SP-1231 - HSE Specification - Occupational Health

Revision: 05
Petroleum Development Oman LLC Effective: Jan-2017
Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SPECIFICATIONS
Document ID SP-1231
Document Type Specification
Security Restricted
Discipline Occupational Health
Document Owner Dr. Salim Al Sawai
Month and Year of Issue January 2017
Version 5.0
Keywords Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene, Health hazards,
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.
Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 1

The controlled version of this CMF Document resides online in Livelink®. Printed copies are UNCONTROLLED.
Revision: 05
Document Authorisation
Revision History
The following is a brief summary of the four most recent revisions to this document. Details of all revisions prior
to these are held on file by the Document Custodian.
Version Month & Year Author’s Name and Scope / Remarks

No. Title
1.0 18 February, Wayne Austin, CSM/32 Initial issue. Supersedes:

2002
HSE-SM: Ch 12, s3.0 (Rev.0, Oct-96) and Ch4, s4.0 - s5.0 (Rev.1, Oct-
96)
Occupational Health Management Guidelines (1996): Section 2 (GN8,
GN11, GN12, GN14, GN15, GN16, GN17, GN18, GN20, GN21, GN22,
GN23) and Section 3 (IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4, IN5, IN6, IN 9, IN10, IN11,
IN12, IN13, IN14)
PDO Hearing Conservation Program (Dec-99)
PDO Brochure: "Keep Your Back Working"
2.0 25 January, 2007 Brett Young, MSE/ 32 Included requirements for HRA, HFE in New projects & Health Reporting
Modified Noise Exposure limits to meet EU and International standards
New vibration exposure limits included from HSE UK
Changes to Section 5.0 includes workstation design and Indoor Air
Quality guidelines
New Section 6.0 on Biological Health Hazards
3.0 24 August, 2011 Dr Suad Lamki Included Legal requirements for medical record keeping, Ergonomics,
PPE, Eye Hazards, UVR
Chemical TransmissionOccupational Allergens
Mercury Copd, Legionnaires, Psychological Stress, Health Performance
Monitoring.
4.0 23 February, Jose Petrizzo and Simplified the document and changed its structure into the Standards,
2014 Mitul Desai (MCOH1) Health hazards, OH monitoring & HPI.
Removed the lengthy theory part & included hazard specific
Accountabilities.
Linked with the new IH procedures (asbestos, legionella, manual
material handling, fit testing etc.)

Revision: 05
5.0 1st. January, Jose Petrizzo Inclusion of:

2017 (MCOH1)
Updated requirements for: HRA, HFE, introducing Control
Banding concept and Respiratory Protection Selection
Guide.
User Notes:
1. The requirements of this document are mandatory. Non-compliance shall only be authorized by a designated authority
through STEP-OUT approval as described in this document.
2. A controlled copy of the current version of this document is on PDO's live link. Before making reference to this
document, it is the user's responsibility to ensure that any hard copy, or electronic copy, is current. For assistance,
contact the Document Custodian.
3. Users are encouraged to participate in the ongoing improvement of this document by providing constructive feedback.
Related Business Processes & CMF Documents

Related Business Processes
Code Business Process (EPBM 4.0)
Parent Document(s)
Doc. No. Document Title
Other Related CMF Document(s)
Doc. No. Document Title
SP 1194 Product Stewardship
SP 1230 Medical Examination, Treatment and Facilities
SP-1232 Public Health
SP-1233 Smoking, Drugs & Alcohol
SP-1234 Personal Protective Equipment
SP-1237 Ionising radiation
PR-1243 Medical Emergency Response
SP-1170 Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials
PR-1418 Incident Notification, Reporting & Investigation

Revision: 05
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Document Authorisation........................................................................................................................................................... 2
Revision History ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Related Business Processes & CMF Documents .................................................................................................................... 3
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Purpose and Objectives .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Performance Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Reports & Records ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.5 Legal Requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 Scope and Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6
1.7 Review and Improvement ............................................................................................................................................ 6
1.8 Distribution .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2 Occupational Health Standards ............................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Health Impact Assessment (HIA) ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Health Risk Assessments (HRA) ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in Projects ........................................................................................................... 9
3 Health Hazards ................................................................................................................................................................ 100
3.1 Physical Health Hazards ........................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1 Noise............................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.1.2 Vibrations ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1.3 Heat Stress ................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.4 Hyperbaric Pressure ..................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.5 Electromagnetic Field (EMF) ........................................................................................................................ 14
3.1.6 Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation ............................................................................................................................. 15
3.1.7 Ionizing Radiation ......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1.8 Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) ...................................................................................... 16
3.1.9 Lighting ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Ergonomics ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.3 Chemical ................................................................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 Biological ................................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.5 Psychological Hazards .............................................................................................................................................. 22
3.6 Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) ............................................................................................................................. 23
4 Occupational Health Monitoring ......................................................................................................................................... 25
4.1 Industrial Hygiene (IH) Monitoring ............................................................................................................................. 25
4.2 Biological Monitoring ................................................................................................................................................. 26
5 Reporting of Health Incidents and Health Performance Indicators ..................................................................................... 27
6 APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................................... 28
6.1 Appendix – 1 Noise limits ............................................................................................................................................. 28
6.2 Appendix – 2 Respiratory Protection Selection Guide ................................................................................................. 29
6.3 Appendix – 3 Control Banding in PDO .....................................................................................................................30
6.4 Appendix – 4 IEQ Limits .............................................................................................................................................. 31

Revision: 05
Introduction
1.1 Purpose and Objectives
This Specification describes PDO's requirements for managing occupational health risks associated
with the activities of PDO and its Contractors by incorporating the Health management Standards
and Health manuals into projects and all activities.
1.2 Performance Requirements

Unless otherwise stated in this Specification, occupational exposure limits (OELs) for all chemical and
physical agents herein shall be the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) defined in the latest annual edition of
the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and Biological Exposures
Indices (BEI) booklet. Where a more stringent OEL is defined by local legislation or by PDO, the
Corporate Industrial Hygienists will publish the OEL in this document.
These TLVs can be obtained on a case-by-case basis from the Corporate Industrial Hygienists or from
the PDO Health Hazard Register (HHR).
In case of chemical substances without OEL, a Control Banding will be applied for control’s
implementation.
1.3 Responsibilities
Directors are responsible for ensuring that the activities they control are managed in accordance with
the requirements of this Specification. In the event that circumstances prevent compliance with this
Specification, Directors or their representative shall seek step-out approval (refer to CP-122 “HSE
Management System Manual”, Chapter 3).
Corporate Functional Discipline Heads are responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this
Specification are reflected in the documents for which they are responsible.
Contract Holders are responsible for communicating this Specification to Contractors, and for ensuring
that the requirements of this Specification are adhered to within the scope of their contracts. In the
event that circumstances prevent compliance with this Specification, Contract Holders shall seek step-
out approval (refer to CP-122 “HSE Management System Manual”, Chapter 3).
Contractors are responsible for ensuring that activities undertaken within the scope of their contracts
are managed in accordance with all the requirements of this Specification
1.4 Reports & Records

PDO & Contractors: Monitoring undertaken in PDO facilities either by external consultants or Industrial
Hygienists from the Contractor companies for any health hazards (noise, chemical, radiation) or for any
exposure (biological monitoring) shall be provided to the Corporate Occupational Health Team for their
review and inclusion into the Company monitoring statistics / occupational exposure data management
(OEDM).
Records must be kept for an appropriate length of time. For occupational health information
[occupational hygiene sampling data (such as OEDM)] this is often determined by legislation and may
be as long as 30 years after exposure ceases, or according to legislative requirements, whichever is
the longer.
Since the employee’s work history forms part of the exposure profile, provision should be made to keep
that portion of the personnel file, which contains details of job history and movement within the
company for the same length of time.
It is essential that the links between exposure data, the work history and the medical record be
maintained for the full length of time. In the ideal situation, one database will house all the information
with appropriate securities protecting the confidentiality where necessary.
Any non-compliance with this Specification shall be notified, investigated and reported per Code of
Practice - CP-122 “HSE Management System Manual”, Chapter 6.

Revision: 05
1.5 Legal Requirements

Legal local Occupational Health requirements in Oman are stipulated in Royal Decree No. 35/2003
"Oman Labor Law" and the Occupational safety and Health regulations for Establishments governed by
labor law - Ministerial decision (MD) number 286/2008.
Inspectors appointed by the Ministry have the power to examine the worker-related records of an
establishment and to enter places of work. Inspectors also have the authority to question whoever they
wish and to publish reports on the results of their investigations.
1.6 Scope and Applicability

The following Health Management Standards are described in this Specification:
1. Health Impact Assessment (HIA)
2. Health Risk Assessments (HRA)
3. Human Factors Engineering (HFE)
The other PDO specifications / procedures related to Health Management are following:
1. Product Stewardship (SP-1194)
2. Medical Examination, Treatment and Facilities (SP-1230)
3. Public Health (SP-1232)
4. Smoking, Drugs & Alcohol (SP-1233)
5. Personal Protective Equipment (SP-1234)
6. Ionising radiation (SP-1237)
7. Medical Emergency Response (SP-1243)
8. Incident Notification, Reporting & Investigation (PR-1418)
This Specification also describe:
 Management of health hazards
 Exposure monitoring of health hazards
 Reporting of Health Incidents and Health Performance Indicators
All the Health Management Standards & Specifications are applicable to PDO and all Contractors.
They are also applied where there is an interface between PDO and Contractor activities, which may
result in either:
 PDO generated exposures of potential health significance to contractors, or
 Contractor generated exposures of potential health significance to PDO employees
1.7 Review and Improvement

Any user of this document who encounters a mistake or confusing entry is requested to immediately
notify the Document Custodian using the form provided in CP-122 “HSE Management System Manual”,
Chapter 3.
This document shall be reviewed as necessary by the Document Custodian, but no less frequently than
every four years. Triggers for full or partial review of this Specification are listed in CP-122 “HSE
Management System Manual”, Chapter 8.
1.8 Distribution
This specification shall be communicated and distributed to PDO employees and relevant Contractors
to whom this specification needs to be distributed.

Revision: 05
2 Occupational Health Standards

Industrial / Occupational Hygiene (I/OH) is the science devoted to Anticipation, Recognition, Evaluation &
Control workplace Hazards like Chemical (Gas, Dusts, Fumes, Vapors etc.); Physical (Noise, Heat, Radiation
etc.); Biological etc.
Occupational Medicine is the branch of medicine concerned with Prevention, Diagnosis, & Treatment of
injuries / illnesses that occur at the workplace as a result of Toxic exposures, Stress, or Accidents at the
workplace.
Occupational health is defined as the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental
and social well-being of workers in all occupations . “Total health for all at work”.
2.1 Health Impact Assessment (HIA)

HIA is used to identify and assess the potential health impacts of a project “out the fence” in order to
implement measures so that negative impacts are minimized and positive impacts are optimized. HIA is
one of the applications of the Hazards And Effects Management Process Hazards And Effects
Management Process (HEMP) for projects.
HIA applies to projects being:
 new Major Installations and pipeline developments;
 new exploration and drilling activities;
 modification of existing activities, including Major installations and pipeline developments, having
impacts with potential Consequences of 4 or 5 on the RAM; and
 decommissioning or abandonment of existing activities, including Major Installations and pipeline
developments.
Requirements:
Project Manager shall be Accountable for the following requirements:
1) Identify the need to carry out an HIA using the IIIC.
2) Start the HIA process in the ASSESS phase of the project and integrate it in the design-and-decision
making process.
3) Obtain or appoint a Subject Matter Expert to lead HIA.
4) Provide project-specific information and other resources required for the HIA.
5) Identify the need to engage with external Stakeholders and engage with them in line with Social
Investment Performance. Disseminate and communicate information in ways and formats
appropriate to the Stakeholder groups.
6) Approve the deliverables of requirements, monitor progress against the Health Management Plan
(HMP) and document its implementation (see the Notes below).
7) Nominate a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for HIA who shall be Accountable for the following:
 Perform the HIA in line with Internationally Recognised Standards.
 Identify and document the nature and magnitude of the impacts and determine the project
category to manage these.
Notes:
A Health Management Plan (HMP) has to be developed in order to brings together all essential health
information that must be produced for each project phase from Assess to Operate. An Initial Health Plan
must be developed in the SELECT phase, this is especially important in areas with challenges in medical
care, where there will be a focus on Medical Emergency Response and individual fitness.
An Occupational Health Technical Authority (TA) must sign off all health reports and plans. The Health
Plan will identify activities and control measures for the Health aspects of the PDO Corporate
Management Framework (CMF) and where these are integrated into the project, in order to comply with

Revision: 05
it and with Project Standard 01. Furthermore, Health should be considered as an opportunity for input
into the project sustainable development strategy and plan
The Health Plan summarizes the Health elements (HRA, HFE, HIA, FtW, Medical Emergency
Response) that are required for the SELECT Phase of any Project.. These Health elements will be
developed, updated and delivered according to the HSE Project Activity Plan along the project cycle in
the upcoming phases. The HMP pursues two main objectives:
 Ensure that the Health requirements and the Specifications are comprehensively
implemented in the project.
 Complete specific Health assessments mandated by the CMP, Discipline Controls and
Assurance Framework (DCAF), local legislation and rules on the project.
2.2 Health Risk Assessments (HRA)

Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is a process of identifying, evaluating, controlling and managing health
risks associated with work to prevent acute and chronic health effects. HRA also serves to advise if
monitoring or health surveillance is required for speficific job or process.
The overall objective is to manage the risk of harm to people by identifying and assessing health risks
and by implementing control and recovery measures.
The HRA shall consider risks arising from chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic and psychological
hazards associated with the work environment. HRA shall be covered in all activities including new
projects, acquisition, closure, divestment an abandonment of facilities.
Refer to the PDO Health Hazard Register (HHR) available on the PDO HSE – Health webpage.
Requirements:
Line management including Project Manager are Accountable for the following:
1. Verify that Health Risks have been identified and assessed using an HRA, and that Controls and
Recovery Measures in line with PDO Health Hazard Register and Hierarchy of Controls, have been
implemented and maintained.
2. Approve HRA results and verify they have been documented.
3. Approve the gap closure Remedial Action Plan, and track and implement the agreed actions.
4. Verify that Health Risks, Controls and Recovery Measures are understood by impacted people.
5. Review the content of the HRA when existing operations are changed in a way that would change
the Health Hazards or reduce the effectiveness of Controls and Recovery Measures.
6. Arrange exposure monitoring and health surveillance programs as required by HRA controls or legal
requirements, contact MCOH Department for advice / support.
The MCOH Department is Accountable for:

A. Provide guidance and assistance when required
B. Approval of the HRA and communicate the outcome to the relavent stakeholders.
C. Recording or entering generic HRAs in PDO system and provide necessary support to the Line in
order that remedial actions are uploaded into PIM or an equivalent system
D. Define the appropriate frequency of HRA review, according to changes produced in
operations/activities in a way that would change the Hazards or reduce the effectiveness of Controls
and Recovery Measures.

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The Site Supervisor is Responsible for:.

10. Implement and maintain Controls and Recovery Measures in the work environment as documented in
the HRA.
2.3 Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in Projects

The terms Ergonomics and Human Factors are often used interchangeably. However, ergonomics
focuses on how the work affects people and human factors focuses on the worker machine interface.
Good design requires a detailed knowledge of how humans interact with the work system. HFE:
 Increase the operational performance, safety, health and comfort of the work system.
 Reduce the likelihood of or prevent human errors and to limit the consequences.
 Enhance the productivity of human efforts.
 Enhance overall system performance by improving the ease and efficiency of use.
 Incorporate user/operator knowledge in the design of the system/product.
Requirements:
HFE principles shall be considered and applied during the SELECT phase of new facilities projects
where design can have a critical impact on equipment usability and user safety and health.
HFE shall be applied in the following projects:
 New plants/facilities
 Revamp of existing plant/facility (unless there is no change to the work system)
 Buildings and workstations design (e.g. central control rooms, offices, workshops and
laboratories)
 IT software/hardware, instrumentation
Project Manager shall be Accountable for the following requirements:

1) Perform an HFE screening for each new project to determine whether a formal HFE Strategy is
needed to support Project decisions. Consult with the Technical Authority (ATA) in Human Factors
Engineering on the outcome of the HFE Screening.
2) Produce a Project HFE Strategy if the HFE screening results show that a strategy is needed.
Incorporate the Project HFE Strategy into the Basis for Design, or into the HSE Plan for front-end
engineering (FEED) or detailed design.
3) Integrate the Project HFE Strategy into project decisions and planning.
4) Incorporate relevant results of the implementation of the Project HFE Strategy into the Documented
demonstration of ALARP.
The HFE Technical Authority (TA) or the HFE Authorized Person (AP) shall be responsible for approval
of the Project HFE Strategy and close out reports.

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3 Health Hazards
Health hazards may fall into categories of physical, ergonomic, chemical, biological and psychological in
nature. The general principles of controlling adverse exposure to health hazards are well known and include:
 Elimination.
 Substitution.
 Engineering Controls: Modification, Containment, Isolation.
 Administrative Controls: Procedure, Education and training, Job rotation.
 Personal protective equipment (PPE)
3.1 Physical Health Hazards

Physical hazards include noise and vibration; extreme temperatures (heat stress) and working at
hyperbaric pressure; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
3.1.1 Noise
Noise is an unwanted sound, produced by vibrating objects. Exposure to excessive levels of
noise can cause permanent damage to hearing known as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
Legal requirements for noise control in the workplace as established in MD 80/94 "Issuing
Regulations for Noise Pollution in Working Environment” and the Occupational safety and Health
regulations for establishments governed by labor law - MD number 286/2008 Article 16 Fourthly
shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
Managers are Accountable for the below mentioned requirements:
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where Noise Levels could result in
NIHL.
2) Update noise assessment / mapping every three years or earlier in case when equipment or
conditions change in a way that may increase the exposure of personnel to noise.
3) Establish hearing protection zones based on a Noise Contour of 85 dB(A) and identify them
with marking/signage. When portable equipment is the source of the noise use location
drawings, equipment marking or other controls to identify hearing protection zones.
4) Reduce noise exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
5) Select and provide adequate hearing protectors that fits and reduces exposure of the wearer
below 85dB(A) for an eight-hour Noise Dose.
6) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to noise level above 80 dB (A). The
awareness training must cover the information on noise hazards & its health effects, noise
controls, proper wear of hearing protectors.
7) Provide medical surveillance (Audiometry) and verify personnel are tested at the times and
frequency as specified under the PDO SP-1230. Personnel exposed to a daily noise dose of
85 dB(A) shall have an audiometry test conducted every two years. In cases where personal
daily noise dose exceeds 100 dB(A), audiometry testing shall be performed every year.
8) Report NIHL case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident Notification and
Reporting (PR-1418).
9) Supervisors shall be responsible:
 to enforce and instruct people to wear hearing protection at all times when entering or
working in an identified hearing protection zone
 To continuous verify adequate use of hearing protectors

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Project Team shall ensure:

 that the design and construction of new facilities and new plants is assessed in the FEED
reviews or similar risk management processes, to prevent employees from being exposed
to noise at levels which are in excess of the occupational exposure limits.
 that the same requirements are applied when modifying facilities or plant.
 when designing and selecting new equipment during procurement, preference should be
given to a quieter item.
Noise Monitoring
Contact the Occupational Health Department (MCOH) for advice and support.
Noise Limits
Noise limit for Hearing Conservation in the field and Sound levels inside Buildings are defined in
the Appendix - 1.
3.1.2 Vibrations
Vibration is the term used to describe the movement associated with acceleration, frequency
(how fast moves) and amplitude or intensity (how far moves) of an object or equipment. So
vibration is the mechanical oscillations of an object about an equilibrium point. The oscillations
may be regular such as the motion of a pendulum or random such as the movement of a tire on a
gravel road.
Some frequencies of vibration can have a negative effect on visual performance. Relatively
uncommon effects of low frequency vibration (infrasound) can include throbbing in the head and
temporary depressed psychological states. Also while standing, sitting or lying on a vibrating
surface (e.g. during travel) can cause travel or motion sickness.
Vibration enters the body from the organ in contact with vibrating equipment. When a worker
operates hand-held equipment such hand-held power tools from prolonged periods, Hand-arm
vibration syndrome (HAVS) can appear causing significant ill health like painful and disabling
disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints (i.e. Raynaud Syndrome)
When a worker sits or stands on a vibrating floor or seat, the vibration exposure affects almost
the entire body and is called whole-body vibration exposure. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is
transmitted through the seat or feet of employees who drive mobile machines, or other work
vehicles, over rough and uneven surfaces as a main part of their job. Large shocks and jolts may
cause health risks including back pain.
Whole body vibration may involve a worker being shaken in the three axes, up and down, back
and forth or from side to side. It is commonly experienced by drivers and passengers on graded
roads and operators in a variety of vehicles such as bulldozers, graders, loaders, JCB’s and rock
breakers. Operators of this equipment often experience jolts and jarring from impact type
vibration due to ruts and potholes as well as steady state vibration. Whole-body vibration in the
frequency range from 1 to 80 Hz is of particular concern owing to long term health effects.
Legal requirements for vibrations control in the workplace as established in MD 286/2008 Article
16 Fourthly, Article 32 (item 3rd) and Article 34 Secondly shall be implemented and supported
with the following requirements.
Requirements:
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where vibration levels could result in
health effects.

Revision: 05
2) Establish an inventory of equipment that generate either HAV or WBV.

3) Perform vibration assessments when equipment or conditions can cause exposure to
vibrations (e.g. use of portable hand tools, driving of heavy vehicles on graded / off roads).
4) Reduce vibration exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
5) Purchase equipment which comply with local and international vibration standards.
6) Select and provide adequate anti-vibration hand gloves that fits and minimize exposure to
HAV.
7) Improve road constructions and regular maintenance of graded roads to minimize exposure
to WBV.
8) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to vibration level above the applicable
exposure limit. The awareness training must cover the information on vibration hazards & its
health effects, n vibration controls, proper use of vibration protectors & other guidelines.
9) Persons exposed to dose of 4 m/s2 for HAV & 0.5 m/s2 for WBV shall be provided medical
surveillance as specified under the PDO SP-1230.
10) Report vibration exposure related illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on
Incident Notification and Reporting (PR-1418).
 to continuous verify adequate guidelines to minimize exposure to vibrations

reviews or similar risk management processes, to prevent employees from being exposed
to vibration at levels which are in excess of the occupational exposure limits.
 when designing and selecting new equipment during procurement, preference should be
given to a low vibration generating equipment or tools.
Vibration Monitoring
Vibration Limits
Exposure (8-hrs) HAV WBV Remark
introduce technical & organizational

Action value 2.5 m/s2 0.315 m/s2
measures to reduce exposure.
Limit value 4.0 m/s2 0.5 m/s2 should not be exceeded
Refer to the latest ACGIH TLVs for Vibration limit details.

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3.1.3 Heat Stress

"Heat stress" is the net (overall) heat burden on the body from the combination of the body heat
generated while working, environmental sources (air temperature, humidity, air movement,
radiation from the sun or hot surfaces/sources) and clothing requirements.
Legal requirements for heat stress management in the workplace as established in the MD
286/2008 Article 16, Thirdly shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where heat stress could result in
heat edema, heat rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope or heat stroke.
2) Reduce heat stress exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
3) Implement adequate work – rest regimen including hydration program, cool shelter area and
job rotation, acclimatization and buddy system.
4) Ensure that all earth moving machines, cranes are having enclosed cabins with air
conditioning.
5) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to heat stress. The awareness training
must cover the information on heat stress hazards & its health effects, heat stress controls,
importance of hydration & rest breaks.
6) Report heat stress related illness case in accordance with the PDO HSE Specification,
‘Incident Notification and Reporting’ (PR-1418).
7) Supervisors shall be responsible to enforce and instruct people to follow:
 hydration and
 work-rest regimen at all times
Heat stress Monitoring

Contact the Occupational Health Department (MCOH) for advice and support. Refer to local
regulations.
3.1.4 Hyperbaric Pressure

Hyperbaric pressure is related to, producing, operating, or occurring at pressures higher than
normal atmospheric pressure. Underwater work (e.g. divers). In these conditions, workers are at
risk of decompression sickness (DCS).
DCS, also called the "bends," occurs when not enough pressure is released from the body
following exposure to increased pressure. Moving too quickly from an area of high pressure to
low pressure can produce nitrogen gas bubbles in the body. If outside pressure is released too
quickly, the gas is released in the body. Just like uncorking a bottle of soda, there is a sudden
expansion of bubbles or "fizzing." Nitrogen bubbles in the blood or tissues can obstruct blood flow
or cause pressure effects. This can be very painful and sometimes fatal.
Symptoms of DCS may include:
 joint pain
 areas of bone destruction (termed dysbaric osteonecrosis)
 skin disorders, such as cutis marmorata, which causes a pink marbling of the skin
 spinal cord and brain disorders, such as stroke, paralysis, paresthesias, bladder
dysfunction, etc.

Revision: 05
 cardiopulmonary disorders, such as shortness of breath

 arterial gas embolism (gas bubbles in the arteries that block blood flow)
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where Hyperbaric Pressure could
result in any of the above mentioned health effects.
2) Reduce Hyperbaric Pressure exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of
Controls putting emphasize in the use of decompression chambers to gradually bring workers
back to normal surface pressure and taking into account the updated decompression tables
that detail the time and pressure needed to do this safely.
3) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to Hyperbaric Pressure. The awareness
training must cover the information on Hyperbaric Pressure hazards & its health effects,
Hyperbaric Pressure controls, Importance of decompression.
4) Assure that all workers under hyperbaric pressure risk receive the fitness to work medical
examination according to the PDO SP-1230.
5) Report Hyperbaric Pressure related illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on
Incident Notification and Reporting (PR-1418).
Hyperbaric Pressure Limits

Refer to the latest NIOSH Decompression tables (Edel-Kindwall).
3.1.5 Electromagnetic Field (EMF)

EMF means static electric, static magnetic and time-varying electric, magnetic and
electromagnetic fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz, that include radio frequencies (RF), sub-
radio frequencies and electromagnetic from power transmission & generation (e.g. radars,
telecommunication systems, transformers, high tension lines).
Health effects in the human body is caused by its presence in an electromagnetic field, include:
 thermal effects, such as tissue heating through energy absorption from electromagnetic
fields in the tissue;
 non-thermal effects, such as the stimulation of muscles, nerves or sensory organs. These
effects might have a detrimental effect on the mental and physical health of exposed
workers. Moreover, the stimulation of sensory organs may lead to transient symptoms,
such as vertigo or phosphenes. These effects might create temporary annoyance or affect
cognition or other brain or muscle functions, and may thereby affect the ability of a worker
to work safely.
There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence establishing a causal relationship for long-term effects,
including the possible carcinogenic effects, of exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic and
electromagnetic fields.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where EMF could result in any of the
above mentioned health effects.
2) Reduce EMF exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
3) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to EMF. The awareness training must
cover the information on EMF hazards & its health effects, EMF controls, importance of
isolation, distance etc.

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4) Report EMF related illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident
Notification and Reporting (PR-1418).
EMF Monitoring
EMF Limits
Refer to the latest ACGIH TLVs for EMF.
3.1.6 Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

UV radiation is electromagnetic radiation like visible light, can be transmitted in form of waves
from 100 nm to 400 nm in the electromagnetic spectrum (UV-C 100 nm to 280 nm; UV-B 280 nm
to 315 nm and UV-A 315 nm to 400 nm). Sunlight is the greatest source while, manmade UV
sources are UV lamp, arc welding and mercury vapour lamps.
Exposure to UV radiation (mainly UV-B & UV-A) can lead to the following health effects:
 Burns (skin redness, tenderness, swelling, blistering, fever, nausea
 Premature wrinkling
 Skin cancer
 Sensitivity (allergic reaction to sun exposure)
 Immune system suppression and disease
 Eye damage (including burning of the cornea, cataracts)
Legal requirements for UV radiation in the workplace as established in the MD 286/2008 Article
38 shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where UV radiation could result in
any of the above mentioned health effects.
2) Reduce UV radiation exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
3) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to UV radiation. The awareness training
must cover the information on UV radiation hazards & its health effects, UV radiation
controls, importance of clothing & shading.
4) Report UV radiation related illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident
UV Radiation Monitoring
UV Limits
Refer to the latest ACGIH TLVs for UV radiation.
3.1.7 Ionizing Radiation

Refer to the PDO Specification on Ionizing Radiation (SP-1237).

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3.1.8 Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)

Refer to the PDO Specification on NORM (SP-1170).
3.1.9 Lighting
Occupational lighting may cause risk of poor lighting or excessive brightness.
Poor illumination may cause eye strain / pain / fatigue, headache, lachrymation, congestion
around the cornea and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). Exposure to excessive
brightness or glare is associated with discomfort, annoyance and visual fatigue. Intense, direct
glare may also result in blurring of vision and lead to accidents.
Good lighting, whether natural or artificial, reduces health and safety risks as it allows:
 The safe movement of people and equipment (night and day)
 The performance of visual tasks
 An appropriate visual environment to avoid visual fatigue
The definition of what constitutes “adequate lighting” will vary according to:
 The location, e.g. a control room requires better lighting than a change room
 The task or activity being carried out e.g. intricate mechanical repairs requires better
lighting than changing a tyre
Legal requirements for Lighting in the workplace as established in the MD 286/2008 Article 16 &
17 shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where poor lighting could result in
2) Ensure lighting requirements are adequately met when designing and constructing of new
facilities / plants or modifying of existing facility / plant. There should be sufficient and suitable
lighting (natural or artificial) wherever persons are working.
3) Confirm work areas are provide adequate lighting (e.g. for computer users in office - 400
Lux). If the minimum requirements are not meeting, improve lighting levels by simply
replacing existing fluorescent tubes / diffusers or providing tasks lighting.
4) Have regular maintenance and cleaning programs for lighting systems to enable optimal
performance.
Lighting Measurement
Lighting Limits
Refer to the standards for lighting levels contained in the PDO Specification for Civil and Building
Design Criteria (SP-1275) and in the Shell DEP 33.64.10.10.
3.2 Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a multi-disciplinary science that considers the interaction between humans and their
working environment to improve the design of work systems, workplaces and products. It aims at

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establishing a well-designed work environment by achieving a balance between design functionality and
ease of use.
Health hazards resulting from poor ergonomic design are mainly musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) (e.g.
injuries to the back, neck, hands, arms and feet). Problems arising out of fatigue may lead to tiredness or
exhaustion, which can increase the likelihood of accidents and ill health. Computer or Visual display
units(VDU) don’t cause damage to eyes, however computer users may experience visual fatigue
(causing headaches, pain behind the eyes or blurred vision) and postural fatigue (resulting in aches /
pain in the hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back), especially after long periods of computer work.
Ergonomic hazards in the work environment, including work related upper limb disorders (WRULD),
repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and any other type of MSD shall be assessed as part of the HRA.
Ergonomics fulfills two goals of health and productivity. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent
repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. Applying
ergonomics to the workplace:
 Reduces the potential for accidents.
 Reduces the potential for injury and ill health and
 Improves performance and productivity.
Legal requirements for manual handling in the workplace as established in the MD 286/2008 Article 15
and 35 shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas (involving manual material-handling
causing lifting, pushing, pulling or awkward postures of neck, back, hands, legs) where
ergonomic hazards could result in any type of the MSD.
2) Reduce ergonomic hazard to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
3) Nominate Department Focal points for Ergonomics who shall be trained by the Occupational
Health Department (MCOH). The trained Focal points shall be responsible to:
 Conduct awareness training / campaign on computer ergonomic.
 Evaluate all office work stations by conducting rapid assessment for computer users.
 Instruct people to follow ergonomic postures when using computer or handling material.
 Perform visual assessment on receiving complaints (on ergonomics, indoor environment
e.g. water stained ceiling tiles, damaged chair, poor lighting) from building occupants
 If needed, coordinate with the Occupational Health Department (MCOH) for their support
4) Implement adequate Design & Engineering Protocols (DEPs) in the following:
 New plants/facilities or Revamp of existing facility
 Buildings and workstations design (e.g. control rooms, offices, workshops and laboratories)
 IT hardware, instrumentation
5) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to ergonomic hazards (computer users,
manual material handlers, extreme mechanical or awkward postures). The training must cover
the information on ergonomic hazards & its health effects, controls, postures, relaxing,
exercises (refer to the PDO Procedure on Manual Material Handling (PR-2111).
6) Report MSD related case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident Notification and
Ergonomic Monitoring / Assessment

Ergonomic assessment can be performed using the following techniques:

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 Ovaco Working Assessment (OWAS)

 Rapid Upper limb Assessment (RULA) & Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)
 NIOSH Lifting Equation
 Computer Ergonomic Assessment
Refer to the PDO Procedure on Manual Material Handling (PR-2111) for screening ergonomic
assessment of any manual material handling task.
Contact the Occupational Health Department (MCOH) for getting assistance on Computer Ergonomic
Assessment & information on Office furniture standards.
Ergonomic Limits
Refer to the latest ACGIH TLVs for Lifting limit.
3.3 Chemical
Chemicals are organic or inorganic, natural or synthetic substances present in the workplace
environment, exposure to which are capable of causing health harm effects like irritation, corrosion,
asphyxiation and toxicity (systemic, carcinogens, mutagens, reproductives). The typical classification of
chemicals are metals, liquids, aerosols (dust/fiber, mist, fog, smoke, fume) gas and vapors.
Chemical agents enter the body via: skin (contact), inhalation and ingestion. The ill-effects depend upon
frequency & duration of exposure, quantum of exposure and individual susceptibility.
For more information regarding Acute Toxic Substance (ATS) & Carcinogen, Mutagen and Reproductive
(CMR) chemical health hazards, refer to the PDO latest Health Hazard Register (HHR) and Safe
Handling of Chemicals (SHOC) cards.
The following are major chemical health hazards:
 Benzene is a component of many crude oils and has been detected in condensates. Prolonged
and repeated exposure to benzene has been associated with the development of leukaemia.
The use of pure benzene is not permitted in PDO.
 Diesel Exhaust (emissions from diesel engine) is a mixture of gas and particulate phase
pollutants. Major variables that influence emissions of diesel exhaust are: engine (type / design
(direct or indirect engine), tuning, speed, load); fuel (density, aromatic content, ratio with air); agedness of oil,
maintenance status (condition of injection pumps & piston ring seals); exhaust gas treatment etc.
The gas fraction include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), NO, NO 2, SO2, VOCs
(e.g. ethylene, methane, benzene, phenol, acrolein, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons) . SO2 may subsequently
undergo gas to particle reactions and form secondary particulate.
The particulate fraction (also known as soot or diesel particulate matter (DPM) & the largest of which are highly
respirable as more than 95% are ≤ 1 micron in size) consist mainly of a carbonaceous core (elemental carbon
- EC) and adsorbed organic compounds (organic carbon – OC; contains 15 to 65 % of the total particulate
mass). The most important adsorbed organics are n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust gas may react with PAHs to form highly
carcinogenic nitro-PAHs.
Exposure to diesel exhaust (particles and gases are suspended in the air) ocurs, whenever a person
breathes air that contains this pollutant. Workers exposed to diesel exhaust face the risk of
health effects ranging from irritation of the eyes and nose, headaches and nausea, to respiratory
disease and lung cancer.
 Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas. Brief exposure to high concentrations of H2S
abve 1000 ppm can cause unconsciousness within a few seconds without warning symptoms
followed by death due to respiratory paralysis. At low concentrations H 2S has the odour of rotten
eggs. At > 100 ppm, the odour is not detectable due to rapid paralysis of the sense of smell.
Refer to the PDO Specification ‘Design for sour service’ (SP-1190) and the Procedures on
‘Hydrogen Sulphide Management’ (PR-1078 ); and ‘Well Services Operations’ (PR-1044) to
manage H2S exposure.

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 Hydrofluoric acid (HF acid) in is a corrosive liquid that evaporates quickly at atmospheric
pressure and temperature releasing a white, steam-like vapour which has a pungent, irritating
odour. Both the liquid and its vapour are extremely dangerous when handled improperly.
Concentrated liquid HF acid reacts immediately with skin upon contact causing serious burns
(the onset of burns from skin contact with diluted acid may be delayed several hours, eventually resulting in severe
burns and blisters). The vapors are irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The acid is absorbed
through the skin into the bloodstream, where it reacts with calcium ions. The resulting calcium
deficiency may result in death. Calcium gluconate gel (2.5%) must be available as first aid
response in all work areas where HF acid is used.
Refer to the PDO Procedure on ‘Hydrofluoric acid’ (PR-2110) to manage HF exposure.
 Mercury presence in detectable amounts in production streams can create significant problems
(including: aluminium heat exchanger failures, poisoned catalysts, contaminated product streams and gas leaks). The
origins of mercury in hydrocarbon accumulations vary widely; most natural gas streams contain
at least some of this poisonous element, whilst in crude oil it may also be present as organo-
metallic and ionic mercury. For many natural gas fields, mercury contamination is limited enough
that it is not an issue (concentration levels vary from 0.01 to 5000 μgm/m 3).
Most occupational exposures to mercury that causes poisoning, occurs through inhalation of
elemental mercury vapour in the workplace; the ingestion by mouth of elemental mercury is
relatively non-toxic. Dermal absorption of elemental mercury and inorganic mercury is possible,
but the rate is extremely low.
Over exposure to mercury vapour may cause headaches, soreness of the mouth, loss of teeth,
cough, chest pains or tightness, difficulty in breathing, chemical pneumanitis, diarrhoea. Liquid
mercury may irritate the skin. Repeated or prolonged exposure to mercury liquid or vapour
causes effects which develop gradually. The first effects to occur are often fine shaking of the
hands, eyelids, lips, tongue, or jaw. Other effects are allergic skin rash, sore and swollen gums,
loose teeth, insomnia, excess salivation, personality change, irritability, indecision, loss of
memory and intellectual deterioration.
Refer to the PDO Specification and Procedure on Mercury Management (SP-2087 and PR-
1515) for managing exposure to mercury.
Other Procedures that are relevant to Chemical hazard are: Asbestos Removal (PR-2107), and Fit
testing for Respirator Users (PR-2108).
Legal requirements for chemical hazards in the workplace as established in MD 286/2008 Article 8, 37,
38, 39 & 40, Article 42 – item 3 shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where chemical hazard could result in any
of the above mentioned health effects.
2) Ensure any new chemical or chemical product (containing ATS & CMR substance) are reviewed /
approved by the PDO Occupational Health Department (MCOH), before they are used in the PDO.
Use of Asbestos, pure Benzene, Oil containing PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) is not permitted.
3) Ensure SHOC cards are available and displayed at work-place.
4) Identify storage and handling areas for ATS & CMR chemicals with applicable labeling / signage.
5) Reduce chemical exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
6) Determine content of hazardous chemicals (e.g. benzene, mercury) in the process streams.
7) Select and provide adequate PPE (for respiratory, skin, body & face) that fits and reduces chemical
exposure of the wearer below the occupational exposure limits (OELs).
8) Implement a Respiratory Protection Program according to SP-1234 , including following actions:

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8.1 Ensure all respirator (tight-seal) wearers are medically tested and declared fit to wear
respirator.
8.2 Ensure fit testing is provided for respirator (tight-seal) wearers.
8.3 Ensure proper selection of respirator is done according to Appendix 2.
9) Establish exposure monitoring programs, where employees may be exposed to hazardous
chemicals (benzene, mercury, hydrofluoric acid), to verify exposure are below the OEL.
10) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to ATS, CMR, irritants and sensitizer chemical
hazards. The awareness training must cover the information on chemical hazards & its health
effects, exposure controls, proper wear of PPE. Only trained / instructed personnel shall be allowed
to handle hazardous chemicals (including benzene, hydrofluoric acid, mercury etc).
11) Provide medical surveillance (specific to CMR e.g. benzene, mercury, irritants, carbon disulfide)
and verify personnel are tested at the times and frequency as specified under the PDO SP-1230.
12) Report chemical illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident Notification and
 to enforce and instruct people to wear applicable PPE (for respiratory, skin, body & face) at all
times when entering or working
 to continuous verify that the wearers of respiratory protectors are fit tested and selection is
properly made according to standards/references

reviews or similar risk management processes, to prevent employees from being exposed to
chemical at levels which are in excess of the occupational exposure limits.
 when designing and selecting new equipment during procurement, preference should be given
to a less toxic chemical.
Chemical Monitoring
Contact Occupational Health Department (MCOH) for advice and support.
Chemical Limits
Exposure limits for major chemical hazards are listed in the table shown below:
Chemical Hazard OEL - TWA OEL - STEL

Benzene 0.5 ppm 2.5 ppm
Hydrogen Sulfide 5 ppm 10 ppm
Hydrofluoric Acid 0.5 ppm 2 ppm (Ceiling)
Mercury (elemental & inorganic) 0.025 mg/m3 -
Diesel Exhaust (particulates) 0.10 mg/m3 (elemental carbon) -
OEL - Occupational Exposure Limit; TWA - Time Weightage Average, for 8 hrs
exposure; STEL - Short Term Exposure Level defined for 15 mins exposure
For exposure limits of other chemical hazards, refer to the latest ACGIH TLVs.

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Control Banding
Control banding is a system that allows the MCOH team to categorize chemicals into a common class that can
be easily recognized, put hazards into perspective, represent the default concept for unknowns (The
Precautionary Principle) and when data is insufficient or an OEL is not established for any chemical substance,
a band can be assigned to determine target exposure conditions. Appendix 3 shows the Control Banding
system used in PDO.
3.4 Biological
A Biological agent is a microbiological entity, cellular or non-cellular, or human endoparasite, whether or
not genetically modified, which may cause infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to
human health.
Most biological agents are micro-organisms, ie bacteria, viruses, fungi, microscopic endoparasites such
as the malarial parasite, amoebae and trypanosomes and the microscopic forms of the larger
endoparasites such as the ova and larval forms of helminths. Other kind of biological agents are related
with poisoning plants nad animals such as snakes and scorpions.
According to the produced health effects the Hazard Groups of biological agents are defined as follows:
 Hazard Group 1: unlikely to cause human disease;
 Hazard Group 2: can cause human disease and may be hazard to employees; it is unlikely to spread
to the community and there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available;
 Hazard Group 3: can cause severe human disease and may be a serious hazard to employees; it
may spread to the community, but there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available;
 Hazard Group 4: causes severe human disease and is a serious hazard to employees; it is likely to
spread to the community and there is usually no effective prophylaxis or treatment available.
Refer the PDO latest Health Hazard Register (HHR) for more information on biological hazards.
Legal requirements for biological hazards in the workplace as established in MD 286/2008 Article 17
Secondly, Fourthly & Article 23 shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where biological hazard could result in any
of the above mentioned health effects.
2) Reduce biological exposure to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
3) Select and provide adequate PPE that fits and reduces exposure to biological hazards.
4) Train personnel every three years, who are exposed to biological hazards. The awareness training
must cover the information on biological hazards & its health effects, biological exposure controls,
proper wear of PPE.
5) Provide medical examinations for the exposed workers at the times and frequency as specified
under the PDO Specification on Medical Exams (SP-1230).
6) Report biological hazard illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident Notification
and Reporting (PR-1418).
3.4.1 Legionella
Refer to the PDO Procedure on Legionella Management Program (PR-2109).

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3.4.2 Other Biological Hazards (food & water borne, poisoning animals)
Refer to the PDO Specification on Public Health (SP-1232).
Biological hazard Monitoring

Biological Limits
For Legionella, refer to the PDO Procedure on Legionella Management Program (PR-2109) and for
Food and water borne biological hazards, refer to the PDO Specification on Public Health (SP-1232).
3.5 Psychological Hazards

Many workrelated factors such as long work schedule, poor or unfreidly work environment and
autocratic management style can result in Work related stress. Work related stress develops because a
person is unable to cope with the demands being placed on them.
The following is a list of facts which contribute to work place stress.
 Shift work
 Isolation (degree of access to social support migrant workers)
 Overcrowding and lack of privacy (hostels and work place accommodation)
 Communication problems (business and family contacts)
 Discrimination
 Bullying and harassment
 Culture, local laws, religion and language (comprehension and comfort level).
 Job design (control, content, workload)
 Job organization (shift patterns, sleep deprivation, rotations, jet lag)
 Leisure and recreation opportunities
 Substance abuse/dependence and smoking
Stress, including work related stress, can be a significant cause of illness and is known to be linked with
high levels of sickness absence, staff turnover, other issues such as more errors and considerable
reduction in workplace productivity. If stress is excessive and goes on for some time, it may lead to
mental and physical ill health e.g. depression, nervous breakdown and heart disease.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where work related stress could result in
2) Reduce work related stress to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
3) Involve your team members in decision making.
4) Conduct stress awareness training for all. The awareness training must cover the information on
work related stress & its health effects & controls.
5) Observe and monitor any signs of stress among your staff and intervene promptly and encourage
them to seek medical assistance if required.
6) Report work related stress illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident

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3.6 Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ)

IEQ problems result from interactions between building materials and furnishing, activities within the
building, climate, and building occupants. IEQ problems may arise from one or more of the following
causes:
 Indoor environment climate- inadequate temperature, humidity, lighting, excessive sound
 Indoor air contaminants - chemicals, dusts, moulds or fungi, bacteria, gases, vapours, odours
 Improper or inadequately maintained heating and ventilation systems
 Increase in number of building occupants and time spent indoors
Examples of common indoor air contaminants and their main sources are:
 Carbon dioxide (CO2), tobacco smoke, perfume, body odours – from building occupants
 Dust, fibreglass, asbestos, gases, including formaldehyde – from building materials
 Toxic vapours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – from workplace cleansers, solvents,
pesticides, disinfectants, glues
 Gases, vapours, odours – off-gas emissions from furniture, carpets, and paints
 Dust mites – from carpets, fabric, foam chair cushions
 Microbial contaminants, fungi, moulds, bacteria, – from damp areas, stagnant water and
condensate pans
 Ozone – from photocopiers, electric motors, electrostatic air cleaners
Symptoms of poor IEQ

It is common for people to report one or more of the following symptoms :
 Dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin
 Headache
 Fatigue
 Shortness of breath
 Hypersensitivity and allergies
 Sinus congestion
 Coughing and sneezing
 Dizziness
 Nausea
Many of these symptoms may also be caused by other health conditions including common colds or the
flu, and are not necessarily due to poor IEQ. This fact can make identifying and resolving IEQ problems
more difficult.
Occupants of buildings with poor IEQ report a wide range of health problems which are often called Sick
Building Syndrome (SBS) or Tight Building Syndrome (TBS), Building-Related Illness (BRI) and Multiple
Chemical Sensitivities (MCS).
The term sick building syndrome (SBS) is used to describe cases in which building occupants
experience adverse health effects that are apparently linked to the time they spend in the building.
However, no specific illnesses or cause can be identified.
Building-Related Illness (BRI) refers to less frequent (but often more serious) cases of people becoming
ill after being in a specific building at a certain time. In these cases, there is usually a similar set of
clinical symptoms experienced by the people and a clear cause can often be found upon investigation.
A certain percentage of workers may react to a number of chemicals in indoor air, each of which may
occur at very low concentrations. Such reactions are known as multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).

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Several medical organizations have not recognized multiple chemical sensitivities. However, medical
opinion is divided, and further research is needed.
Feelings of discomfort and illness may be related to any number of issues in the total indoor
environment. Other common causes may include noise levels, thermal comfort (temperature, humidity,
and air movement), lighting, and ergonomics. It is important that all possible causes be investigated
when assessing complaints.
Legal requirements for IEQ as established in MD 286/2008 Article 15, Article 16 Firstly & Secondly;
Article 17 shall be implemented and supported with the following requirements.
Requirements
1) Identify and assess through HRA those tasks and areas where IEQ could result in health hazard.
2) Reduce IEQ hazards to ALARP in the workplace using the Hierarchy of Controls.
3) Conduct periodic checks for IEQ to ensure that the conditions mentioned the Appendix 2 are
maintained.
4) Report IEQ related illness case in accordance with the PDO Procedure on Incident Notification and

 that the design and construction of new facilities (buildings) is assessed to prevent employees from
being exposed to IEQ hazards and the PDO Specifications on Heating, Ventilation & Air-
conditioning (SP-1285) and on Building Services (SP-2155) are applied.
 that the same requirements are applied when modifying facilities (buildings).
IEQ Monitoring
IEQ hazards Limits

Refer the Appendix – 4.

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4 Occupational Health Monitoring

Monitoring refers to the application of methods, including exposure measurement, to monitor the ongoing
effectiveness of control and recovery measures established in support of controlling health risks to ALARP.
Health monitoring has a number of purposes, including:
 Determining acceptable and other exposures arising from various workplace scenarios including:
normal operations, routine maintenance, non-recurring tasks, shutdown, turnaround, start-up,
construction, demolition
 Demonstrating compliance with a specified occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or Biological Exposure
Indices (BEI).
 Recommending, justifying or verifying control measures
 Atmospheric testing for confined space entry and other work permits
 Investigating reported health effects
 Responding to employee or contractor exposure concerns
 Determining entry/exit levels for individuals for health surveillance
 Supporting emergency response
 Supporting epidemiological studies
 Responding to litigation and liability claims
OEL & BEI

Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) is the airborne concentration of hazardous substances, to which workers
may be repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse effect. An OEL does not represent a fine line
between safe and dangerous concentrations, nor is it a relative index of toxicity.
Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) is a guidance value for interpretation of bio monitoring results. For
biological monitoring and biochemical effect monitoring the BEI represents the concentration of a chemical, or
its reaction product, in exhaled breath, body fluids, or tissues of workers below which no adverse health
effects are expected. BEI are based on a dose-effect relationship or, more commonly, on the correlation with
the corresponding OEL.
OEL and BEI are reference values for use in deciding on acceptable or unacceptable exposures in support of
the selection of appropriate control measures and subsequent control assurance. They are not fine lines
between safe and dangerous concentrations nor are they a relative index of toxicity.
Contact Occupational Health Department (MCOH) for advice and support.
4.1 Industrial Hygiene (IH) Monitoring

IH monitoring is used as one of the complements of health exposure assessment by measuring the level
(intensity) of health hazards. The measurement of health hazards can be achieved by:
 Direct reading equipment, which provide an immediate indication of hazard intensity, e.g.
chemical indicator tubes, electronic instruments, noise meter, lux meter etc.
 Indirect techniques, which collect the airborne contaminant either by diffusion (passive sampling)
or pump (active sampling) onto a sample medium for subsequent laboratory analysis.
IH measurement / monitoring for any health hazard performed by the Contractors shall be always in
consultation (well in advance) with the PDO OH Department (MCOH) and the data / result shall be
forwarded to the same.
Recommended frequency for IH Monitoring is shown below in the Table.

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Recommended Frequency for IH Monitoring
EXPOSURE RATE IH Monitoring Duration of IH Monitoring at

Percentage of OEL Frequency Specified Frequency
Greater than 100% - HIGH Until controls reduce exposures to
Continuously
(Exposure above OEL) less than 100%
Between 50%–100% - MEDIUM Until controls reduce exposures to
Every Year
(Exposure below OEL) less than 50%
Between 10%-50% - LOW Every Three Until controls reduce exposures to
(Exposure well below OEL) Years less than 10%
Less than 10% - VERY LOW Until a change in the process /

No Monitoring
equipment or worker concern
(Negligible Exposure) Required
suggests that monitoring is required
4.2 Biological Monitoring

Biological monitoring is used as another complement of the exposure assessment. Measuring the
concentration of chemical determinants in urine, blood or exhaled air of exposed workers provides an
indicator of substance uptake.
Refer to the PDO Specification for Medical Examination, Treatment and Facilities (SP-1230).

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5 Reporting of Health Incidents and Health Performance Indicators

Performance indicators or metrics are useful in monitoring the effectiveness of controls.
Incident Reporting & Investigation, stipulates that line Managers and all Contractors are responsible for
notifying PDO and investigating all Non-accidental deaths (NAD) and Work Related Occupational Illnesses,
which resulted or may have resulted from PDO’s activities and Contractors’ activities on behalf of PDO.
Health performance, NAD and Occupational illnesses data for company and contractor employees shall be
reported on monthly basis to the PDO Occupational Health Department (MCOH) using the form ‘Health
Performance Indicator (HPI)’ shown shown.
CONTRACTOR HEALTH PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (HPI)
For the Month of:
Location:
Name of Health Facility / Contractor:
Contract Holder:
Name of Personnel Reporting:
Date:
# No. Comments
1 The total number of health consultations (clinic visits)
2 The total number of audiometry surveys conducted
3 The total number of abnormal audiometry conducted
4 The total number of fitness to work medical conducted
5 The total number of fitness to work medical declared unfit
6 The total number of occupational illnesses
7 The total number of occupational injuries
8 The number of health education / Promotion activities
9 The number of non accidental deaths
10 The number of medivac cases

Revision: 05
6 APPENDICES
6.1 Appendix – 1. Noise limits
Occupational Noise OELs for Field (PDO criteria)
VARIABLE Noise level dB(A)
Threshold 80
Criterion level 85
Steady noise superior level 115
Impulse - impact noise superior level 140 dB(C)

Exchange Rate as 3 dB
Color Coding for Noise contours and Use of Hearing Protector
Color coding Noise levels Interpretation

Yellow 81 to 85 dB Make hearing protection available.
Mandatory use of hearing protection.
Orange 86 to 90 dB Provide sign for mandatory ‘use of hearing protector’ in
the area with noise level above 85 dB.
Mandatory use of hearing protection.
Red 91 to 100 dB
Make double hearing protection available.
Purple 101 to 110 dB Mandatory use of double hearing protection.
Mandatory use of double hearing protection.
Dark 111 dB &
Blue Above Do not enter area where continuous / steady noise level
above 115 dB & impulse noise level above 135 dB.
Reference Sound levels for Buildings
Maximum allowable
Area Description
sound level dB(A)
• Areas in workshops and machinery buildings where
communication is required
70
• Workshops for light maintenance
• Workshop offices
• Control rooms, not continuously manned
60
• Computer rooms
• Control rooms, continuously manned
• Open plan offices
50
• Social rooms, changing rooms, wash places and toilets
• Offices and conference rooms 45
• Personnel accommodation (bedrooms, private cabins, etc.) 40

Revision: 05
6.2 Appendix -2. Respiratory Protection Selection Guide
Air-Purifying Uses
Respirator
Cartridge
Vapors of crude oil, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, benzene, toluene, acetone, solvents, carbon
disulfide
Organic vapor (OV)

Cartridges should be used for a maximum exposure time of two hours; all benzene cartridges
(black label)
used for benzene must be discarded at the end of the shift.
Vapor or mists of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium bromide, sodium hypochlorite
(bleach), chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (escape only)
Acid gas (AG)

(white label)
Tasks involving combined organic vapor and acid gas exposures
OV/AG combination NOTE: Combination cartridges will not last as long as single contaminant cartridges, and
should only be used where combined hazards are present.
(yellow label)
Ammonia, monoethanolamine
Ammonia/methylamine NOTE: high concentrations of ammonia vapor can be irritating to the skin; appropriate
chemical protective clothing may be necessary for complete protection from ammonia vapor.
(green label)
Dusts; asbestos; synthetic vitreous fibers (fiberglass, refractory ceramic fiber, rock wool);
calcium silicate and foam glass insulations; solid sulfur dust; welding fume; mists of caustic
(sodium hydroxide); dust from sanding, grinding, drilling; oil mists; lime; soda ash
P100 (HEPA)
Cartridges may be used until increased breathing resistance is noticed.
(purple label)
Atmosphere-supplying All chemical hazards where exposure level is unknown, or as indicated on work permits
Respirator
Egress bottle must be used when working in IDLH or oxygen deficient atmospheres.
Self-contained Entry into unknown atmospheres for emergency response or rescue
breathing apparatus
(SCBA)
Cartridge Life Expectancy Calculator (CLEC): Iinteractive means to help determine when a specific cartridge should be replaced, based on length of use and
concentration. The following information is needed to adequately utilize a Cartridge Life Expectancy Calculator:
 Chemical Hazard
 Exposure and concentration
 Temperature
 Relative Humidity
 Atmospheric pressure
 What type of a respirator are you using
 Type of work and average breathing rate
 Breakthrough concentration preference
Below links can be used to find proper CLEC:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/respiratory/change_schedule.html
http://webapps2.msasafety.com/ResponseGuide/InternationalChemicalCalculator.aspx

Revision: 05
6.3 Appendix – 3. Control Banding in PDO
Substances with GHS Hazard Statement Airborne concentration Hazard Band

range (target)
H303 May be harmful if swallowed,

H305 May be harmful if swallowed, and enter airways Aerosols: >1 to 10 mg/m3 A
H313 May be harmful in contact with skin, Gas and Vapor: >50 to 500 ppm Irritant
H315 Causes skin irritation,
H316 Causes mild skin irritation,
H320 Causes eye irritation
H333 May be harmful if inhaled,
H335 May cause respiratory irritation,
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness,
all other hazard statements not otherwise listed and
substances not hazardous for supply
H302 Harmful if swallowed, Aerosols: >0.1 to 1 mg/m3 B

H312 Harmful in contact with skin, Gas and Vapor: >5 to 50 ppm Harmful
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H332 Harmful if inhaled,
H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing
difficulties if inhaled,
H371 May cause damage to organs
H301 Toxic if swallowed, Aerosols: >0.01 to 0.1 mg/m3 C

H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters the airways Gas and Vapor: >0.5 to 5 ppm Toxic / Corrosive
H311 Toxic in contact with skin,
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H317 May cause allergic skin reaction,
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H331 Toxic if inhaled,
H370 Causes damage to organs,
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or
repeated exposure
H300 Fatal if swallowed, Aerosols: <0.01 mg/m3 D

H330 Fatal if inhaled, Gas and Vapor: <0.5 ppm Very Toxic
H310 Fatal in contact with skin,
H351 Suspected of causing cancer,
H360F May damage fertility,
H360D May damage the unborn child,
H361f Suspected of damaging fertility,
H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child,
H362 May cause harm to breast fed children,
H370 Causes damage to organs
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or
repeated exposure
H340 May cause genetic defects Seek MCOH advise E

H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects Irreversible
H350 May cause cancer
H350i May cause cancer by inhalation
Ref: The Global Occupational Health Net, issue No. 7. Aerosols: particles, dust, mist, fumes

Revision: 05
6.4 Appendix - 4 IEQ limits
Minimum Ventilation Rates (In Breathing Zone) in Buildings

(from ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2013 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality)
Default
Area Default Combined
People Outdoor Occupant
Outdoor Air Outdoor Air Rate
Occupancy Category Air Rate Density
Rate (see Note 2)
RP (l/s*person) (see Note 1)
RA (l/s*m2) (l/s*person)
(# / 100 m2)
Office Buildings
Office space 2.5 0.3 10 5.5
Reception areas 2.5 0.3 30 3.5
Telephone/data entry 2.5 0.3 60 3
Main entry lobbies 2.5 0.3 10 5.5
Computer (not printing) 2.5 0.3 4 10
Conference/meeting 2.5 0.3 50 3.1
Storage rooms - 0.6 - -
Auditorium seating area 2.5 0.3 150 2.7
Food & Beverage
Services
Restaurant dining rooms 3.8 0.9 70 5.1
Cafeteria/fast food dining 3.8 0.9 100 4.7
Dormitories
Bedroom/living room 2.5 0.3 10 5.5
Multi-purpose assembly 2.5 0.3 120 2.8
NOTES:
1) Default Occupant Density: The default occupant density shall be used when actual occupant density is not known.
2) Default Combined Outdoor Air Rate (per person): This rate is based on the default occupant density.
Temperature / Humidity Ranges for Comfort

(from ASHRAE Standard 55 - 2010 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy)
Acceptable Operating
Conditions Relative Humidity, %
Temperatures, °C
Summer If 30%, then 24.5 °C - 28 °C

(light clothing) If 60%, then 23 °C - 25.5°C
Winter If 30%, then 20.5 °C - 25.5°C

(warm clothing) If 60%, then 20°C - 24 °C
Also refer to the PDO Specification on Design of Civil and Building Works (SP-1275).

Revision: 05
Recommended levels for Indoor Air Quality

(from: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC))
Contaminants Recommended levels
Respirable (PM2.5) – 0.015 mg/m3

Particulates
Total (PM10) – 0.05 mg/m3
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 1000 ppm (ASHRAE)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 9 ppm
Ozone 0.075 ppm
Formaldehyde 0.027 ppm
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as Total 0.5 mg/m3


SP-1231 - HSE Specification - Occupational Health

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Revision: 05

Petroleum Development Oman LLC Effective: Jan-2017

Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SPECIFICATIONS

Document Type Specification

Discipline Occupational Health

Document Owner Dr. Salim Al Sawai

Month and Year of Issue January 2017

Keywords Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene, Health hazards,

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 1

Version Month & Year Author’s Name and Scope / Remarks

1.0 18 February, Wayne Austin, CSM/32 Initial issue. Supersedes:

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 2

5.0 1st. January, Jose Petrizzo Inclusion of:

Related Business Processes & CMF Documents

Code Business Process (EPBM 4.0)

Doc. No. Document Title

Other Related CMF Document(s)

Doc. No. Document Title

SP 1194 Product Stewardship

SP 1230 Medical Examination, Treatment and Facilities

SP-1232 Public Health

SP-1233 Smoking, Drugs & Alcohol

SP-1234 Personal Protective Equipment

SP-1237 Ionising radiation

PR-1243 Medical Emergency Response

SP-1170 Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials

PR-1418 Incident Notification, Reporting & Investigation

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 3

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 4

1.2 Performance Requirements

1.4 Reports & Records

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 5

1.5 Legal Requirements

1.6 Scope and Applicability

1.7 Review and Improvement

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 6

2 Occupational Health Standards

2.1 Health Impact Assessment (HIA)

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 7

2.2 Health Risk Assessments (HRA)

The MCOH Department is Accountable for:

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 8

The Site Supervisor is Responsible for:.

2.3 Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in Projects

Project Manager shall be Accountable for the following requirements:

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 9

3.1 Physical Health Hazards

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 10

Project Team shall ensure:

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 11

2) Establish an inventory of equipment that generate either HAV or WBV.

Project Team shall ensure:

Exposure (8-hrs) HAV WBV Remark

introduce technical & organizational

Limit value 4.0 m/s2 0.5 m/s2 should not be exceeded

Refer to the latest ACGIH TLVs for Vibration limit details.

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 12

3.1.3 Heat Stress

Heat stress Monitoring

3.1.4 Hyperbaric Pressure

Printed 019/09/18 Document Title Page 13

 cardiopulmonary disorders, such as shortness of breath

Hyperbaric Pressure Limits