SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) GI NUMBER Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. LOSS PREVENTION 12/19/2021 08/26/2020
APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 1 OF 8

CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE
2.0 SCOPE
3.0 DEFINITIONS
4.0 REFERENCES
5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
6.0 REQUIREMENTS
7.0 DECISION TREE
* 8.0 APPROVAL

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this General Instruction (GI) is to provide requirements for developing and implementing
Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) plans. SIMOPS plans are used to protect all personnel and company assets.
The risks associated with SIMOPS shall be managed with effective planning through the following steps:
• Changing schedules, if possible, to eliminate the need for SIMOPS.
• Limiting the number of simultaneous activities.
• Identifying preventive measures to be implemented prior to starting SIMOPS activities.
• Implementing effective communication rules among SIMOPS organizations.

Safe SIMOPS requires that all activities are identified, assessed, properly planned, communicated, authorized
and executed according to the SIMOPS plan. SIMOPS should only be undertaken if the associated risks are
appropriately mitigated and reduced to tolerable levels.

Note: This GI provides the minimum requirements for SIMOPS activities. For a detailed explanation inclusive
of examples, refer to SMG 06-007, Simultaneous Operations.

2.0 SCOPE

This GI applies to all Saudi Aramco (SA) facilities; onshore, offshore, project sites and project support facilities
covered under land use permits, where simultaneous activities may occur. Examples of where SIMOPS may take
place include; construction within an existing facility, during commissioning activities, upgrades, start up,
expansion projects, major plant shut downs, turnarounds, drilling, workover, pipeline work, laydown yards,
workshops, seismic work, subsea and well intervention work, etc.

Note: Section 7.0 contains a decision tree to assist with determining the need for SIMOPS.

3.0 DEFINITIONS

3.1 GOSP: Gas-Oil Separation Plant.

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GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

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APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 2 OF 8

3.2 Lower Flammable Limit (LFL): The lower vapor concentration boundary for a specific compound, or
material of interest, at which the vapor-air mixture will propagate a flame (i.e., explode) if ignited. When
testing for combustible gas using gas monitoring instruments, the amount of combustible gas present is
specified in terms of % LFL: 0% LFL being a combustible gas-free atmosphere and 100% LFL being an
atmosphere in which the gas is at its lower flammable limit.

3.3 Qualitative Risk Assessment: A method of hazard analysis using descriptive scales or ranking schemes
(e.g., high/medium/low) to define the magnitude of potential consequences and the probability that those
consequences may occur. Qualitative analysis is generally used for an initial screening to identify risks that
require more detailed analyses. It can also be used where the level of risk does not justify, or where
numerical data is insufficient, for a quantitative analysis.

3.4 Readiness Review: This review involves key representatives from relevant parties to ensure that all
SIMOPS hazards have been identified and appropriately mitigated prior to beginning work.

3.5 Rupture Exposure Radius (RER): 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 for a well. For a
flammable gas hazard, with no toxic gases in its composition, the RER refers to the horizontal distance
from a leak source to half the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL).

3.6 Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS): The activities of two or more work groups working near each
other where the actions of one work group may affect the safety of the adjacent work group personnel,
company assets or an adjacent operating facility.

3.7 SIMOPS Coordinator: The single point of contact for all SIMOPS activities to be conducted. This
position is not needed for all SIMOPS projects but is required for major project work with a high number
of SIMOPS activities or high-risk activities such as, but not limited to: total plant shutdown or up-grade,
onshore well work, offshore well work, hook up and commissioning of major projects with other nearby
activities such as laying pipelines or flowlines and drilling/workover with two or more rigs on the same
drill site/well pad. See section 5.6 for more details.

3.8 SIMOPS Matrix: This document encompasses all activities to be executed by various organizations,
work groups and contractors. It provides recommendations for the elimination and mitigation of workplace
hazards and control measures required to undertake simultaneous activities.

3.9 SIMOPS Plan: This plan clarifies the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the work. It
establishes which operations take priority over others, and who has the overall decision-making authority.
It also establishes emergency response protocols, the work permit process, daily communication
requirements, highlights the hazards along with the appropriate elimination, mitigations and control
measures to be used.

3.10 SIMOPS Team: Personnel assigned by management to assess possible SIMOPS activities, develop the
risk assessment for these activities, and the SIMOPS plan.

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GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. LOSS PREVENTION 12/19/2021 08/26/2020
APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 3 OF 8

4.0 REFERENCES
GI 2.100, Work Permit System
GI 6.012, Isolation, Lockout and Use of Hold Tags
SAES-B-062, Onshore Wellsite Safety
SMG 02-002, Qualitative Risk Assessment
SMG 06-007, Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)
SMG 08-001, Emergency Preparedness

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Saudi Aramco Asset Owner/Management:

5.1.1 Accountable for development, approval and execution of SIMOPS activities in their facilities.
5.1.2 Assigns a SIMOPS Coordinator and the SIMOPS team with adequate skills and experience
necessary for developing the SIMOPS plan and associated documents.
5.1.3 Provides appropriate and adequate resources for SIMOPS development.
5.1.4 Clearly defines who the SIMOPS Coordinator reports to, along with the boundaries and areas
under his/her responsibility.
5.1.5 Establishes a process to perform SIMOPS, in accordance with the requirements of this GI and
SMG 06-007, Simultaneous Operations.
5.1.6 Ensures that an integrated site-specific emergency response plan is in place, in accordance with
SMG 08-001, Emergency Preparedness. This plan must be in place prior to the start of work.
5.1.7 Ensures that hazard/risk assessments are conducted with all affected parties and acceptable risk
control measures are established.
5.1.8 Ensures all conflicts, changes and emergencies are clearly communicated with all parties involved
in SIMOPS activities.
5.1.9 Ensures the key personnel involved in SIMOPS activities are fully trained and clearly understand
the application of the SIMOPS plan.
5.1.10 Ensures frequent audits are conducted to determine effectiveness and completeness of the
SIMOPS plan implementation.
5.1.11 Approves the SIMOPS plan after a readiness review is carried out and before the start of high risk
SIMOPS activities. These activities are driven from the risk assessment.
5.1.12 Ensures a safe handover of facilities once SIMOPS activities are complete.
5.1.13 Ensures that the SIMOPS Matrix and Plan is specific to the proposed operations, and not a generic
plan.

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GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. LOSS PREVENTION 12/19/2021 08/26/2020
APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 4 OF 8

5.2 Saudi Aramco Supervisor:

5.2.1 Coordinates with management and contractors on SIMOPS activities (i.e. attends all meetings,
participates and reviews hazard identification, risk assessment results and confirms that risk
reduction and control measures are suitable).
5.2.2 Ensures that the implementation and requirements of the SIMOPS plan are adhered to by all
personnel.
5.2.3 Conducts regular inspections and tours to maintain compliance with SIMOPS requirements and
inform management of any issue that has the potential to compromise SIMOPS.
5.2.4 Documents a complete and safe handover of the facilities, or activities, following SIMOPS
activities completion.

5.3 SIMOPS Coordinator:

If a SIMOPS Coordinator is assigned, he/she will have the following responsibilities:
5.3.1 Be the single point of contact for all work and final review of permits issued for SIMOPS work.
5.3.2 Ensures that the simultaneous activities/work are allowed and that all requirements stipulated in
the SIMOPS Matrix are met prior to the execution of work.
5.3.3 Works with all organizations to resolve conflicts and facilitate the ongoing work.
5.3.4 Ensures optimization of the schedule to provide the best possible chance of meeting deadlines and
target dates.
5.3.5 Provides regular updates to management concerning the progress of the project, and any
unplanned delays or events. The schedule of updates should be determined by the project manager.
5.3.6 Coordinates and communicates with other areas, projects, contractors and sub-contractors to
evaluate and help resolve potential SIMOPS conflicts, and communicate all agreed changes to the
SIMOPS matrix with all affected parties prior to starting work.
5.3.7 Participates in reviews of the SIMOPS plan implementation, and ensure that agreed upon controls
are in place.

5.4 Project Management Team (PMT):

5.4.1 Communicates with all parties involved in SIMOPS to understand, recognize, evaluate and resolve
potential SIMOPS conflicts.
5.4.2 Ensures compliance with the agreed coordination schedule/sequence of work and safe
management of simultaneous activities.
5.4.3 Conducts/participates in SIMOPS risk assessments, inspections and monitoring.
5.4.4 Ensures that any required SIMOPS plans and matrices are part of the deliverables for expansion
projects and/or new projects adjacent to existing facilities.

5.5 Contractor Management:

5.5.1 Participates in SIMOPS risk assessment, analysis, elimination and mitigation development, as
requested.

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) GI NUMBER Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. LOSS PREVENTION 12/19/2021 08/26/2020
APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 5 OF 8

5.5.2 Communicates, through the SIMOPS Coordinator, all actual and potential hazards and proposed
mitigation measures to the proponent and/or PMT.
5.5.3 Provides clear and effective communication and instruction to employees and sub-contractors,
including readiness review meetings and safety talks concerning:
• The SIMOPS plan
• Emergency response plans and procedures
5.5.4 Maintains direct control over the work and ensures contractors and subcontractors compliance
with the SIMOPS plan and this GI requirements.

* 5.6 Area Loss Prevention Department (ALPD):

5.6.1 Provides consultation on developing and reviewing the SIMOPS plan, as requested by proponent
organizations.
5.6.2 Participates in SIMOPS risk assessment, analysis and mitigation development, as requested by
proponent organization.

** 5.7 Loss Prevention Technical Services Department (LPTSD):

5.7.1 Conducts dispersion model calculations when required in order to determine possible SIMOPS
boundaries, as defined in the risk assessment.
5.7.2 Supports and participates in the Qualitative Risk Analysis, as requested by the proponent
organization.

6.0 REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Once a SIMOPS conflict or potential conflict has been identified, a meeting with all stakeholders shall be
held to discuss possible schedule changes to eliminate the need for SIMOPS.
6.2 If SIMOPS activities cannot be avoided, a team shall be assembled to assess the risks and develop the
SIMOPS plans.
6.3 The SIMOPS team shall consist of experienced personnel covering the various fields of work expected to
be used during the SIMOPS activities.
6.4 SIMOPS training shall be conducted for all people participating (or expected to participate) in the planning
of the SIMOPS. This training is available through Loss Prevention.
6.5 The team shall conduct a risk assessment, develop a SIMOPS plan, SIMOPS matrix and determine the
SIMOPS activity boundaries.
6.6 SIMOPS coordinator shall be assigned to coordinate all SIMOPS-related activities, if determined to be
necessary.
6.7 Prior to beginning SIMOPS activities, the leadership of all organizations participating in the SIMOPs
activities, shall attend a training session that explains the developed plan and associated matrix.
Individuals to be trained should include permit issuers, receivers, supervisors and those that have the
ability to control the work.
6.8 All agreed upon mitigation measures shall be in place prior to starting work.
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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) GI NUMBER Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. LOSS PREVENTION 12/19/2021 08/26/2020
APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 6 OF 8

6.9 An integrated site-specific Emergency Response Plan (ERP) shall be developed for all parties involved in
SIMOPS activities. All personnel shall be trained on their respective responsibilities, as outlined in the
integrated ERP.
6.10 The integrated ERP must be discussed with all parties involved in SIMOPS prior to starting work. This
shall occur at least once per quarter while the work is ongoing, and immediately following any changes to
the ERP.
6.11 Conduct all work according to the SIMOPS plan and matrix.
6.12 Any deviation from the agreed upon SIMOPS plan shall follow the MOC process and be fully
communicated to all affected parties.
6.13 Daily pre-work coordination meetings shall be held to ensure the day’s work is allowed, as per the
approved plan and matrix.
6.14 Once SIMOPS work is complete, the asset management must confirm that all work has been completed
satisfactorily and accept handover of the asset from the work groups. This process must be formally
documented.
6.15 Any SIMOPS-related incidents must be reported, recorded and investigated, as stipulated in the
appropriate Saudi Aramco General Instructions.
6.16 All SIMOPS-related documents shall be held by the asset owner for a period of not less than three years
for auditing purposes.

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) GI NUMBER Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. LOSS PREVENTION 12/19/2021 08/26/2020
APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 7 OF 8

7.0 DECISION TREE

SIMOPS Determination of
Planned Work

Are there adjacent

operations that could NO
STOP, there are no SIMOPS
adversely affect the
intended work?

YES

You may stop if the work can

Are the activities of all work
groups controlled by a single
permit issuer, supervisor,
department or asset
owner?
be controlled by a single
YES person through schedule.
You may continue if you wish
to create SIMOPS plans to
optimize work.

NO

You must create SIMOPS plans by

adhering to this GI.

You can refer to SMG 06-007,

Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS).

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Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) GI NUMBER Approved

GENERAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL 0006.033

ISSUE DATE REPLACES
ISSUING ORG. LOSS PREVENTION 12/19/2021 08/26/2020
APPROVAL PAGE NO.
SUBJECT SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS (SIMOPS) GGA 8 OF 8

* 8.0 APPROVAL

RECOMMENDED: ___________________________________ DATE: __________________

Waleed K. Al Abdulhadi, MANAGER
LP Technical Services Department
Loss Prevention

APPROVED: ___________________________________ DATE: __________________

Ghassan G. Abulfaraj, CHIEF LP ENGINEER
Loss Prevention

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