1100.36 Excavation and Pile Driving

SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) RIM NUMBER:
RABIGH REFINERY INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1100.36

Section 1 ISSUE DATE: REPLACES
LOSS PREVENTION PROGRAM 9/16/01 1000.30
Subject: APPROVAL: PAGE NO.
EXCAVATIONS AND PILE DRIVING AHA Page 1 of 28
REFERENCES: Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual,

GI# 1021 “ Street and Road Closure”
Std Drwg. AB-036899
CONTENTS: This instruction outlines the procedures to be followed for

excavations and pile driving at Rabigh Refinery. The text includes:
1.0 PURPOSE
2.0 PRE-EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.0 NOTIFICATION
5.0 ISSUING OF PERMIT TO WORK
6.0 PRECAUTIONS DURING WORK
7.0 TYPES OF SOILS
8.0 SUPPLEMENTS
8.1 Supplement #1: Excavation Approval Form
8.2 Supplement #2: RIM Acknowledgement of Review and
Understanding
8.3 Supplement #3: Excavations Made in Type "A" Soil.
Supplement #3A Excavations in Type "A" Soil.
Supplement #3B Bench Excavation in Type "A" Soil.
8.4 Supplement #4: Excavations Made in Type "B" Soil.
Supplement #4A Excavations in Type "B" Soil.
8.5 Supplement #5: Excavations Made in Type "C" Soil.
8.6 Supplement #6: Excavations Made in Layered Soils.
Supplement #6A Excavations in Layered Soils.
8.7 Supplement #7: Trench Shields.
8.8 Supplement #8 Guide to Safe Distance
8.9 Supplement #9 Screw Trench Jacks
8.10 Supplement #10 Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring Typical
Installations
8.11 Supplement #11 Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring
8.12 Supplement #12 Water Systems for Soil Type "B"
Supplement #12A Water Systems for Soil Type "B"
8.13 Supplement #13 Timber Shoring Protective Systems.
1.0 PURPOSE:
1.1 The purpose of this instruction is to protect people doing excavation

work and to prevent damage to underground utility lines, cables,
piping and vessels during excavation and pile driving.
*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

NOTE: A man buried by collapse of the side of an excavation will probably

not live for more than four minutes. Even in the case of a man
being only partially buried up to his waist, he could be severely
injured or die of the injuries caused by the weight of the ground. It
is essential that appropriate precautions to prevent such a collapse
be taken before men are allowed into an excavation. Other
excavation accidents and losses are caused by contact with
underground pipes and cables, by falls of equipment and persons,
by persons being struck by excavating equipment, and by
hazardous atmosphere.
2.0 PRE-EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES:
2.1 The Maintenance or Construction Engineer in charge of planned

excavation or pile driving shall initiate the Excavation Approval
Form (Supplement 1 of this instruction). He will notify the
concerned Unit Foreman and show him the exact location, extent of
excavation and equipment to be used. He shall:
2.1.1 Mark the excavation or pile driving area with stakes.

2.1.2 Refer to standard drawing AB 036899 for shoring
excavations, Supplements Nos. 1-13 of document and
consider the following items to ensure the excavation
work may be undertaken with minimum risk to men, plant
and equipment, and to enable the work to proceed
without interruption:
2.1.2.1 Nature of the ground (Type of Soil A, B, C).

2.1.2.2 Proximity of adjacent structures.
2.1.2.3 Position of underground obstructions, such as
pipes and cables.
2.1.2.4 Weather and moisture conditions.
2.1.2.5 Sources of vibrations.
2.1.2.6 Adjacent roads and foot paths.
2.1.2.7 Method of excavation.
2.1.3 Arrange for Inspection to conduct a survey of the specific

area to identify underground services, buried cables,
lines and any other hazards that may be encountered
during the excavation.

2.1.4 Get approval from the subject area Foreman and notify
(by copy of Excavation Approval Form) Loss Prevention
Group, Fire Protection Unit, Industrial Security. Division
and Refinery Medical clinic. Alternative routes for
roadways and road crossings when necessary will be
arranged.
2.1.5 Get concurrence on Excavation Approval Form from
Communication Unit for the location of the excavation.
2.1.6 Inspection Unit will complete the Excavation Approval
Form.
2.1.7 Ensure that personnel entry into the excavation will be
treated as a vessel entry if the excavation is 4' or more in
depth in non-hazardous areas with the appropriate gas
tests, entry permits and, where appropriate artificial
ventilation. In hazardous areas the Unit Foreman or
Safety Advisor shall determine additional precautions as
required.
2.1.8 Take special precautions to ensure that exhaust gases
from equipment powered by an internal combustion
engine, i.e., mechanical compactors are discharged so
as not to be a hazard to men working in the excavation.
2.1.9 Provide a set of ‘As Built’ drawings for the excavation
area.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES:
3.1 The Refinery Shift Superintendent (RSS) shall:

3.1.1 Be notified by Foreman or unit Supervising Operator
of any activities taking place which are covered in this
RIM, before activities commence, to enable the RSS
to review precautions and effect on the overall plant
operations.
3.1.2 Maintain an up to date copy of all RIM's in his office
with access off shift for all persons involved in
activities described in this RIM.
3.1.3 Sign or counter sign any work permits requiring his
level of signature as outlined in this RIM. And as
described in RIM # 1100.30 Rabigh Refinery Work
Permit Procedure.

3.1.4 Represent the division Superintendent during off-

hours.
3.1.5 Supervise initial response to emergencies.
3.1.6 Be the issuer of the first confined space work permit
after witnessing the gas and oxygen test as per
RIM#1100.32 of confined space.
3.2 The Unit Operations Foreman shall:
3.2.1 Ensure that adequately trained operations personnel
are available to perform the duties as outlined in this
RIM.
3.2.2 Ensure all operations personnel performing duties as
outlined in this RIM have read this RIM and signed a
statement of understanding, which will be filed in the
unit training file.
3.2.3 Ensure the procedure as outlined in this RIM is
followed and any sections which cannot be followed
and need revision are marked up and forwarded to
the Division Superintendent for action.
3.3 The Unit Supervising Operator shall:
3.3.1 Ensure the procedures outlined in this RIM are
followed at all times.
3.3.2 Ensure the relevant safety precautions as laid out in
this RIM and the applicable work permit are followed
at all times.
3.3.3 Inform the on-duty RSS, and the Foreman (if on site)
of all activities or changes in equipment status as a
result of the following the procedures outlined in this
RIM before activities occur and during if a problem
arises, so that the correct response can be made to
prevent any problem turning into an Emergency.
4.0 NOTIFICATION:
4.1 The Unit Foreman will notify the Division Superintendent of all
major excavation/ pile driving intentions.
4.2 The Unit Foreman will notify the Shift Superintendent of any
excavation requirements pertaining to his area or adjacent to his

area, immediately after he becomes aware of any such excavation

requirements.
4.3 The Unit Foreman will notify the Rabigh Refinery Battalion Chief of
any impending excavation such that any impeded access can be
noted.
4.4 The Unit Foreman will notify the Industrial Security Shift
Superintendent of any impending excavation where perimeter
fences and/or roadways are directly involved and clarify all security
aspects.
4.5 The Unit Foreman will notify the Rabigh Communications Unit
Supervisor of any impending excavation, which involves
communication equipment.
5.0 ISSUING OF PERMIT TO WORK:
5.1 The Unit Foreman or his delegate will issue the work permit.
5.2 All pre-activities in Section 2 must be completed before a work
permit is issued.
5.3 All hazards to personnel and underground installations shall be
noted on the work permit. The use of supplied air and life lines
should be covered where there may be a danger from hydrogen
sulfide or hydrocarbon gas from underground sources or above-
ground sources or where the air supply is limited in an enclosed
space such as a sump.
5.4 The work permit must specifically state whether underground
electric cables are live or disconnected and whether piping is under
pressure, depressured or inert.
NOTE: IF IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE IF A LINE IS ENERGIZED

OR DEPRESSURED, ALL WORK SHOULD PROCEED UNDER
THE ASSUMPTION THAT IT IS LIVE AND UNDER PRESSURE.
6.0 PRECAUTIONS DURING WORK:
6.1 Extreme care shall be exercised in using excavating or grading

machinery in areas where cables or lines could be within the
proposed excavation even if not shown on the ‘as built’ drawing,
and the following precautions shall be taken:

6.1.1 Test trenches shall be dug by hand shovel in such areas

prior to using equipment.
NOTE: PICK AXES AND PNEUMATIC TOOLS MAY ONLY BE USED

FOR BREAKING HARD PAVEMENT WHERE NECESSARY.
6.1.2 A qualified Maintenance or Contractor Craftsman, in addition

to the equipment operator, shall be on site throughout such
operations.
6.1.3 Mechanical excavation will be permitted where there is no
risk of buried hazards. The Unit Foreman will determine
when mechanical excavation may be used and ensure that
the limits are clearly marked by stakes.
6.1.4 Although at RBR most underground cables and lines are
marked, it will be safe to assume that some might have been
overlooked.
6.1.5 As soon as an excavation reaches a depth greater than 4
feet, where men working in it could be buried or trapped,
suitable shoring shall be installed or the sides sloped back to
safe angle. Shoring may be of timber or any other suitable
material such as steel sheet piling.
6.1.6 The determination of the angle of slope (see Supplements -3
to 13) or the choice and design of the shoring system (see
Supplements No. -3 to 13) shall be based on careful
evaluation of pertinent factors such as: depth of cut; possible
variations in water content of the material while the
excavation is open; anticipated changes in materials from
exposure to air, sun, or water; loading imposed by
structures, equipment, overlying material, or stored material;
and vibrations from equipment, blasting, traffic, or other
sources. (Supplements No. -3 to13.)
6.1.7 Shoring systems shall be designed by a qualified person and
meet accepted engineering requirements. Materials used
shall be in good serviceable condition and timbers shall be
sound, free from large or loose knots, and of proper
dimensions.
6.1.8 All parts of an excavation, including the shoring, shall be
inspected as often as necessary and at least daily, by
Inspection to ensure that there is no danger of collapse.
6.1.9 In order to provide a safe footing at the edge, and to prevent
spoil and materials from falling into an excavation, a clear

space of at least two feet wide shall be maintained on all

sides.
6.1.10 Where there is likelihood of persons, vehicles or equipment
falling into an excavation. Suitable barriers shall be erected.
Warning lights should be used during dark to mark the limit
of the work.
6.1.11 All excavations shall be back filled and consolidated and the
surface shall be left in good condition as soon as is
practicable.
6.1.12 Where employees, equipment are required or permitted to
cross over an excavation close planked bridges or walkways
with standard guardrails shall be provided.
6.1.13 For more additional information on excavation and shoring,
refer to the Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual,
Section II, General and Civil, Chapter 2 Excavations,
Trenching and Shoring and GI 1021 for Street & Road
Closure.
7.0 Soil Classification
7.1 Type "A"

Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 ton
per square foot (tc) (144kPa) or greater are classified as Type A.
Examples of cohesive soils are: clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay
loam and in some cases, silty clay loam and sandy clay loam.
Cemented soils such as caliche and hardpan are also considered
Type A. However, no soil is Type A if one or more of the following
conditions are true:
(i) The soil is fissured.

(ii) The soil is subject to vibration from heavy traffic, pile driving,
or similar effects.
(iii) The soil has been previously disturbed.
(iv) The soil is part of a sloped, layered system where the layers
dip into the excavation on a slope of four horizontal to one
vertical (4H:1V) or greater.
(v) The material is subject to other factors that would require it
to be classified as a less stable material.
7.2 Type "B"

Soils are classified as Type B are:

(i) Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength

greater than 0.5 tsf (48kPa) but less than 1.5 tsf (144 kPa).
(ii) Granular cohesionless soils including angular gravel (similar
to crushed rock), silt, silt loam, sandy loam and, in some
cases, silty clay loam and sandy loam clay.
(iii) Previously disturbed soils except those which would
otherwise be classed as Type C soil.
(iv) Soil that meets the unconfined compresive strength or
cementation requirements for Type A, but is fissured or
subject to vibration.
(v) Dry rock that is not stable.
(vi) Material that is part of a sloped, layered system where the
layers dip into the excavation on a slope less steep than four
horizontal to one vertical (4H:1V) but only if the material
would otherwise be classified as Type B.
7.3 Type C
Soils classified as Type C are:
(i) Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of

0.5 tsf (48 kPa) or less.
(ii) Granular soils including gravel, and loamy sand.
(iii) Submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping.
(iv) Submerged rock that is not stable.
(v) Material in a sloped layered system where the layers dip into
the excavation or a slope of four horizontal to one vertical
(4H:1V).
8.0 SUPPLEMENTS:
8.1 Supplement #1: Excavation Approval Form
8.2 Supplement #2: RIM Acknowledgement of Review and

Understanding
8.3 Supplement #3: Excavations Made in Type "A" Soil.

Supplement #3A Excavations in Type "A" Soil.
Supplement #3B Bench Excavation in Type "A" Soil.
8.4 Supplement #4: Excavations Made in Type "B" Soil.

Supplement #4A Excavations in Type "B" Soil.
8.5 Supplement #5: Excavations Made in Type "C" Soil.
8.6 Supplement #6: Excavations Made in Layered Soils.

Supplement #6A Excavations in Layered Soils.
8.7 Supplement #7: Trench Shields.
8.8 Supplement #8 Guide to Safe Distance
8.9 Supplement #9 Screw Trench Jacks
8.10 Supplement #10 Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring Typical

Installations
8.11 Supplement #11 Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring
8.12 Supplement #12 Water Systems for Soil Type "B"

Supplement #12A Water Systems for Soil Type "B"
8.13 Supplement #13 Timber Shoring Protective Systems.
9.0 RIM RESPONSIBILITIES
Once the Manager signed a RIM, the Planning & Training Division is
responsible for distribution to all RIM book holders and update the RIM
section on the Rabigh Refinery web site.

Supplement #1. EXCAVATION APPROVAL FORM

(THIS REQUIRES A WORK PERMIT BEFORE EXCAVATION IS ALLOWED)
1. Unit _________________ Telephone ____________ Date ______________

2. Description of Excavation (to be completed by Maintenance/Project Engineer)
a) Location ________________________________________________
b) Size of excavation: Length _______ Width _____ Depth _________
c) Shoring is required Yes ( ) No ( )
d) Drawing attached Yes ( ) No ( )
3. Duration of work: Start _________ Finish ____________
4. Purpose of excavation __________________________________________
5. . Loss Prevention notification (required): Date ________ Time _________
6 Fire Protection notification (required): Date __________ Time _________
7 REF Medical Clinic notification (required): Date _______ Time _________
8 Security notification (required): Date __________ Time ______________
9 a) Communications concurrence ______________________________

(signature)
b) Badge No. _________ Date __________ Telephone __________
10 Inspection check list (to be completed by RBR Inspection Unit)

a) Area is clear of electric cables Yes ( ) No ( ) Unknown ( )
b) Area is clear of pipe Yes ( ) No ( ) Unknown ( )
c) Recommendations: (answer if ‘No’ or “Unknown” is ticked above)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Inspector __________________ Badge ________
10. Unit Foreman ___________ Date ___________ Telephone __________

(Signature)
11. Excavation Crew Supervisor’s concurrence to exact work location:
_______________ Badge _________ Date _______ Telephone __________

(Signature)

Supplement No. 2 – RIM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF REVIEW AND

UNDERSTANDING
I have read and understand the instructions included in the RIM described in the
header and footer of this page.
______________________ __________________ ______ ______

Employee Name Signature Badge Date
The Rabigh Refinery employee listed above has signed this page in my
presence.
______________________ __________________ ______ ______

Foreman/Supervisor Name Signature Badge Date
Original to Employee's Unit File – Permanent

Copy to Employee's Training File – HRD Unit Files

Supplement No. 3 – Excavations Made in Type A Soil

Supplement No. 3A – Excavations in Type "A" Soil

Supplement No. 3B – Bench Excavations in Type "A" Soil

Supplement No. 4 – Excavations Made in Type "B" Soil

Supplement No. 4A – Excavations Made in Type "B" Soil

Supplement No. 6 – Excavations Made in Type "C" Soil

Supplement No. 6 – Excavations Made in Layered Soils

Supplement No. 6A - Excavations made in Layered Soils

Supplement no. 7 - Trench Shields

Supplement No. 8 - Guide to Safe Distance

Supplement No. 9 - Screw Trench Jacks

Supplement No. 10 - Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring Typical Installations

Supplement No. 11 - Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring

Supplement No. 12 - Water Systems for Soil Type "B"

Supplement No.12A - Water Systems for Soil Type "B"

Supplement #13 – Timber Shoring Protective Systems

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SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY (Saudi Aramco) RIM NUMBER:

RABIGH REFINERY INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1100.36

REFERENCES: Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual,

CONTENTS: This instruction outlines the procedures to be followed for

1.1 The purpose of this instruction is to protect people doing excavation

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

NOTE: A man buried by collapse of the side of an excavation will probably

2.0 PRE-EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES:

2.1 The Maintenance or Construction Engineer in charge of planned

2.1.1 Mark the excavation or pile driving area with stakes.

2.1.2.1 Nature of the ground (Type of Soil A, B, C).

2.1.3 Arrange for Inspection to conduct a survey of the specific

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

3.1 The Refinery Shift Superintendent (RSS) shall:

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

3.1.4 Represent the division Superintendent during off-

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

area, immediately after he becomes aware of any such excavation

5.0 ISSUING OF PERMIT TO WORK:

NOTE: IF IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE IF A LINE IS ENERGIZED

6.0 PRECAUTIONS DURING WORK:

6.1 Extreme care shall be exercised in using excavating or grading

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

6.1.1 Test trenches shall be dug by hand shovel in such areas

NOTE: PICK AXES AND PNEUMATIC TOOLS MAY ONLY BE USED

6.1.2 A qualified Maintenance or Contractor Craftsman, in addition

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

space of at least two feet wide shall be maintained on all

7.0 Soil Classification

7.1 Type "A"

(i) The soil is fissured.

7.2 Type "B"

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

(i) Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength

(i) Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of

8.1 Supplement #1: Excavation Approval Form

8.2 Supplement #2: RIM Acknowledgement of Review and

8.3 Supplement #3: Excavations Made in Type "A" Soil.

8.4 Supplement #4: Excavations Made in Type "B" Soil.

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

Supplement #4A Excavations in Type "B" Soil.

8.5 Supplement #5: Excavations Made in Type "C" Soil.

8.6 Supplement #6: Excavations Made in Layered Soils.

8.7 Supplement #7: Trench Shields.

8.8 Supplement #8 Guide to Safe Distance

8.9 Supplement #9 Screw Trench Jacks

8.10 Supplement #10 Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring Typical

8.11 Supplement #11 Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring

8.12 Supplement #12 Water Systems for Soil Type "B"

8.13 Supplement #13 Timber Shoring Protective Systems.

9.0 RIM RESPONSIBILITIES

*CHANGE **ADDITION ***REVISION

Supplement #1. EXCAVATION APPROVAL FORM

1. Unit _________________ Telephone ____________ Date ______________

3. Duration of work: Start _________ Finish ____________

4. Purpose of excavation __________________________________________

5. . Loss Prevention notification (required): Date ________ Time _________

6 Fire Protection notification (required): Date __________ Time _________

7 REF Medical Clinic notification (required): Date _______ Time _________

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1. Unit ___ Telephone Date

3. Duration of work: Start _ Finish ____

5. . Loss Prevention notification (required): Date Time _

6 Fire Protection notification (required): Date __ Time _

7 REF Medical Clinic notification (required): Date _ Time ___

8 Security notification (required): Date Time ____

10. Unit Foreman _____ Date _ Telephone ______

___________ Badge _ Date _ Telephone ________

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