PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS

PTS 18.1701

JULY 2013

© 2013 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means
(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright owner. PETRONAS Technical
Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users only.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 3 of 25

FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplemented by national and international
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice
across the PETRONAS group.

Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.

Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.

PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording
or otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior
written consent of PETRONAS.

The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information
to PETRONAS that this requirement is met.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 4 of 25

ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that the entire PTS inventory is currently undergoing transformation exercise
from 2013 - 2015 which includes revision to numbering system, format and content. As part of this
change, the PTS numbering system has been revised to 6-digit numbers and drawings, forms and
requisition to 7-digit numbers. All newly revised PTS will adopt this new numbering system, and
where required make reference to other PTS in its revised numbering to ensure consistency. Users
are requested to refer to PTS 00.01.01 (PTS Index) for mapping between old and revised PTS
numbers for clarity. For further inquiries, contact PTS administrator at
ptshelpdesk@petronas.com.my
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 5 of 25

Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 6

1.1 SCOPE.............................................................................................................................. 6

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................................................................................................... 6

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES .................................................................................................. 6

2.0 OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................... 7

2.1 HAZE ............................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 SOURCE ........................................................................................................................... 7

2.3 AIR POLLUTION INDEX (API) ............................................................................................. 7

3.0 HEALTH EFFECTS OF HAZE ................................................................................................ 8

4.0 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................................................. 11

4.1 PLANT OPERATIONS ....................................................................................................... 11

4.2 ROAD SAFETY ................................................................................................................ 11

4.3 SAFETY AT SEA AND/OR INLAND WATERWAYS ............................................................... 11

4.4 SAFETY IN PORTS AND TERMINALS ................................................................................. 11

4.5 AVIATION SAFETY .......................................................................................................... 12

4.6 COMPANY ORGANISED OUTDOOR EVENT/ACTIVITIES ..................................................... 12

5.0 MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY THE WORKPLACE ................................................................ 13

6.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DURING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS ................................. 15

7.0 PETRONAS ACTION PLAN/COUNTER MEASURES DURING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS ...... 16

8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................... 23

APPENDIX 1 - FORM: REPORTING HAZE HAZARD SITUATION AND RELATED INCIDENT AT OPUs ... 23

APPENDIX 1(a) – SAMPLE: REPORTING HAZE HAZARD SITUATION AND RELATED INCIDENT AT OPUs
...................................................................................................................................... 23
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 6 of 25

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This PTS was initiated to outline PETRONAS plan in dealing with any haze hazard situation

1.1 SCOPE

The scope of this document covers the roles and responsibilities, precautions to be observed
and actions/counter measures to be taken during haze hazard situations. It also describes
PETRONAS reporting requirements.

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Haze Hazard Situation includes situations when the Air Pollution Index (API) reaches above
the 100 mark level. It includes the Unhealthy (API 101-200), Very Unhealthy (API 201-300),
Hazardous (API 301-500) and Emergency (API above 500) status

Facility is an operation unit consisting of buildings, containers or equipment which contains

a process e.g. complex or cluster of offshore platforms serviced from the same hub, gas
processing plant, refinery, distribution terminal, pipelines, exploration, depots, warehouses,
workshops etc.

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This PTS 18.1701 (July 2013) replaces PTS 60.1501.04 (August, 2007) with the following
changes:

i. Change of title of PTS to “Managing Haze Hazard Situations PTS 18.1701 (June 2013)
ii. New format and numbering for PTS as required
iii. Enhancement of :
a. Section 3.0 Health Effects of Haze
b. Section 3.1 API status indicators and corresponding health effects and
precautionary health measures
c. Section 4.0 Safety Considerations
iv. Addition of new section :
a. Section 5.0 Measures to be taken by the workplace
b. Section 6.0 Roles and Responsibilities During Haze Hazard Situations
v. Revision of Section 7.0 PETRONAS Action Plans/Counter Measures During Haze
Hazard Situations, to meet current Government practices and directives
vi. Appendix 1 – Change in title “Form for reporting Haze Hazard Situation and Related
Incidents in OPUs”
vii. Appendix 1(a) – Sample: “Form for reporting Haze Hazard Situation and Related
Incidents in OPUs” is new
viii. Appendix 2 – Usage Of Personal Protection During Haze is new
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 7 of 25

2.0 OVERVIEW

2.1 HAZE

Haze is an atmospheric phenomenon where dust, smoke and other pollutant particles
obscure the normal clarity of the sky. It occurs when dust and smoke particles accumulate in
relatively dry air. When weather conditions block the dispersal of smoke and other
pollutants, they concentrate and form a usually low-hanging shroud that impairs visibility
and may become a respiratory health threat.

During haze, employees will be exposed to higher levels of occupational safety and health
(OSH) risk due to poor visibility and/or ill effects of haze. Employer should conduct proper
risk assessment and implement appropriate measures, so as to ensure that risks identified
are minimized or mitigated.

2.2 SOURCE

The air pollutants of haze come from:

i. Open burning of rubbish and agricultural wastes and forest fires;
ii. Smoke from factories and coal-fired power generators;
iii. Exhaust fumes from motor vehicles;
iv. Industrial and construction activities

2.3 AIR POLLUTION INDEX (API)

The Air Pollution Index (API) is a measure of environmental air quality and it indicates in a
simplified manner, the health impacts of different levels of air pollutants.

The API relates the degree of health effects to a uniform numerical scale that is based on five
major air pollutants, namely the Suspended Particulate Matters (PM10), Carbon Monoxide
(CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).

PETRONAS facilities should monitor the latest developments in air quality through the mass
media (newspapers, TV, radio and internet), and reports from the Department of
Environment, in the affected country to know the current level of haze in their areas so that
they can take preventive measures.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 8 of 25

3.0 HEALTH EFFECTS OF HAZE

Exposure to haze may cause a variety of adverse health effects. The small particles that
cause haze are composed of microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they
can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. When inhaled, they can
enter the bloodstream and get absorbed by underlying tissue, potentially interacting with
other compounds and substances in the body, for example ‘bad’ cholesterol, to produce
damaging effects such as inflammation.

Short-term adverse effects of exposure to haze:

i. Eye irritation, watering eyes, and/or conjunctivitis (a type of eye inflammation);
ii. Running nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and/or post-nasal drip;
iii. Throat irritation, dry throat, sore throat and/or coughing, phlegm;
iv. Headache, dizziness, fatigue and/or stress;
v. Decreased lung function, depressed respiratory immune defenses, chest tightness;
vi. chest pain, shortness of breath, bronchitis (lung inflammation)
These symptoms are usually mild and will subside if exposure to haze is limited by staying
indoors. However, in susceptible individuals (e.g. diabetics, elderly) and those suffering from
chronic disease, especially respiratory and heart disease (e.g. coronary artery disease,
asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), their condition may be worsened by
haze and are more likely to experience more severe haze-related effects than healthy
people.

Long-term effects of exposure to haze

A large number of particles in a haze are below 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Therefore
these ultra small particles stay in the air longer and are easily carried over long distances,
increasing their chances of being inhaled by animals and humans.

The long-term risks associated with exposure to fine particles:

i. Faster rate of thickening of the arteries compared to others, promoting the
development of vascular diseases;
ii. Increases the risk of death by cardiovascular disease and reduces life expectancy by
several months to a few years;
iii. May contribute to the development of diabetes;
iv. Spontaneous abortion, under-weight infants, birth defects and infant death
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 9 of 25

3.1 API STATUS INDICATORS AND CORRESPONDING HEALTH EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONARY
HEALTH MEASURES

API Status Level of Pollution and Precautionary Health Measure

Health Effects

0-50 Good Low, no ill effects on  No restriction of activities for all

health. groups.
 Public are advised to practice good
personal hygiene.

51-100 Moderate Moderate pollution,  No restriction of activities for all

little or has no ill groups.
effects on health of  Public are advised to practice good
general population. personal hygiene.

101-200 Unhealthy Pollution level can  Restriction of outdoor activities for

affect the health high risk group.
status of the high risk  High risk group are advised to use N95
group e.g. those with Disposable Particulate Respirator
heart or lung disease. when outdoors.
Healthy population  General population should reduce
may suffer symptoms vigorous outdoor activity.
of irritation.

201-300 Very Unhealthy High pollution level  General population should reduce
that can affect the vigorous outdoor activity
health status of the  Public and high risk group are advised
healthy population to use N95 Disposable Particulate
and can worsen the Respirator when outdoors
health condition of  High risk group should should stay
the high risk group. indoors and reduce physical activity
 Those with health problems are
advised to consult a doctor
 Public are advised to drink more water
 Public are advised to frequently wash
their face and exposed body parts
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 10 of 25

API Status Level of Pollution and Precautionary Health Measure

Health Effects

301-400 Hazardous Very high pollution  High risk group should should stay
level that can affect indoors and reduce physical activity
the health status of  Public are advised to stay indoor as
the healthy much as possible.
population.  Public and high risk group are advised
to use N95 Disposable Particulate
Respirator when outdoors
 Public are advised to drink more water
 Public are advised to frequently wash
their face and exposed body parts

401-500 Hazardous Very high pollution  Actions are the same as

level that can affect recommended for API 301-400
the health status of
the healthy
population. Adverse
symptoms may affect
normal activity. May
be life threathening to
ill and elderly persons.

Above 500 Emergency Extremely high  Actions are the same as

pollution level that recommended for API 301-400
can severely affect  Public are requested to follow
the health status. Country’s National Security Council or
National Committee on Disaster
Management instruction/directive
and closely monitor for any new
developments through the mass
media

Table 3.1: API status indicators and corresponding health effects and precautionary health measures
(Source: Ministry of Health and Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Malaysia)
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 11 of 25

4.0 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Management of haze hazard situations at specific sites/operations is as follows:

4.1 PLANT OPERATIONS

The pollutants in haze can adversely affect performance of process equipment e.g. physical
blockage, contamination, fouling and increased pressure drop on process equipment such as
air filtration, air separation unit, air compressor etc. This may result in reduced
performance, as well as unsafe conditions.

All facilities are therefore required to develop procedures for their specific process or
equipment, clearly stating the impact of haze on their process and/or equipment and the
appropriate control measures required. Example, air filtration system shall be regularly
inspected and maintained and air separation unit/nitrogen plant/oxygen plant shall be
regularly purged or de-rimmed to prevent accumulation of particulates.

Low visibility may also increase the safety risk of certain outdoor activities (e.g. lifting,
hoisting, working at heights, personnel transfer between sea vessels etc). Such activities
should be minimized during haze hazard situations.

4.2 ROAD SAFETY

During haze hazard situations the visibility on the road will be badly affected. Thus, it is
prudent for any vehicle driver to switch on their vehicle’s head light, drive at a safe speed
and minimise night driving.

4.3 SAFETY AT SEA AND/OR INLAND WATERWAYS

At high seas and/or inland waterways, the visibility range is bound to be affected by haze. It
is therefore imperative that ship master and crew maintain proper lookout and navigate
with caution when operating under restricted visibility, especially after sunset and before
sunrise. They shall comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
(COLREGS) in particular Rule 5, Rule 6, Rule 19, Rule 20 and Rule 35 concerning conduct of
vessels in restricted visibility, exhibiting of navigational lights and sound signals in restricted
visibility, respectively.

4.4 SAFETY IN PORTS AND TERMINALS

Ports and Terminal under PETRONAS Control shall abide to the following:
i. Port Controller shall monitor visibility at all times by radar and by all available
means;
ii. Ship movement by pilot shall be carried out with extreme caution taking into
account traffic density and the movement of all surface crafts within the vicinity;
iii. Port Controller shall obtain weather (visibility) forecast every 24 hours;
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 12 of 25

iv. The Port Controller and Pilot shall monitor the visibility at all time and ensure that
no ship movement is carried out if the visibility is of concern to navigation. The pilot
responsible for the vessel shall take into account the impending hazards to
navigation and shall conduct a thorough risk assessment prior to handling and ship
movement. He shall thereafter discuss it with the ship Master and shall only engage
in ship movement when both the Master & pilot are satisfied that it is safe to do so;
v. The pilot shall ensure that adequate preparations are made on board for vessel to
navigate with the restricted visibility. Anchor parties shall be ready with both
anchors on stand-by;
vi. The Port Controller shall instruct all ships and craft within the port limit to observe
the requirement of rules 5, 6, 19 and rule 35 under International Regulation for
Preventing Collision at Sea;
vii. The visibility situation shall be monitored until such time that the Port Officer in
Charge is satisfied that the visibility is returning to normal.

PETRONAS ships and ships under PETRONAS Charter operating in other port and terminal
shall comply with Rule 5, Rule 6, Rule 19 and Rule 35 under International Regulation for
Preventing Collision At Sea.

In addition to normal requirements, PETRONAS ships and ships under PETRONAS Charter
shall comply with any special requirement of the Port Authority related to haze.

4.5 AVIATION SAFETY

Visibility is reduced in haze hazard situations and extra caution shall be exercised for
movements of aircraft and helicopter on ground and air. Prior clearances for
aerodrome/terminal movement have to be obtained from airport authorities/controllers to
prevent accidents. Ground personnel and vehicle operations may require to carry or to be
equipped with additional lighting or marking as stated in ICAO Annex 14 or any amendment/
directive issued by authorities during haze hazard situation.

4.6 COMPANY ORGANISED OUTDOOR EVENT/ACTIVITIES

During haze hazard situations, outdoor activities, particularly those recreational in nature
should be cancelled or deferred. Employees should attempt to remain indoors as much as
possible.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 13 of 25

5.0 MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY THE WORKPLACE

General Measures at the Workplace

i. Minimize outdoor activities

Identify outdoor work that may be reduced. Ensure the use of respirator for those
with prolonged exposure. Those suffering from chronic illnesses, especially heart
and respiratory diseases, should remain indoors.

ii. Close all windows, doors and any openings that may allow haze to enter the
workplace

Turn on the air conditioner if available. Ensure adequate ventilation in the closed
room.

iii. Ensure maintenance of the mechanical ventilation and air conditioner with
regular cleaning and servicing

Fine particles can enter an air-conditioned building through the fresh air intake and
by infiltration through openings and gaps. Car air-conditioning should be used while
driving.

iv. Use an air purifier to keep the particulate levels low

An air purifier or air cleaning devices may be used to reduce the amount of air
contaminants that may be circulating in the building.

v. Provide health education regarding haze to the employees

vi. Provide respirators for employees who have to work outdoors

In situations where employees and contractors have to work in outdoor locations, it

would be advisable that they wear a suitable respirator, which will give protection
to their respiratory system. Appropriate respirator with a minimum of N95
Disposable Particulate Respirator or equivalent rating should be properly fitted and
worn. N95 Disposable Particulate Respirator with exhalation valve is recommended
for those with lung or heart problems. Standard RPE (Respiratory Protective
Equipment) procedures as per normal operations will still hold. Ensure there is
sufficient stockpile of respirators for employees at all times.

vii. Conduct Fit Testing

Fit testing should be conducted for employees who need to use respirators.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 14 of 25

viii. Fitness to Work Assessment

If issues of fitness to work in any particular situation arise, the cases should be
referred to the respective Company Doctors/PETRONAS Health Adviser for further
advice.

ix. Job rotation and reassignment of job tasks

Employees working outdoor should practice more frequent breaks and worker
rotation. Susceptible employees should be reassigned to indoor tasks until the level
of pollution is healthy.

General Measures for the Workers

i. High risk employees

Employees who are susceptible or symptomatic and those who have underlying
respiratory problems like asthma or bronchitis, heart problems, anaemia etc that
may be worsened by the haze, should consult their Doctors. Inform the
management if you are suffering from any heart or respiratory diseases

ii. Take your medication regularly if suffering from an existing disease, especially
heart disease and respiratory diseases

iii. Drink more water and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
This helps the body to flush out toxins absorbed through the skin and lungs, and
improve the immune system.

iv. Avoid smoking

v. Wear a respirator when working outdoors

Refer to Appendix 2: Usage of Personal Protection During Haze.

 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 15 of 25

6.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DURING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS

i. Head, GHSED

Governs overall HSE aspect of the haze hazard situation that may impact PETRONAS
Operations and recommend appropriate action plans as an when necessary.

ii. Technical Authority OH

a. Assessment of haze situation and issuance of health advisory/alert;

b. Advisory on issues of workers fitness to work during haze hazard situation;

c. Custodian of this document. He shall be responsible for periodically reviewing

and revising/updating its contents and distributing the revised/updated
documents to relevant end users.

iii. OPU Head

Ensures effective implementation of haze management in the OPU by providing

appropriate resources and ensure timely reporting.

iv. OPU HSE

Develops relevant procedure and ensure effective implementation of the procedure.

v. OPU HRM

Responsible for logistic and welfare provision during haze hazard situation

vi. Facility Manager

Monitor the impact of haze on the facility performance.

 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 16 of 25

7.0 PETRONAS ACTION PLAN/COUNTER MEASURES DURING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS

API Air Quality Action Plan at the Workplace Responsible Party

1. Prepare for any future OPU HSE

0-50 Good possibility of air pollution.

51-100 Moderate 1. Identify high risk employees. OPU HSE

2. Identify outdoor activities that OPU HSE

need to be minimized.

3. Conduct risk assessment on OPU HSE

haze hazard and implement
appropriate measures so as to
ensure that risks identified are
minimized or mitigated.

4. Improve efficiency of air OPU HSE

cleaning devices for enhanced
protection of indoor workers.

5. Implement haze communication GHSED

system between employer and OPU HSE
employees. General awareness
and communication to
employees especially on
measures taken to protect their
safety and health during haze.

6. Ensure adequate stockpile of OPU HSE

N95 Disposable Particulate
Respirator.

7. Perform fit testing for OPU HSE

employees who work outdoors.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 17 of 25

API Air Quality Action Plan at the Workplace Responsible Party

101-200 Unhealthy 1. Haze Medical Advisory issued to OH Technical Authority

employees in line with country’s
Government/Ministry of Health
advisory/alerts. Travel advisory
to be included if there are travel
restrictions.

2. Communicate Haze Medical OPU HSE

Advisory to all employees and
contractors working in
PETRONAS facilities.

3. Minimise outdoor events and OPU HSE

strenuous outdoor activities.
Outdoor sports events shall be
deferred/postponed if the API
readings at the venue for the
events register API above 100
for 3 consecutive days before
the day of the event.
Such events shall also be
postponed or cancelled if the
location registered a continuous
increase of 100 or more daily

4. Assess the haze hazard situation Head, GHSED

on affected sites and
recommend appropriate action
plan

5. Make available protective masks GHSED for PETT

to employees (in line with OPU HSE
Government Authority /Ministry
of Health recommendations at
the time)

a) N95 Disposable Particulate

Respirator (or equivalent) to be
made available to employees, i.e
office bound employees or
those working in non-process
areas.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 18 of 25

API Air Quality Action Plan at the Workplace Responsible Party

b) N95 Disposable Valved

Particulate Respirator (or
equivalent) to be made available
to employees working in the
field/offshore/outdoor/non- air
conditioned buildings.

c) All employees are required to

use N95 Disposable Particulate
Respirator whenever they are
working in the
field/offshore/outdoor/non- air
conditioned buildings.

6. Employees with respiratory All employees

problems who work outdoors/
non- air conditioned buildings, if
possible, to be re-assigned
temporarily to other duties,
based on recommendation of
Company Doctor/Health
Adviser/PETRONAS Approved
Medical Examiner.

7. Haze situation and haze related OPU HSE

incidence report from plants to
be submitted to COMCEN once
daily at 12 noon, using the
prescribed form for Reporting
Haze Hazard Situation and
Related Incidents at OPU’s
(Appendix 1).

8. Issuance of mineral water OPU HRM

(2 Litres per day to employees
working in the
field/offshore/outdoor / non- air
conditioned buildings workers.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 19 of 25

API Air Quality Action Plan at the Workplace Responsible Party

9. Issue N95 Disposable Particulate Contractor Management

Respirator and mineral water (2
Litres per day) to contractor’s
field/offshore/outdoor/ non- air
conditioned buildings workers at
PETRONAS facilities.

201-300 Very 1. All actions as Unhealthy status As stated in Unhealthy

Unhealthy (API 101-200). status

2. Mandatory for employees doing OPU HSE

field/offshore/outdoor/ non-
airconditioned building work to
use N95 Disposable Particulate
Respirator.

3. Mandatory for contractor’s Contractor Management

field/offshore/outdoor / non-
airconditioned building workers
at PETRONAS facilities to use
N95 Disposable Particulate
Respirator.

4. Enforce regular rotation of OPU HSE

field/outdoor / non-
airconditioned building workers.

301-400 Hazardous 1. All actions as Very Unhealthy As stated in Very

status (API 201-300) Unhealthy status

2. Continue haze situation and haze OPU HSE

related incidence reporting to
COMCEN once daily at 12 noon.

3. PETRONAS Child Care Centers to Relevant HRM Head /

be closed. Person In Charge of the
Centre
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 20 of 25

API Air Quality Action Plan at the Workplace Responsible Party

4. Monitor the impact of haze on Facility Manager

the facility performance.

5. Risk assessment should be OPU HSE

conducted for critical activities Project HSE
such as lifting, working at height
etc taking into consideration of
safety risk posed by poor
visibility during haze hazard
situation.

6. All drivers are to switch on OPU HSE

vehicle head lights to ensure Project HSE
better visibility while driving. All drivers
401-500 Hazardous 1. All actions as Very Hazardous As stated in Hazardous
status (API 301-400) status(API 301-400)

2. Minimise outdoor work OPU HSE Project HSE

3. Risk assessment should be OPU HSE Project HSE

conducted for critical activities
such as lifting, working at height
etc taking into consideration of
safety risk posed by poor
visibility during haze hazard
situation. For those engaged in
emergency and essential
services, the risk should be
mitigated by wearing suitable
respirators.
Above 500 Emergency 1. All action as Hazardous (API 301- As stated in Hazardous
500) status status

2. EMT/ECC on alert for Haze OPU Head

Emergency Management and
Business Continuity issues.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 21 of 25

API Air Quality Action Plan at the Workplace Responsible Party

3. Gathering and dissemination of GM Corporate Security

information to employees, COMCEN
management,
President's office, GHSED,
Activation of Group Crisis
Management Team, COMCEN,
DOE etc.

4. Assess situation and initiate OPU Head

appropriate community Corporate Affairs/
assistance on need basis with the Presidents Office
endorsement of Corporate
Affairs/President’s office

4. Monitor the impact of haze on Facility Manager

the facility performance.

5. Follow orders from the National All employees

Security Council/National
Committee on Disaster (where
applicable) and constantly be up
to date with developments via
the mass media.

6. Daily report of Haze Hazard Head, GHSED

Situation to PETRONAS MC

Table 7.1: PETRONAS action plan/counter measures during haze hazard situations
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 22 of 25

If the situation should worsen beyone the “Emergency” (API above 500) status, in all
likelihood, the Government will step in with a declaration of an emergency. If the
Government were to make such a declaration, HCU/OPUs are advised to review the status of
their operations and personnel with regards to Critical Buisness Functions as per respective
Business Continuity Plans (BCP) In this respect the contingency planning for manning
procedures and manpower support and the stocking of RPE for continuous usage by this
core group of designated personnel should be done.

PETRONAS Action Plan/Counter Measures During Haze Hazard Situations is aligned to the
practices and directives from Government Authorities in Malaysia and countries in the
region. Should the Government Authorities announce any new directives that are more
stringent than outlined in this document, then the more stringent directive shall prevail

Throughout the haze situation GHSE Division will monitor the Air Pollution Indices and
update HCU/OPU of any new action plans/counter measures as required.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 23 of 25

8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:
i. PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

PTS 60.1501.04 Guideline for Handling Haze Hazard and Emergency, August 2007
ii. OTHER REFERENCES
a. Ministry of Health Malaysia - Haze Advisory, 2013
b. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia Guideline for the
Protection of Employees against the effects of haze at workplaces, 2013

APPENDIX 1 - FORM: REPORTING HAZE HAZARD SITUATION AND RELATED INCIDENT AT OPUs

Please download the form from GHSE Online under Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene PTS.

APPENDIX 1(a) – SAMPLE: REPORTING HAZE HAZARD SITUATION AND RELATED INCIDENT AT OPUs

Please download the form from GHSE Online under Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene PTS.
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 24 of 25

APPENDIX 2: Usage of Personal Protection During Haze

Personal protection is required when going outdoors during a haze. The appropriate protection is a
device that prevents the inhaling of airborne particles causing the haze. The various protections
commonly used are the surgical face mask and the respirator. Airborne particles causing haze may
be as small as 2.5 microns. The use of the surgical mask will not prevent one from inhaling the small
airborne particles. Therefore, the recommended protection is the use of the respirator.

Use of Respirators

A respirator is a protective device worn covering the nose and mouth and is used to reduce the
wearer’s risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles. Respirators work better than surgical masks as
they seal better and restrict more polluted air from entering the nose and mouth. They also come
with the right filter to remove fine particles found in a haze. The N95 Disposable Particulate
Respirator may be used as protection during the haze. The respirator filters the small airborne
particles and can reduce exposure to the haze. The N95 mask is effective only if used correctly.

The use of N95 Disposable Particulate Respirator increases effort in breathing. For some people, the
use of N95 respirator may cause discomfort in breathing, tiredness or headache. This may be due to
the mask causing increased resistance to breathing, and a reduction in the volume of air breathed.
For most people this is not serious however in precautions must be taken in certain categories of
people.

Precautions to Using the Respirator

i. Elderly people, people with lung or heart conditions

ii. People with claustrophobia
iii. People with lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema
iv. Women in the later stages of pregnancy
v. Children

N95 mask is not suitable for pregnant women and children. Persons with chronic lung or heart
conditions who feel uncomfortable when wearing the N95 respirator should stop doing so and
consult a doctor before carrying on.

Facial hair, like a beard or moustache, can affect the respirator's ability to protect as it comes
between the wearer’s face and the respirator's seal. It can also get into the respirator's valves and
allow contaminated air to leak into the respirator face piece. Long hair may also get between the
respirator seal and wearer’s face allowing contaminated air to leak into the respirator.

Using the Respirator

1. Respirator must be worn correctly for effective protection
2. Respiratory fit testing must be performed to ensure the correct usage of the respirator
 PTS 18.1701
July 2013
MANAGING HAZE HAZARD SITUATIONS
Page 25 of 25

The steps to the correct method of wearing the N95 Disposable Particulate Respirator are as follows:

Figure A2.1: Method of Using the N95 Disposable Particulate Respirator