SIMULTANEOUS
OPERATIONS - SIMOPS
• What is SIMOPS?
• SIMOPS Risk Assessments
1
WHAT IS SIMOPS?
Avoiding
SIMOPS is
inherently
safer
• Simultaneous operations: Are activities that take
place at the same time and meet both of the
following conditions:
– Are in the same area.
– Directly or indirectly could potentially affect the safe
performance of any other activity at the facility.
• SIMOPS can be routine or nonroutine
2
SIMOPS MATRIX
• A SIMOPs matrix
provides guidance
and instructions as to
what activities can
be carried out at the
same time
• Typically there are 3
types of SIMOPS in
the Matrix:
– Allowed
– Prohibited unless a
special risk
assessment is
conducted and
approval is obtained
– Not Allowed
3
CASE STUDY-6: A SIMPLE SIMOPS MATRIX
Activity 1 Activity 2 Special Hazard Hazard Interaction Control and Mitigation Conclusion
Confined Critical Lifting Dropped Object Object Dropped in Ensure the adequate distance SIMOPS can proceed with Plant
Space Entry the vicinity of CSE between activities. Drop object Manager approval, provided 30
Locations analysis shows minimum m separation distance is
separation of 30 m to be applied provided.
Engine-Driven Maintenance Engine is ignition Spark potential with 1. 2 x 100% Firewater Pump SIMOPS can proceed, provided
Equipment of firewater source; Firewater no fire protection provided procedure and supervision
(portable genset pump pump maintenance response 2. Portable Firex for incipent ensure not more than one pump
for construction)
may render one or fire fighting is worked on, at any time.
more pump 3. Firetruck available for Operations Manager approval
inoperable support required
Hot Work Confined
(Welding) Space Entry
Critical Lifting Hot Work
(Welding)
Breaking Confined
Containment Space Entry
(Venting)
Hot Work Maintenance
(Welding) of firewater
pump
4
