of the work change reassess
the job and suspend if considered necessary.
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Role
Department Supervisor(s)
Page 8
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Responsibility

Review Excavation Certificate

Endorse the Excavation Certificate

Cross check (to best knowledge) accuracy of As-Built
drawings for underground services, including those of
other external parties such as Omantel / Nawras

Add comment and / or precautions to be observed when
carrying out the excavation work
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3
Excavation Certificate Process
3.1
Precautions to be Observed when Carrying Out Excavation Work
3.1.1
Detection of Buried Services
Cable and metal detection equipment and hand digging (no-metallic piping) shall be
used in conjunction with the As-Built drawings to confirm / locate buried services prior to
any mechanical excavations or when crossing a line.
If As-Built drawings are not available all initial line tracing will be done by hand
excavation and the route clearly indentified.
IMPORTANT: The non-presence of underground pipework should not be assumed
even outside the perimeter fencing. Consideration must also be given to external partes
e.g Omantel / Nawras
3.1.2
Mechanical Digging
For excavation that requires to be carried out by mechanical digging and where the
proposed route is adjacent to existing lines or services, then the closest existing pipe /
service shall be exposed by hand digging every three (3) meters to confirm its alignment
below ground.
NOTE: Hand digging is permitted right up to existing lines, but care should be exercised
when using pick axes.
3.1.3
Heavy Machinery Excavation
‘Heavy Machinery Excavation’ shall be defined as those excavations by which the
removal of loose rock and rubble is carried out by remotely operated electric, hydraulic
or pneumatic equipment such as a JCB front end loader with a rear mechanical
excavator or an articulated front end loader used to transfer material from the
excavation to the dumper truck.
Where ‘heavy machinery excavation’ be required, the proposed site or route shall be
checked by the Permit Holder prior to the commencement of work. The following will be
adhered to;
Page 9

‘Heavy machinery excavation’ work may only carried out up to one (1) meter
either side of live flowlines and shall employ a banksman during all operations.
On no account shall permission be given for such excavation to proceed at a
distance less than one (1) meter from a live line.

If ‘heavy machinery excavation’ is essential at a distance less than one (1)
meter from an existing live line then it shall be necessary to ensure that the line
is isolated and depressurised prior to the commencement of work. Heavy
machinery excavation work may than proceed to within 0.5 meter of a
depressurised line.

A full documented Risk Assessment shall be completed to support the activity.
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3.1.4
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Rock Breaking
The breaking of hard rock by means of a rock breaker or hand held pneumatic tool 1 may
proceed to within 1 meter of a live line or 0.5 meter of a depressurised line provided that
the tool bit is visible at all times and not allow it to become submerged in rubble.
WARNING: BLASTING SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED.
Whilst removing rock any soft areas encountered should be checked to confirm that
there is not another services trench crossing the route of the trench being excavated.
3.1.5
Vehicle Movements
All heavy vehicles, such as crane, excavator or dumper truck, must have a banksman to
guide the driver while the vehicle is being manoeuvred within 3 meters of any lines,
services or excavations.
All heavy vehicles must have a banksman to guide the driver while the vehicle is being
reversed anywhere within the plant, construction or excavation area.
3.1.6
Confined Space Entry
All proposed excavations shall be Risk Assessed for the requirement of a Confined
Space Entry Certificate. As a minimum a Confined Space Entry Certificate shall be
required where the excavation is deeper that 1.5m.
3.1.7
Shoring Excavations
The excavation Contractor may carryout the excavation to a maximum depth of 1.2 m
without any shoring protection. If the excavation exceeds this depth then it shall be
undertaken in accordance with SP-1279 - Specification for Civil & Building Construction
– Excavation & Earthworks C2.5.6 – Shoring Excavations.
3.2
Excavation Certificate
The Excavation Certificate is completed by the Permit Applicant who shall be
responsible for ensuring all signatures are obtained before it is submitted to the
Responsible Supervisor for Authorisation.
The ‘Original’ shall be attached to the PTW with all ‘As-Built’ drawings.
NOTE: A copy of the certificate and the ‘As-Built’ drawings may be retailened if
considered necessary by the Responsible Supervisor.
The Permit Holder shall sign to accept the Excavation Certificate. The Permit Holder
MUST ensure he / she understand completely the nature of the work and all precautions
and requirements to undertake the work before he / she accepts and signs the
certificate.
1
Pneumatic tools may include ‘jack hammers’
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3.3
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Excavation Certificate Process
The following process shall be followed when preparing the excavation certificate.
PERMIT APPLICANT
PERMIT HOLDER
RESPONSIBLE
SUPERVISOR
AREA AUTHORITY
DEPARTMENTAL
SUPPORT
Raises The
Excavation
Certificate
Reviews
Excavation
Certificate And
Arranges Site Visit
With Permit
Applicant
Completes
Required Sections
And Submits To
Responsible
Supervisor
Identifies
Departments
Required To
Review
Excavation
Certificate
Prepare
Excavation
Certificate For
Review By
Departmental
Support
NOTE: Excavation
work where Heavy
Equipment is to be
used will require a
fully documented
Risk Assessment
Review
Excavation
Certificate Make
Recommendations
And Endorse
Agree And Sign
Acceptance Of
The Excavation
Certificate
Nominate
Banksman
Page 11
Discuss
Excavation
Certificate With
Permit Applicant
And Permit Holder
Highlight
Precautions To Be
Adhered To
Authorises
Excavation Work
NOTE: Excavation
work where Heavy
Equipment is to be
used will require a
fully documented
Risk Assessment
Hold TRIC
Discussion And
The Complete
TRIC
Awareness Of The
Work Being
Undertaken And
Review Of
Excavation
Certificate
Carryout
Excavation Works
Validate PTW And
Ensure Excavation
Certificate And AsBuilt Drawings Are
Attached
Complete
Excavation Work
Close-Out PTW
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The Permit Applicant shall raise the Excavation Certificate and complete the required
Sections. The numbers of all associated Permits shall be included. As-Built drawings of
the area with regards to systems both underground and above ground shall be
attached to the Excavation Certificate and written details of all underground services in
vicinity of the excavations (Section 3).
NOTE: Excavation work where Heavy Equipment is to be used will require a fully
documented Risk Assessment
The completed Excavation Certificate and As-Built drawings will be submitted to the
Responsible Supervisor for review.
2.
The Responsible Supervisor shall review the Excavation Certificate and conduct an
inspection of the site with the Permit Applicant. During the inspection all hazards and
area of importance shall be identified and recorded.
3.
Following the site visit and based on the review of the Excavation Certificate the
Responsible Supervisor will nominate the Departments that require to be consulted
with regards to the work. These departments may be one or all of the following;
4.

Telecommunications;

Electrical;

Instrumentation and;

Pipelines.
The Permit Applicant shall prepare the Excavation Certificate and all As-Built drawings,
and distribute for review.
NOTE: Excavation work where Heavy Equipment is to be used will require a fully
documented Risk Assessment
5.
The nominated departments representatives shall review the Excavation Certificate
and the attached As-Built drawings and supply remarks, conditions and observations
where applicable.
NOTE: Remarks etc, that cannot be incorporated on the Excavation Certificate shall be
clearly marked and attached to the Certificate.
Each department representative that has commented shall sign and date the certificate
(Section 4) before returning to the Production Supervisor.
6.
In Section 5 of the Excavation Certificate the Responsible Supervisor will indicate from
the list which precautions require to be observed / implemented to carry out the work.
There is space provided to add precautions not included in the standard list. Based on
the Risk Assessment findings a Confined Space Entry Certificate will / may be required
to be completed.
If a ‘Banksman’ is required the check box MUST be checked. .
7.
The Responsible Supervisor shall discuss the Excavation Certificate with the Permit
Applicant and the Permit Holder to ensure that they understand all recommendation
and requirements before authorising the Excavation Certificate.
When authorising the Excavation Certificate the responsible Supervisor shall add an
expiry date which must not be later that that of the PTW.
8.
The Permit Holder shall sign for Acceptance of the Excavation Certificate.
9.
The Permit Holder shall nominate a ‘Bankman’ and ensure that he understands his
roles and responsibilities..
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10.
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The Permit Holder shall hold a TRIC discussion and complete a Toolbox Talk Risk
Identification Card (TRIC).
The Area Authority will have awareness of the work being undertaken and review the
Excavation Certificate to familiarise with the precautions required.
11.
The Area Authority shall validate the PTW and ensure that the Excavation Certificate
and As-Built drawings are attached..
12.
The excavation work will be carried out in accordance with the Job Safety Plan, Method
Statement and TRIC. The Permit Holder shall oversee the work and ensure that all
precautions stated on the Excavation Certificate are adhered to.
NOTE: If the job changes the TRIC should be revisited.
13.
On completion of the excavation work the Area Authority and the Permit Holder shall
inspect that the site is safe and clean.
The PTW shall be closed out and archived. The Excavation Certificate shall be
retained with the archived PTW.
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Appendix 1 – Excavation Certificate
Move the cursor over the image of the form and use Ctrl – Click to open the link to the
Master Form
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Appendix 2 – Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in this Procedure.
Page 16
PTW
Permit to Work
TRIC
Toolbox Talk Risk Identification Card
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Appendix 3 - User Feedback Page
PR-1002 – Excavation Certificate User Feedback Page
Any user who identifies an inaccuracy, error or ambiguity is requested to notify
the custodian so that appropriate action can be taken. The user is requested
to return this page fully completed, indicating precisely the amendment(s)
recommended.
Name:
Ref ID
Page Ref:
Date:
Brief Description of Change Required and Reasons
Surface Operations and Integrity Team Leader (Custodian)
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Date:
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Interim Amendment IA0613-01
The following amendment has been requested following the HSE Level 1 Audit to address
ACTION ID: 681011:
Short description: Conduct a comprehensive analysis to ensure that proposed standards
are applicable for major accident.
A specific bullet which can be actioned is:

Excavations without shoring with no evidence of assessments of soil conditions and
was not a requirement in the excavation procedure (i.e. one excavation observed
which the soil condition was sandy)
Upon investigation, PDO does have a standard which specifies the shoring requirements
(SP-1279). However, this standard is not referenced in PR-1002 ‘Operations Excavation
Procedure’. Please will you update PR-1002 to include the link to SP-1279.
To address this request the following has been added to the Procedure.
3.1.7
Shoring Excavations
The excavation Contractor may carryout the excavation to a maximum depth of 1.2 m
without any shoring protection. If the excavation exceeds this depth then it shall be
undertaken in accordance with SP-1279 - Specification for Civil & Building Construction
– Excavation & Earthworks C2.5.6 – Shoring Excavations.
.
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Interim Amendment IA0913-01
An Interim Amendment has been added to PR-1002 and shall be fully incorporated into the
document at the next scheduled review.
The Following minor changes have been made to the procedure.
Section 3.3 Excavation Certificate Process
Added Geomatics to the list of disciplines
Section 3.2
This section has been changed to remove all reference to ‘Yellow’ and ‘Green’ copies of the
Excavation Certificate. The Certificate is now stored on LiveLink and can be obtained using the
link in the document.
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