Frequently Asked Questions
| Q | Where can I get a copy of the updated Handbook? | A | Your company may have copies of the updated Handbook as part of their Wellsite Membership.
If your company has no Handbooks available, contact your Training Coordinator or Manager to order an A4 or A6 Handbook using the Wellsite Materials Ordering Form. Alternatively, you can purchase them directly by reaching out to the Association via [email protected] or 1800 078 939. For Members, the Handbook costs: · A4 size – $18.00 per Handbook · A6 size – $6.00 per Handbook. For Non-Members (including individual buyers), the Handbook costs: · A4 size – $25.00 per Handbook · A6 size – $12.00 per Handbook. Note: Handbook costs may change subject to quote. |
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What improvements were included in the Handbook? | A | Improvements to the Handbook include:
· Updating processes for using Digital and Paper versions · Clarifying of role holder responsibilities · Adjusting Complex SIMOPs roles · Adjusting responsibilities for persons verifying work precautions · Refining Work Categories and Work Precautions · Introducing improvements for managing Incomplete Work · Updating the Glossary. |
| Q | Will I be able to access the new Handbook when conducting training? | A | Yes. The updated Handbook is available within the online training modules as a PDF. Click on the Handbook icon within the training modules. |
| Q | Is this now Rev 4 of the Handbook? | A | No. While the previous Handbook was called Rev 3, the Association has decided to remove the revision numbers from the Handbook title.
The revision numbers are located on Page 2 of the A4 Handbook and Page 3 of the A6 Handbook. |
| Q | Will there be training provided on the Handbook updates? | A | Yes. A variety of training and information sessions will be available, including:
· Within the amended online training modules for WPA, WPH and OCR · Wellsite Association Newsletter communications · Weekly webinars for six weeks after the Handbook release · Special Newsletter alerts Additionally, gap training will be developed and rolled out for any future Handbook amendments. |
| Q | What happens to the old Rev 3 Handbook? | A | To maintain the integrity of the Wellsite system, it is essential to dispose of any outdated versions of the Handbook. Please dispose of any obsolete versions you may have. |
| Q | Can I still use the old Rev 3 Handbook? | A | No. The revisions made to the Handbook means it does not accurately support use of the System or allows Users to pass the online training. |
| Q | Is the Digital Version included in the new Handbook? | A | Yes. Section 5 of the Handbook outlines the Digital Version process. |
| Q | What changes were made to role holder responsibilities? | A | Following a comprehensive review conducted in collaboration with the System Operations Committee, an evaluation of all role holder responsibilities, encompassing WPH, WPA, and OCR positions, was undertaken.
This review served as an opportunity to re-examine existing duties and identify areas for potential enhancement. As a direct result of this process, specific amendments were implemented to the roles and responsibilities of each position, with a primary focus on fostering greater clarity and a more precise understanding of their respective duties. These adjustments aim to streamline workflows, minimise ambiguity, and ultimately contribute to a more efficient and effective system operation. For example the OCR responsibility for ‘Reviewing the Job Site with the WPH and WPA to become familiar with the proposed Scope of Work activities and to provide advice on possible risks’ was changed to ‘Reviewing the proposed scope of work activities and providing advice on possible risks’. |
| Q | What changes have been made for Complex SIMOPs roles? | A | Due to a low number of requests for Complex SIMOPs, the option to purchase Complex SIMOPs pads has been removed from the Materials Ordering Form for Members.
Additionally, since the role of Wellsite Permit Coordinator is specifically tied to Complex SIMOPs, this position has been removed from the Handbook. |
| Q | What are the new responsibilities for persons verifying work? | A | The Work Precautions Verifier has been removed as a specific role and as such, there have been some changes to the responsibilities and expectations associated with this function. The new wording for the WPA now states that they are responsible for “verifying that the Work Precautions are fully implemented.” This change allows for more flexibility in the allocation of duties and responsibilities related to Work Precautions.
This means that the WPA can either serve as the verifier themselves, or delegate this responsibility to another qualified individual. This allows Members to have the flexibility in determining the most efficient and effective way to confirm that Work Precautions are being fully implemented, based on their specific needs and resources. The removal of the Work Precautions Verifier as a specific role does not diminish the importance of verifying that Work Precautions are being properly implemented. In fact, it highlights the critical nature of this function and the need for a designated individual(s) to be responsible for it. By giving the WPA the responsibility to verify that Work Precautions are fully implemented, Members can confirm that this critical function is not overlooked or neglected. |
| Q | What are the changes to Work Categories and Work Precautions? | A | To enhance the clarity and effectiveness of work permits, the Association has conducted consultative sessions with both industry experts and infield personnel, focusing on refining the definitions of existing Work Categories and subsequent Work Precautions.
This collaborative effort has culminated in revisions to the definitions of each Work Category, as well as the specific criteria triggering the need for a permit. Notably, significant modifications have been implemented within the Hot Work, Electrical Work, Simultaneous Operations, and Non-Routine Work categories, reflecting a commitment to improved safety and operational efficiency. Simultaneous Operations was removed as a Work Category and is now located in Section 8.10 of the Handbook. The Electrical Work Category was reviewed by several infield electricians, and changes include improved definition of what is an electrical isolation, and the use of risk assessments to determine whether the isolation may require the use of tools to implement the isolation. Non-Routine Work was moved to the end of Section 4 in the Handbook, to reflect that it should only be considered when no other Work Category will comply with the activity. |
| Q | What are the changes that have been made for managing Incomplete Work | A | The management of Incomplete Work has undergone a significant transformation, moving beyond a simple listing of outstanding tasks.
The revised system now mandates a thorough documentation of the conditions surrounding the unfinished work, emphasising specific safety precautions necessary for its continued, safe management. This includes verification steps to confirm that these precautions have been effectively put into place and are actively maintained. To facilitate this enhanced process, the Digital Version now features a dedicated section within Permit Closeout section, for handling incomplete work, while a supplemental Incomplete Work Form has been introduced for the Paper Version. This confirms comprehensive coverage across all operational environments. This holistic approach aims to minimise risks and maintain a high standard of safety when dealing with outstanding tasks. |