SAES-B-062 Editorial Revision-16 March 2023

Engineering Standard 16 March 2023
SAES-B-062
Onshore Wellsite Safety
Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee
Previous Revision: 28 October 2021 Next Revision: 12 January 2026

Contact: GHAMHS0A Page 1 of 22
© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Document Responsibility: Loss Prevention Standards Committee SAES-B-062
Issue Date: 16 March 2023
Next Revision: 12 January 2026 Onshore Wellsite Safety
Contents
SUMMARY OF CHANGES ..................................................................................................................................... 3
SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
CONFLICTS AND DEVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 6
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................ 6
TERMINOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................ 8
DETERMINATION OF RUPTURE EXPOSURE RADIUS (RER) .......................................................................... 11
POPULATION ANALYSIS PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................ 11
WELLSITE LOCATION ................................................................................................................................. 12
WELL SAFETY VALVES AND WELLSITE HARDWARE .................................................................................... 18
ABANDONED WELLS .................................................................................................................................. 20
DRILLING RIG ACCESS ROUTES ............................................................................................................... 20
EXPLORATION WELLS ............................................................................................................................ 21
DOCUMENT HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................ 21
© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 2 of 22

Summary of Changes
Paragraph Number Change Type

(Addition, Modification, Technical Change(s)
Previous Revision Current Revision Deletion)
(28 October 2021) (16 March 2023)
Reference to SAEP-301 Instructions for
Establishing and Maintaining Mandatory
3.1 3.1 Addition
Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirements, was added.
Reference to SAES-L-460 Pipeline
3.1 3.1 Addition Crossings under Roads and Railroads,
was added.
Reference to GI 6.033 Simultaneous
3.1 3.1 Addition
Operations (SIMOPS), was added.
Reference to GI 1021.000 Street and
Road Closure: Excavation,
3.1 3.1 Addition
Reinstatement and Traffic Controls, was
added.
Reference to 34-SAMSS-624 was
changed to 34-SAMSS-630 Wellhead
3.1 3.1 Modification
Emergency Shutdown Systems, due to
cancelation of 34-SAMSS-624.
- 4.1 Addition Acronyms section was added.
4 4.2 Addition Definition of Burn Pits was added
4 4.2 Addition Definition of Flare Pits was added
The definition of Choke was slightly
4 4.2 Modification modified to read as flow control instead
of pressure
The definition of kick was modified to
4 4.2 Modification
better describe the kick phenomenon
Examples of Major facilities in the table
Table 1 Table 1 Modification
were slightly altered.
The definition of Suspension Procedure
4 4.2 Modification
to include temporary suspension.
The definition of Wellhead was modified
to read as: The Xmas tree assembly,
4 4.2 Modification
comprising of connectors, valves, spools,
tubing and fittings.
Workover was split in to Re-Entry
Workover and Mechanical Workover.
4 4.2 Modification
Different requirements is defined for
each in the standard.
RER calculation requests submittal
through statement was removed since it
5.2 5.2 Deletion
is already covered by the referenced
Engineering Procedure SAEP-147.
The requirement for major facilities is
already covered under the main
paragraph under 7.1.1 and it should not
7.1.1 d - Modification
be listed under this exception section. It
was put as a commentary note at the
end of this section.


(28 October 2021) (16 March 2023)
Reference was added to GI 6.033 for
7.1.1 f 7.1.1 e Modification
SIMOPS.
Spacing for Overhead Powerlines from
wells was reduced from 200m to 100m
which provides enough clearance for
rigs. A site specific risk assessment
report should provide a clear site sketch
Table 2 and 3 Table 2 and 3 Modification with positions and distances to all
installations in the field prior to move in
and out the D&WO rigs or rig-less units.
Heat radiation from flare pits did not
exhibit any concerns for overhead
powerlines at 100m.
Main overhead powerlines and site-
related powerlines were combined into
Table 2 and 3 Table 2 and 3 Modification
one category “Overhead Powerlines” as
the required spacing is the same.
Large populated areas was added to the
last row in Table 2 along with hospitals,
Table 2 Table 2 Addition schools and similar mass gathering
facilities to require 1000m minimum
spacing from wellheads.
A note was added to clarify the spacing
for remote header burn pits. A minimum
distance of 150 m from the well shall be
maintained, where any work to be
- Table 2, Note 3 Addition conducted on the header shall be risk
assessed with the adjacent rig to
determine the risk to the rig’s personnel.
Otherwise the burn pit shall be shut-in
during drilling and workover operations.
Note 4 related to spacing from flare pits
Table 2, Note 4 - Deletion was deleted as this is covered in Table
3.
Major facilities was added to the heading
of this section to read “Additional
7.5 7.3 Addition
Measures for Populated Areas and Major
Facilities”.
This section gives the option to choose
either an additional one-hole volume of
kill-weight mud available at the drillsite
7.5.3c 7.3.3c Modification
for immediate use or enough weighting
mud chemicals at the drillsite to increase
the mud weight to the kill-weight.
Any new method intended to safely
control hydrocarbon influx will have to be
7.5.3j 7.3.3j Clarification documented, tested/validated, and
approved by the General Director of
Drilling and Workover.


(28 October 2021) (16 March 2023)
The spacing for flare pits for HP Gas
Wells was reduced from 300m to 150m
and for Overhead Powerlines from 200m
Table 3 Table 3 Modification
to 100m based on heat radiation study
considering the highest anticipated flow
from such wells.
Major electrical distribution centers was
added in Table 3 similar to that in Table
Table 3 Table 3 Addition
2 requiring minimum spacing of 450m
from well flare pits.
Large populated areas was added to the
last row in Table 3 along with hospitals,
Table 3 Table 3 Modification schools and similar mass gathering
facilities to require 1000m minimum
spacing from well flare pits.
Unconventional wells were added to
11 11 Modification Section 11 for assessment similar to the
approach for Exploration wells.
Editorial change to reflect the change of
All All Modification the Department and Division Head job
titles

Scope
1.1 This standard covers the minimum mandatory requirements for site layout, wellhead
protection, access, and flow isolation for all wells that are drilled into or through a
geological zone that contains hydrocarbons such as oil and gas production wells, water
injection wells, observation wells, abandoned wells, suspended wells, and waste
disposal wells.
1.2 This standard shall apply in the following circumstances:
1.2.1 All new wellsites

1.2.2 All new wells drilled at existing wellsites
1.2.3 Re-activation of previously suspended wells or re-drilling of existing wells such
as drilling of new laterals through hydrocarbon bearing zones not previously
produced through this wellbore or deepening of the well into new hydrocarbon
zones.
1.2.4 Existing wells located in areas that have become populated per this Standard
shall be upgraded with automated shut-in systems, vehicle crash protection,
fencing, wind socks, and other items only when a workover is required for other
remedial work.
Conflicts and Deviations

Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD
Manager.
Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.
References
All referenced specifications, standards, codes, drawings, and similar material are
considered part of this engineering standard to the extent specified, applying the latest
version, unless otherwise stated.
Saudi Aramco References
Safety Management Guide

SMG 08-001 Emergency Preparedness
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-147 Determining Rupture Exposure Radius of Onshore Oil and Gas
Wells
SAEP-301 Instructions for Establishing and Maintaining Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements
SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement

SAEP-354 High Integrity Protection Systems Design Requirements
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-B-064 Onshore and Nearshore Pipeline Safety
SAES-J-505 Combustible Gas and Hydrogen Sulfide in Air Detection Systems
SAES-L-410 Design of Pipelines
SAES-L-460 Pipeline Crossings under Roads and Railroads
SAES-M-006 Saudi Aramco General Purpose Fencing
SAES-O-202 Security Fencing Systems
Saudi Aramco General Instructions

GI-0006.033 Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)
GI-1021.000 Street and Road Closure: Excavation, Reinstatement and Traffic
Controls
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

34-SAMSS-630 Wellhead Emergency Shutdown Systems
45-SAMSS-005 Valves and Wellhead Equipment Requirements per API SPEC
6A
Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings

AA-036454 Remote Controls for Onshore Wells
AB-036685 Wellhead Guard Barrier
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ministry of Interior, High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS)
SAF-07 Onshore and Nearshore Wellsite Safety
SAF-20 Pre-incident Planning and Management of Emergencies
Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute
API RP 14B Design, Installation, Operation, Test, and Redress of Subsurface

Safety Valve Systems
API RP 49 Recommended Practice for Drilling and Well Servicing
Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide
API RP 68 Recommended Practice for Oil and Gas Well Servicing and
Workover Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide
API RP 752 Management of Hazards Associated with Location of Process
Plant Permanent Buildings

Terminology
Acronyms
AOF: Absolute Open Flow
BOP: Blow-Out Preventer
ERP: Emergency Response Plan
GOR: Gas-Oil-Ratio
LFL: Lower Flammable Limit
RER: Rupture Exposure Radius
SIMOPS: Simultaneous Operations
SSSV: Subsurface Safety Valve
SSV: Surface Safety Valve
Definitions
Absolute Open Flow (AOF): In general terms, the rate of flow that would be
produced by a well if the only back-pressure at the surface is atmospheric pressure.
Automated Ignition System: An independent automated emergency ignition system

that discharges liquid gel-fuel streams at preset intervals to sustain ignition. The gel-
fuel stream discharges from the unit create multiple ignition points to ensure quick and
continuous burning.
Burn Pit: A pit where the flared fluids enter through a horizontal tip. The fluids are
flared as they enter the pit. Usually, a burn pit is used to flare a stream containing
liquids. For the sake of this standard, those pits that are part of GOSPs, Gas Plants,
Refineries and other onshore processing facilities.
Choke: An adjustable flow control valve that is used to control backpressure on the
well. Controlling the backpressure adjusts the production or the injection rate of the
well.
Drilling Island or Pad: A wellsite for drilling one or more wells, normally used in
populated areas to minimize land usage. A drilling island or pad is an exclusive land
use area.
Flare Pit: A set of piping and constructed pit used in drilling sites to vent and burn well
associated fluids.
Gas-Oil Ratio (GOR): The ratio of volume of gas produced from a well in a barrel of
crude oil at standard conditions (14.7 psia, 15°C).
GOSP: A gas-oil separation plant (GOSP) is a processing facility where water and gas
are separated from the produced crude oil. Oil is sent to a stabilization plant and gas is
sent to a gas plant for further processing.
H2S: Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas that has a characteristic of rotten egg odor at
low concentrations. It is heavier than air, very poisonous, corrosive, flammable, and
explosive.
High Rise Building: A building comprising of four (4) stories or higher.

High Pressure Well: Wells where the shut-in wellhead pressure is expected to
exceed 20,700 kPa (3,000 psig).
Kick: Influx of formation liquids or gas into the wellbore. Without corrective measures,
this condition could result in a blowout.
Large Populated Area: For the purposes of this standard, an area is designated as a
large populated area if it encompasses more than 40 single residential units per 10,000
m2 or high rise buildings.
Low Pressure Well: Wells where the shut-in wellhead pressure is not expected to
exceed 20,700 kPa (3,000 psig).
Lower Flammable Limit (LFL): The minimum concentration of a fuel vapor in air
mixture, below this concentration level the mixture is too lean to burn; therefore,
ignition will not occur. If a vapor/air mixture is above the LFL, a fire or explosion is
likely in the presence of an ignition source. LFL is also referred to as lower explosive
limit (LEL).
Major Facility: Refineries, gas treatment, NGL plants, major gas-oil separating or
processing facilities, terminals, or any third party manufacturing facilities (see Table 1).
Table 1 - Examples of Major Facilities

Refineries Gas Treating NGL Oil Process Terminals Non-Aramco
SEC Power
Ras Tanura Berri Juaymah Abqaiq Plants Juaymah Generation
Safaniya
Jazan Uthmaniyah Yanbu Jeddah Airports
Onshore GOSP
Ras Tanura Jubail or Yanbu
Yanbu Shedgum Hawiyah Khurais CPF (North & Industrial
South) Complexes
Major govt.
Riyadh Hawiyah Shaybah Qatif CPF Yanbu installations with
large populations
Non-Associated Gas Fields: Areas that are developed for the primary purpose of
producing natural gas. The produced gas is not a by-product of crude oil production.
Occupied Building: Any building intended for human occupancy.

Commentary Note:
A building is intended for human occupancy if it is equipped to accommodate
personnel for work or residence purposes irrelevant of the occupancy duration or
frequency. Refer to API RP 752 for examples of occupied buildings.
Populated Area: For the purposes of this standard, a well is in a “populated area” if
the population density index exceeds 30 inside the 30 parts per million (ppm) H2S
Rupture Exposure Radius (RER). In addition, a wellsite is in a populated area if a

school, hospital, hotel, prison, retail complex or similar entity, whether existing or
planned, is within the 30 ppm H2S RER of that wellsite. For the purposes of this
standard, the number of buildings considered does not include the rig camp buildings
intended for onsite workers in support of the drilling or workover rig.
PWI Well: Power Water Injector Well
Residential: Living accommodations for people where people are living, eating, and
sleeping on a regular basis (e.g., hotel, motel, major gas station complex with
accommodations/restaurant/shopping, workers apartment, construction camp, private
home).
Rupture Exposure Radius (RER):

a) For toxic effects, the rupture exposure radius refers to the horizontal distance from a
leak source to specified levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration in parts per
million (ppm). Concentration thresholds to be considered are 30 ppm and 100 ppm.
b) For a flammable gas hazard, with no toxic gases in its composition, the RER refers to
the horizontal distance from a leak source to ½ the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL).
Side Track Well (re-drill using existing well): A directional wellbore that deviates
from the original wellbore at some point below the surface by setting a whipstock and
drilling through or out of the casing of the original wellbore.
Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS): Multiple (2 or more) activities that take place at

the same time, in close proximity of each other where at least one of them has the
potential to affect safety of personnel or assets of the other or adjacent activities.
Subsurface Safety Valve (SSSV): An automated valve installed below ground level in
the tubing string of an oil or gas well. The SSSV is used to shut in flow during an
abnormal condition. SSSVs, when required, shall be installed 60 m or more below
ground level per API RP 14B.
Surface Safety Valve (SSV): An automated, spring-assisted, fail-safe valve installed

on a wellhead to automatically shut in flow during an abnormal condition such as high
or low pressure of the flowline. This can be the upper master valve, a wing valve
(upstream of the choke), or a production valve (downstream of the choke).
Suspension Procedure: Wireline or workover rig procedures for securing a standing

well from production on a temporarily or long-term basis.
Wellhead: The Xmas tree assembly, comprising of connectors, valves, spools, tubing
and fittings.
Wellsite: A wellsite consists of wellhead(s), associated drilling pad, a well flare pit
area or areas, and flare pit buffer zone(s). The entire wellsite constitutes an exclusive
land use area. No other uses are permitted in this area, except as allowed by this
Standard. Size of the wellsite and distances between wellheads shall be specified by
Drilling and Workover Engineering, Drilling Operations, Production and Facilities
Development (P&FDD), and the Proponent Operating Department, on a case-by-case
basis.

Well Status: Wells that are not flowing or injecting oil, water or gas may be described
by the following terms:
a) Abandoned Well: A well that is permanently plugged completely with cement.
This well cannot be produced again.
b) Observation Well: A well drilled to monitor reservoir conditions such as bottom-
hole pressure in the reservoir.
c) Suspended Well: A well that has been shut-in on a long term basis, with the use
of placed cement plugs, with all productive zones isolated and production shut-off
on a long-term basis.
d) Standing Well: A well that is shut-in awaiting action, such as flowline tie-in or well
perforation, before it can be returned to production.
Workover: Downhole work on an existing well to maintain that well. It can be split into
two types:
a) Re-Entry Workover: Any rig, snubbing, coil tubing or wireline work on wells that
require exiting the wellbore, deepening the well or new perforations into a new
reservoir, is considered re-entry workover.
Commentary Note:
Any deepening, sidetracking or new perforation into the same already
producing reservoir will mandate the same requirements of the mechanical
workover wells if H2S RER values are the same or less than the current
values.
b) Mechanical Workover: Any rig, snubbing, coil tubing or wireline work on wells
that do not require exiting the wellbore, deepening the well or new perforations
into a new reservoir is considered mechanical workover.
Determination of Rupture Exposure Radius (RER)

Three concentric circles representing the three rupture exposure radii (RERs) - 30 ppm
hydrogen sulfide (H2S), 100 ppm hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ½ Lower Flammable Limit
(LFL) shall be plotted from the well's proposed surface location.
For wells, fields or reservoirs, the rupture exposure radius (RER) shall be obtained
from Production and Facilities Development Department and shall be calculated
utilizing Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure SAEP-147, Determining Rupture
Exposure Radius of Onshore Oil and Gas Wells. For wells, fields or reservoirs that are
not covered by SAEP-147, the RER shall be calculated by the Loss Prevention
Technical Services Department, Technical Services Unit.
Population Analysis Procedure
The population density index shall be calculated as follows:
a) To determine the existing density index for a well location, count the number of
buildings within the 30 ppm H2S rupture exposure radius of the well. The resulting
whole number is the existing density index value.

b) Buildings having an occupancy load of more than 15 people shall be included in the
population density index as a number of equivalent buildings. The number of
equivalent buildings shall be calculated by dividing the occupancy load of the
building by 15 and rounding up to a whole number.
Commentary Note:
For purposes of this standard, roads do not generate populated areas.
Wellsite Location
Wellsite Spacing
7.1.1 Wells that are drilled through a hydrocarbon bearing formation shall be located
so that no person(s) unrelated to the drilling activity, no portion of an occupied
building or manned facility is within the well's 100 ppm H2S or ½ LFL RER.
Minimum spacing shall not be less than that stated in Table 2.
Exceptions:
a) Agricultural land, without any occupied or residential buildings, may be
within the 100 ppm RER but not within the ½ LFL RER.
b) Aboveground facilities for cross-country transportation pipelines, roads,
highways and expressways, railroads, may be within the 100 ppm H2S RER
circle, but not less than the minimum spacing stated in Table 2 or the ½ LFL
RER, whichever is greater.
c) Facilities incidental to operating and producing wells such as operator
shelters, production tie-in facilities and headers, distribution headers, non-
major gas oil separation (GOSP) storage facilities, test separators, or non-
major upstream gas compression facilities are allowed, as required, within
the 100 ppm H2S RER of a well, but not within the ½ LFL RER. They shall
have a Shelter-In-Place and a written Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
that includes all well release scenarios and covers the full life cycle of the
wells. The emergency response plan shall be approved by the Proponent
Director of the affected facility(s). These facilities shall be provided with a
means to detect and alert of an H2S exposure.
d) Military posts and unmanned military installations are allowed, as required,
within the 100 ppm H2S RER of a well, but not within the ½ LFL RER.
e) If any other Saudi Aramco activity is being conducted within the 100 ppm
H2S RER during drilling/workover, while penetrating hydrocarbon zones
[e.g., construction, drilling, workover, production operations (well
intervention)], a SIMOPS study (including risk assessments) must be
conducted as described by GI 6.033 and restricted/allowed activities must
be clearly defined.
Commentary Note:
Saudi Aramco major facilities shall not be allowed within the 100 ppm H2S
RER or within the ½ LFL RER.

7.1.2 Large populated areas, hospitals, schools, and other facilities, which would be
difficult to immediately evacuate, shall be located outside the 30 ppm H2S RER
of wellsites, wells drilled on existing wellsites,
or side-track wells using an existing well location to re-drill.
7.1.3 Non-Saudi Aramco facilities are allowed within the 30 ppm H2S RER, but not
within 100 ppm H2S RER or the ½ LEL RER nor closer than the minimum
spacing stated in Table 2, provided they have been notified in writing of the
intention to drill at least one month prior to spud date, and whenever there are
major changes in the drilling activities during the life cycle of the location, and
they shall either evacuate within one hour to a safe location or shelter in place.
Table 2 – Minimum Spacing from Oil and Gas Wells (4, 5)
Spacing from the
Facility
Wellhead
Pipelines (1, 2) 60 m
Overhead powerlines 100 m
Paved Saudi Aramco or Government roadways (2) 100 m
Divided Limited-Access Expressways (2) 150 m
Railroads (2) 150 m
Major electrical distribution centers
450 m
(use only if 100 ppm H2S or ½ LFL RER is < 450 m)
Occupied buildings, major facilities
450 m
Facility burn pits and elevated flares (3) 450 m
Large populated areas, hospitals, schools and similar
mass gathering facilities (use only if 30 ppm H2S or ½ 1,000 m
LFL RER is < 1,000 m)
Notes:
(1) The existing elevated marl pad around wellhead(s) on a wellsite shall not be crossed
by a pipeline. Rig access shall not be obstructed by installation of a pipeline. In
addition, the minimum spacing does not apply to flowlines that are associated with a
multi-well wellsite.
(2) Spacing from the well to the closest edge of right-of-way, such as a fence.
(3) Burn pits for remote headers shall keep a minimum distance of 150 m from the well,
where any work to be conducted on the header shall be risk assessed with the
adjacent rig to determine the risk to the rig’s personnel. Otherwise it must be shut-in
during drilling and workover operations.
(4) Existing wells to meet the requirements of SAEP-301, Section 5.3.3, i.e., a
comprehensive review to determine continued acceptability.
(5) Spacing from single well or multi-well drillsites shall be measured from wellheads.
7.1.4 The required spacing for multi-well drillsites shall be based on the combined
wells’ RERs taking into account the wells’ drilling plan and location within the
drillsite.
7.1.5 The RER to be used for well spacing shall be based on the largest RER of all
hydrocarbon zones that are penetrated during drilling.

7.1.6 Re-Entry Workovers shall meet the same spacing criteria as drilling a new well.
7.1.7 Under no circumstances shall population be exposed to over 30 ppm H2S gas
concentration for more than one hour.
7.1.8 Gas injection wells shall use the same location criteria as producing gas wells.
Water Wells
7.2.1 Water gravity injector, power injector and supply wells that penetrate
hydrocarbon formations shall be spaced the same as hydrocarbon producing
wells.
7.2.2 Injector and supply wells that do not penetrate hydrocarbon bearing formations
shall have a basic 60 m minimum spacing requirement from plant equipment,
buildings, etc.
7.2.3 Wellsites to be evaluated for negative impacts to surrounding areas which
include environmental, accessibility, noise, dust, etc., and the need for
mitigation measures.
Additional Measures for Populated Areas and Major Facilities
7.3.1 A well is in a “populated area” if the population density index exceeds 30 within
the 30 ppm H2S rupture exposure radius of that well. Refer to Section 6 for the
Population Analysis Procedure.
7.3.2 Where wells are located near areas of potential concern, such as roads,
parking areas, or camp sites, the Area Loss Prevention Department shall
determine whether additional precautionary measures, such as subsurface
safety valves, fencing, etc., are required.
7.3.3 Wells to be drilled or wells subject to re-entry or mechanical workover that have
either a populated area or major facility inside the 30 ppm H2S RER shall
implement the following precautionary measures in addition to the normal
drilling safety program during drilling of hydrocarbon zones.
a) Rig-site H2S monitoring systems with 24-hour coverage by competent and
trained personnel.
b) Placement of remote H2S monitors in the vicinity of areas of concern such
as construction sites, residential housing, and nearby facilities to monitor
H2S levels at those locations in an emergency (see SAES-J-505).
c) An additional one-hole volume of kill-weight mud, or calculated amount of
weighting mud chemicals (sufficient to increase the mud weight to the kill-
weight) available at the drillsite for immediate use. An independent pump
shall be connected to the kill-weight mud tanks and ready for immediate
pumping into the well.
d) Properly sized and functionally tested Blow-Out Preventer (BOP) for the
required service and working pressure, with the capability of cutting the drill
pipe with appropriate shear rams.
e) Installation of an Early Warning System (EWS) to continuously monitor
flowline mud returns, to detect well kicks.

f) Installation of an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) system for multi-well sites in

the rig Foreman’s office.
g) A well control expert to regularly audit the well control equipment.
h) On-site coverage 24 hours a day by on-site foremen (minimum
2-man coverage on 12-hour shifts) with authority for immediate ignition of
the well without prior approval in the event of loss of well control. The
Foreman shall have access to and control over an adequate supply of flare
guns and cartridges. The Foreman shall be provided with training in the use
of the flare gun.
i) Installation of an automated emergency ignition system to ensure the
auto/remote ignition of the well.
Commentary Note:
For automated emergency ignition systems with stationary activation
panels, a minimum of one panel shall be installed on the exit route of
the on-site foreman.
j) To ensure the surrounding population is protected, any of the below three
methods to control hydrocarbon influx shall be considered:
1. Bull-headed back into the formation, or
2. Neutralized to eliminate the H2S prior to it exiting the flare line, or
3. Burned using a flare system that contains a back-up ignition source.
Any new method or technique intended to safely control or dispose of

hydrocarbon influx shall be tested & validated, have its design and
procedure documented in the Drilling and Workover Manual and approved
by the General Director of Drilling and Workover Operations. For each well
drilled in a populated area, the approved technique selected to handle a
sour hydrocarbon influx will be referenced in the Emergency Response Plan
for the well.
k) A wellsite Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that meets the Saudi Aramco
Safety Management Guide (SMG) for emergency preparedness and
management of incidents.
l) Mud logging facilities, with kick detection, shall be operating at the rig
through any hydrocarbon formation.
m) All drillers to have Supervisor Level Well Control Certificate.
n) Identification of relief well locations prior to spud.
o) Conduct and keep records of frequent ERP drills to ensure capability is

maintained.

p) Ensuring drilling rigs have the latest, best quality well control and safety
systems with highly competent (e.g., certified and trained) personnel.
Well Flare Pits

Well flare pits shall be subject to the same spacing from people and major facilities as
wells spacing in 7.1.1.
7.4.1 Minimum spacing shall meet Table 3.
7.4.2 Oil wells and low-pressure gas wells shall have at least one flare while being
drilled.
7.4.3 High-pressure gas well shall have two flare pits while being drilled.
7.4.4 Flare pits shall be at predominantly downwind and crosswind locations, at least
60 m from the well (150 m for high-pressure gas wells) ranging from 60 to 270
arc degrees from true North. Flare pits shall be placed to point away from
locations where there are people and facilities as much as possible.
7.4.5 If there are two flare pits, they should be a minimum of 90 degrees and a
maximum of 180 degrees from each other and pointing away from locations
where there are people and facilities as much as possible.
Table 3 - Minimum Spacing from Well Flare Pits
Spacing from Oil and
Facility
Gas Well Flare Pits
60 m (Oil & LP Gas)
New and Existing Wellheads (1)
150 m (HP Gas Well)
60 m (Oil & LP Gas)
Well Flare Pits
150 m (HP Gas Well)
Pipelines (Above Ground) 60 m
Pipelines and Powerlines (Buried) (2) 15 m
Overhead Powerlines (2) 100 m

Paved Saudi Aramco or 100 m (Oil Wells and LP Gas)
Government Roadways (3) 200 m (HP Gas Wells)
Divided Limited-Access Expressways (3) 450 m (Oil and Gas Wells)
Railroads (3) 200 m

Major electrical distribution centers
450 m
Occupied buildings, major facilities
450 m
(use only if 100 ppm H2S or ½ LFL RER <450 m)
Facility burn pits and elevated flares (4) 450 m
Large populated areas, hospitals, schools, and
similar mass gathering (use only if 30 ppm H2S or ½ 1,000 m
LFL RER < 1,000 m)
Notes:
1) The spacing requirement between a well being drilled and existing well flare pits is not

Spacing from Oil and

Facility
Gas Well Flare Pits
applicable if the existing well is shut during drilling (i.e. dual well pads).
A minimum of 60 m buffer zone shall be maintained around the outside of each flare
pit (not on the wellsite side).
The edges of the flare pits shall have a 2 m high berm (minimum elevation above flare
outlet center).
2) Buried CP powerlines, flowlines, and trunklines related to a wellsite shall have no other
spacing restrictions provided the powerlines do not interfere with rig access or future
production flare operations.
Crossing buried pipelines, cables, and/or overhead powerlines by Rig Flare Pit pipe is
allowed provided that the minimum spacing from the related flare pit is maintained.
A site specific risk assessment shall be conducted by D&WO field operations with the
involvement of all stakeholders to identify any wellsite Cathode Protection (CP) and
other site related instrumentation. The site specific risk assessment report shall
provide a clear site sketch with positions and distances to such hardware. Restrictions
and/or conditions required shall be solved prior to move in and out the D&WO rig or
rig-less unit.
3) Spacing from the closest edge of the flare pit to the edge of the right-of-way.
Any skid road located within 100m from well site flare pits shall have a traffic control
plan during flaring activities developed and activated by the concerned drilling
department and concurred by the concerned producing department. Traffic control and
blockage plans shall be in accordance with G.I. 1021.000
4) Burn pits for remote headers shall keep a minimum distance of 150 m from the well
flare pit, where any work to be conducted on the header shall be risk assessed with
the adjacent rig to determine the risk to the rig’s personnel. Otherwise it must be shut-
in during drilling and workover operations.
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

7.5.1 For areas inside the 30 ppm H2S RER of a wellsite, proponents of facilities,
communities, contractor camps, construction sites, and other situations where
people may be affected shall have an emergency response plan as described
by SMG 08-001 for Emergency Preparedness, also see API RP 49, API RP 68,
SAF-07, and SAF-20.
7.5.2 ERP is to include a requirement and provisions to prevent exposure to
populations to over 30 ppm H2S gas for more than one hour.
Site-Specific and Regional Integrated Emergency Response Plans (IERPs)

7.6.1 At the beginning and throughout the lifecycle of a wellsite, the producing area
proponent shall develop and maintain an Integrated Emergency Response Plan
(IERP). The proponent shall be responsible for communicating to the proper
authorities within the 30 ppm H2S RER for site-specific and regional integrated
activities and ensuring that there is an effective notification plan in place where
people may be located within the 30 ppm H2S RER of the wellsite.
7.6.2 Organizations doing specific activities on a wellsite (e.g., drilling, workover,
stimulation, wireline, or producing related activities such as well clean up,
coil-tubing work, etc.) shall develop their own site-specific and activity-specific
emergency response plan.

Well Safety Valves and Wellsite Hardware
Hydrocarbon Producing and/or Hydrocarbon Injection Wells - General

Requirements
8.1.1 All well installations shall be in accordance with the required Saudi Aramco
specifications. Refer to 45-SAMSS-005 for the minimum requirements for oil
and gas production trees, wellheads, valves and miscellaneous equipment
relating to the wellhead, and to 34-SAMSS-630 for wellhead emergency
shutdown systems.
8.1.2 Naturally flowing hydrocarbon wells shall be completed in a manner that
permits flow only through a tubing string equipped with a downhole packer or
polished bore receptacle.
8.1.3 Requirements for wellhead piping, flowlines, trunklines, and testlines are
covered in SAES-L-410.
8.1.4 All wells shall have a manual lower master valve.
8.1.5 At the discretion of the Proponent Operating Department, oil wells may be
equipped with manual remote operators attached to the master valve and/or
wing valve. If manual remote operators are installed on oil wells, they shall be
in accordance with Standard Drawing AA-036454.
8.1.6 Any lockout device used to temporarily hold a surface safety valve (SSV) in the
open position by restricting movement of the valve stem shall be constructed of
fusible materials with a melting point 30°C above the higher of the flowing
wellhead or maximum design ambient temperature. Any lockout device usage
shall be recorded and controlled to avoid leaving it in place unnecessarily.
Safety Valves for HP Gas Producing Wells
8.2.1 All high-pressure gas production wells shall have at least two spring-assisted
failsafe surface safety valves (SSVs). When High Integrity Protection Systems
(HIPS) are used in combination with flare/relief systems to protect downstream
flowlines from overpressure risk, the HIPS shall be deployed as a fully
independent safety layer per
SAEP-354.
8.2.2 At the discretion of the Proponent Operating Department, addition of other
automated valves, such as Subsurface Safety Valves (SSSVs), should be
installed as requested.
8.2.3 High Pressure gas wells in populated areas shall have a SSSV installed and
operational.
8.2.4 The two SSVs and the SSSV, if applicable, shall be triggered when an
abnormally high or low pressure is sensed in the piping to the well. Fusible
devices, with a set point 30°C above either the flowing wellhead or the
maximum design ambient temperature, whichever is highest, shall be installed
on the wellhead to close the safety valves.
Safety Valves on Oil Wells and Low Pressure Gas Wells
8.3.1 Where an oil well or low pressure gas well is in a populated area or where the
associated flowline has Location Class 3 or 4 populations (as specified in

Tables 1 and 2 of SAES-B-064), the well shall be provided with an SSV and
SSSV. Refer to Table 4 for a summary of well safety valve requirements.
Commentary Note:
Values for pipeline associated RERs are found in SAES-B-064, Tables 2
and 3. Location Class 3 is where the pipeline RER includes areas with a
population density index (PDI) greater than 30. Location Class 4 is where
the pipeline RER includes 4-story or greater buildings, schools, hospitals,
hotels, prisons, shopping malls, or similar retail complexes.
8.3.2 For all existing oil wells and low pressure gas wells in populated areas or where
areas become populated due to growth of communities, those wells shall
remain active, but shall require installation of a SSV and SSSV. The upgrade
shall be done only when other needs justify the use of a rig on the well.
8.3.3 The upper wellhead master valve shall be a spring-assisted fail-safe surface
safety valve (SSV), triggered when an abnormally high or low pressure is
sensed.
8.3.4 A subsurface safety valve (SSSV), per API RP 14B specification, shall be
installed more than 60 m below ground level in oil wells. The SSSV shall be
triggered when an abnormally high or low pressure is sensed.
8.3.5 A fusible device with a melting point 30°C above the higher of the flowing
wellhead temperature or maximum design ambient temperature shall be
installed on the wellhead to trigger the SSV and SSSV systems.
Table 4 - Well Safety Valves
Additional Drilling Automated Automated
Precautions SSV SSSV
Oil/LP Gas Well –
Unpopulated Area No No (a) No (a)
(a)
Oil/LP Gas Well –

Yes Yes Yes
Populated Area
HP Gas Well –
No Yes, 2 SSVs (b)
Unpopulated Area
HP Gas Well –
Yes Yes 2 SSV Yes
Populated Area
PWI Well –
No No No
Unpopulated Area
PWI Well –
Yes No No
Populated Area (c)
Notes:
a) Even if the well is not in a populated area, if the flowline passes through a populated
area per 8.3.1, an SSV and SSSV shall be required.
b) Addition of other automated valves, such as subsurface safety valves, shall be
installed where required by the Proponent Operating Department per 8.2.2.
c) Only applicable if PWI penetrates or is relatively near potentially bearing hydrocarbon
zones.

Hydrocarbon Injection Wells

Hydrocarbon injection well flowlines shall each be provided with a check valve in the
wellhead piping.
Observation Wells
Wells shall be equipped with the relevant safety devices equivalent in function to those
that would be required for a producing well unless suspended with a subsurface plug or
other acceptable method.
Suspended Wells
Wells shall be suspended in accordance with D&WO engineering requirements.
Suspension procedures for wells shall be documented by D&WO Operations and shall
be available for review.
Vehicular Crash Protection and Fencing

8.7.1 All wellheads shall be protected with a guard barrier per Saudi Aramco
Standard Drawing AB-036685.
8.7.2 Wellsites and associated flare pits in populated areas shall be enclosed by a
fence meeting the specifications of SAES-M-006 (Type III) and SAES-O-202.
The fence shall have four lockable vehicle gates, one in each quadrant locked
at all times. Keys shall be kept with the Proponent Operating Department. Two
gates shall be a minimum of 18 m wide rig-access gates. The locations of
these rig-access gates shall permit access to all wells on the wellsite from
either gate.
Wind Sock
A wind sock pole and a wind sock (e.g., SAP Material Number 1000132744) are to be
permanently installed at each hydrocarbon production or injection wellsite in populated
areas.
Abandoned Wells
The following requirements apply to a wellsite only if all its wells have been permanently
plugged and if it is located in a populated area:
a) The perimeter of the drilling pad shall be provided with a fence (SAES-M-006, Type
III) if there is no existing fence.
b) The fence shall have one lockable vehicle gate 10 m wide.
c) One access route 10 m wide shall be maintained to the wellsite gate.
Drilling Rig Access Routes

Two land based access routes shall be available to each wellsite. These shall meet
the following requirements:

a) Each access route shall be 18 m wide, terminating at a rig access gate.
b) Vertical clearance over the access routes shall be 14 m minimum.
c) An access route shall not include grades or transverse slopes of more than 5%.
d) No obstruction is allowed on an access route. Access route crossings of buried

pipelines shall be in accordance with SAES-L-460.
e) The minimum radius of curvature of access routes shall be 70 m. The center point
of all access route curves shall be outside the wellsite served.
f) One of the access routes shall have within it a prepared roadway consisting of a
compacted marl surface 0.3 m thick and 9.0 m wide with 2.5 m wide shoulders,
giving a total clear road width of 14 m.
g) The two routes shall have a separation between 90 to 270 arc degrees from each
other. The routes should maintain this separation throughout the ½ LFL RER.
h) In situations where a second land-based route per point (g) above is not feasible
(e.g., the wellsite is near a body of water, in wetlands, located on a peninsula, or on
a causeway-connected drilling island), an alternative second method of emergency
egress shall be planned for all personnel that are at the site, including all drilling
personnel, non-drilling personnel, and visitors. Pre-incident planning shall also
include alternative means for accessing the rig site for search and rescue,
firefighting, well control, and other anticipated emergency response needs. The
alternatives shall be approved by the Director, Drilling Operations.
Exploration Wells
Exploration wells (including Unconventional Exploration wells) targeting unknown or
non-developed reservoirs that meets the following criteria shall be assessed by the
Area Loss Prevention Department against the requirements of this standard:
a) Wells having an occupied building within 10 km radius; or
b) Wells expected to intersect any hydrocarbon-bearing zones containing over 10%

H2S.
Document History
16 March 2023 Editorial change to reflect the change of the Department and Division Head job
titles
28 October 2021 Editorial revision to refelct the correct organization name.
12 January 2021 Major revision referencing SAEP-301 for existing facilities, differentiating
between workovers and mechanical workovers, and modifying Tables 2 and 3
for revised spacing per the radiation calculation for well’s related flare pits.
Unconventional wells were added to Section 11 for assessment similar to the
approach for Exploration wells. Other modifications were implemented for
editorial and clarification purposes.
26 December 2017 Major revision to align with the updated requirements of SAF-07 which included:
new definitions of Occupied Buildings, Populated Areas, and Large Populated

Area, and; aligned RER calculation responsibilities; allowance of operator

shelters, military posts, and unmanned military installations within 30 ppm H2S;
removed residential areas and town plans from Table 2; and modified Table 2
and Table 3 for consistency with paragraph 7.1.2; introduction of Population
Analysis Procedure. Other modifications were implemented for editorial and
clarification purposes.
20 August 2015 Editorial revision to clarify scope requirements and to provide the accurate
reference for the RER SAEP document.
11 March 2015 Major revision.

SAES-B-062 Editorial Revision-16 March 2023

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SAES-B-062 Editorial Revision-16 March 2023

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Engineering Standard 16 March 2023

Previous Revision: 28 October 2021 Next Revision: 12 January 2026

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

CONFLICTS AND DEVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 6

DETERMINATION OF RUPTURE EXPOSURE RADIUS (RER) .......................................................................... 11

POPULATION ANALYSIS PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................ 11

WELLSITE LOCATION ................................................................................................................................. 12

WELL SAFETY VALVES AND WELLSITE HARDWARE .................................................................................... 18

ABANDONED WELLS .................................................................................................................................. 20

DRILLING RIG ACCESS ROUTES ............................................................................................................... 20

EXPLORATION WELLS ............................................................................................................................ 21

DOCUMENT HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................ 21

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 2 of 22

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Paragraph Number Change Type

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Paragraph Number Change Type

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Paragraph Number Change Type

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 5 of 22

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

1.2 This standard shall apply in the following circumstances:

1.2.1 All new wellsites

Conflicts and Deviations

Saudi Aramco References

Safety Management Guide

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 6 of 22

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SAEP-354 High Integrity Protection Systems Design Requirements

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco General Instructions

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Industry Codes and Standards

API RP 14B Design, Installation, Operation, Test, and Redress of Subsurface

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 7 of 22

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Automated Ignition System: An independent automated emergency ignition system

High Rise Building: A building comprising of four (4) stories or higher.

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Table 1 - Examples of Major Facilities

Occupied Building: Any building intended for human occupancy.

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

PWI Well: Power Water Injector Well

Rupture Exposure Radius (RER):

Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS): Multiple (2 or more) activities that take place at

Surface Safety Valve (SSV): An automated, spring-assisted, fail-safe valve installed

Suspension Procedure: Wireline or workover rig procedures for securing a standing

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 10 of 22

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Determination of Rupture Exposure Radius (RER)

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 12 of 22

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use